The 71st National Film Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan on September 23, 2025, turned into a celebration of cinematic excellence and emotional moments.
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Vikrant Massey were among the top honorees, with President Droupadi Murmu conferring the awards.
In a rare and historic moment, the Best Actor in a Leading Role award was shared between Shah Rukh Khan for his blockbuster performance in Jawan and Vikrant Massey for his critically acclaimed role in 12th Fail. Massey’s portrayal in the biographical drama was hailed as a career-defining act, while Khan’s win marked his first-ever National Award in a 33-year career.
Rani Mukerji took home the Best Actress award for her powerful performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, a film based on a real-life legal battle that resonated deeply with audiences.
The Best Feature Film award went to 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, while Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery was named Best Hindi Film.
The evening’s most prestigious honour, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, was conferred upon Mohanlal, the legendary Malayalam actor, for his lifetime contribution to Indian cinema spanning over four decades and 400 films.
A standout moment came when Shah Rukh Khan sang the National Anthem, stirring the audience with a sense of pride and patriotism.
