The 72nd National Film Awards in India have been announced, and the winners are a diverse and talented group of filmmakers and actors. The awards, which honor films certified by India’s Central Board of Film Certification during 2024, were decided by an 11-member jury chaired by Malayalam cinema filmmaker Jayaraj. The jury viewed close to 400 feature films across 34 languages, including scheduled and non-scheduled tongues.
One of the most notable winners is Yami Gautam, who took best actress for her role in the film "Article 370." The political drama, centered on the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, also won best feature film. Gautam's performance in the film is a testament to her versatility and talent, and it's no surprise that she was recognized for her work.
Another standout winner is Kartik Aaryan, who was honored for his role in "Chandu Champion." Aaryan's performance in the film is a testament to his growing popularity and talent, and it's no surprise that he was recognized for his work. The best actor prize was shared between Aaryan and Malayalam cinema star Mammootty, who was recognized for his performance in "Bramayugam."
The awards also recognized a number of technical achievements, including best editing, best music direction, best costume design, and best production design. The Tamil-language hit "Amaran" also picked up best editing and shared best music direction (feature film) with "Article 370."
In the non-feature categories, "Ram-Naami" won best documentary, and "Main Nida" took best arts/culture film. "Piplantri – A Tale of Eco Feminism" won for promoting social and environmental values, while "Touched as Water," directed by Joshy Benedict for JB Productions, won best animation film.
The awards also recognized a number of individual achievements, including best debut film director for "Swatantrya Veer Savarkar," best script for the Hindi-Kashmiri short "Obur," and best book prize for a Kannada-language work on the philosophy and politics of Kannada cinema.
Overall, the 72nd National Film Awards are a testament to the diversity and talent of the Indian film industry. The winners are a diverse and talented group of filmmakers and actors, and their work is a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of India. The awards are a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Indian filmmakers and actors, and they are a source of inspiration for the future of Indian cinema.
