On 1 August 2025, the Government of India unveiled the 71st National Film Awards in New Delhi, honoring films certified in 2023. These awards recognize excellence in India’s rich cinematic landscape.

Top Honors & Superstars:

• Best Actor (Joint Winner):

  • Shah Rukh Khan for Jawan — his first-ever National Film Award

  • Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail — career-defining performance

• Best Actress: Rani Mukerji for Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway — celebrated globally for emotional depth

Best Feature Films:

• Best Feature Film of India: 12th Fail—a hard-hitting social drama that stunned both critics and audiences.

• Best Popular Entertainment Film: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani — rich in culture, emotional storytelling, and technical finesse (also won Best Choreography for “Dhindora Baje Re”) 

• Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery — critically noted for its storytelling and innovative plotline 

Regional & Technical Recognition:

Telugu cinema stood out again:

• Best Telugu Feature Film: Bhagavanth Kesari

• Best AVGC (Animation/Visual Effects/Gaming/Comic): Hanu-Man (Telugu)

• Other wins included Balagam and Hanuman for lyricist, action choreography, and playback singing awards 

Tamil cinema was also honored:

• Best Tamil Film: Parking

• Best Supporting Actor (Tamil): Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar for Parking 

Key Takeaways:

• Serves as key GK material for UPSC, SSC, and other competitive exams

• Demonstrates the fusion of mainstream and meaningful cinema, inspiring excellence in media and arts.

• Keep track of award names, winners, and their films for exam-ready prep

• Understand emerging trends: female-led stories, socially aware cinema

• Useful for essay writing and interviews: reflections on culture, diversity, innovation

Want more such summaries of national honors, film, and culture for exam success and general knowledge?

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