NEW DELHI: The world’s biggest film industry was elated , when India’s 71st National Film Awards (2025) honored outstanding achievements in Indian cinema from 2023. Key winners included mega-star Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) and Vikrant Massey as Best Actors, Rani Mukerji as Best Actress, and the film “12th Fail” winning Best Feature Film. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was presented to Malayalam superstar Mohanlal.
The awards presented by President Droupadi Murmu on September 23, 2025, at a ceremony in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Winners span a diverse and vibrant cross-section of Indian cinema, recognizing excellence in mainstream and regional films as well as technical and performance categories.
For SRK it was his first National Award of his career, and the honoring of veteran actor Mohanlal with Indian cinema’s highest distinction, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, was a tribute to his excellence in cinema and Malayalam cinema.
Major Winners
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Best Feature Film: 12th Fail (Vidhu Vinod Chopra)
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Best Actor: Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) & Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
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Best Actress: Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway)
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Best Director: Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story)
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Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Mohanlal
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Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
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Best Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values: Sam Bahadur.
Notable Technical and Regional Awards
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Best Hindi Film: Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery
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Best Telugu Film: Bhagavanth Kesari
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Best Tamil Film: Parking
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Best Bengali Film: Deep Fridge
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Best Malayalam Film: Ullozhukku
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Best Cinematography: The Kerala Story
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Best Choreography: Vaibhavi Merchant (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)
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Best Male Playback Singer: P.V.N.S. Rohit (Baby)
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Best Female Playback Singer: Shilpa Rao (Jawan)
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Best Direction (Technical): Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story)
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Best Debut Film of a Director: Ashish Avinash Bende (Aatmapamphlet).
FULL LIST of awards (PIB Media release)
