71st National Film Awards: Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Meghna Gulzar’s Sam Bahadur, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail Win Best Films

PS. All images used in the article are taken from DD National’s live broadcasting of the 71st National Film Awards.

Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Meghna Gulzar’s Sam Bahadur and Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail were some of the best films to receive honours at the 71st National Film Awards. The jury announced the winners last month, and today, President Droupadi Murmu will present them with their awards. Recognised as the most prestigious honour in Indian cinema, the National Film Awards celebrate excellence across films made in all 18 official languages and more. The grand ceremony is took place at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi.

Best Films At The 71st National Film Awards

Best Feature Film (Hindi)

Winner of Best Feature Film at the 71st National Film Awards, 12th Fail is produced by VC Films LLP and directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The film is an inspiring adaptation of real-life events, capturing the struggles of students who dream of becoming civil servants despite failures and setbacks. With its rooted storytelling and honest performances, the film resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, showcasing resilience, hope, and the triumph of determination over circumstances.

Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment

Bagging the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani stands as a grand cinematic spectacle. Directed by Karan Johar and produced by Dharma Productions Pvt. Ltd., the film blends romance, family drama, music, and humour in signature Bollywood style. Featuring stellar performances, vibrant songs, and a heartfelt story of love across cultures, it captured the spirit of classic entertainment while addressing generational conflicts and the power of acceptance.

Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values

Sam Bahadur was honoured with Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values. The film celebrates the extraordinary life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. Directed by Meghna Gulzar and produced by Unilazer Ventures Private Limited, the film highlights his leadership, courage, and patriotism during pivotal moments in India’s military history. The biopic pays tribute to one of India’s greatest soldiers. With its brilliant performance, it instils values of service, integrity, and nation-building.

Best Hindi Film

At the 71st National Film Awards, Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery was honoured as the Best Hindi Film. This satirical comedy, directed by Yashowardhan Mishra, uses humour to shed light on social and political issues in small-town India. Starring Sanya Malhotra in a quirky yet powerful role, the film cleverly blends entertainment with commentary on systemic problems. Its unique storytelling, sharp dialogues, and strong performances made it stand out as a refreshing narrative.

Best Children’s Film

Awarded Best Children’s Film, Naal 2 continues the heartfelt journey of the much-loved Marathi classic Naal. The sequel was directed with sensitivity and rooted in cultural storytelling. It focused on themes of childhood innocence, emotional bonds, and family values. By weaving together simple yet deeply touching moments, it allows children to see reflections of their own lives while offering adults a nostalgic perspective. The film reinforces the significance of love, belonging, and the strength of relationships in shaping young minds.

Non-Feature Film

Recognised as Best Non-Feature Film at the 71st National Film Awards, Flowering Man showcases the strength of documentary storytelling. Through its powerful visuals and evocative narrative, the Hindi-language film explores human resilience, environmental beauty, and socio-cultural realities. It stands out for its artistic craft and ability to provoke reflection, highlighting issues often overlooked in mainstream cinema. The film’s sensitivity and originality earned it distinction, proving that non-feature cinema continues to play a vital role in national storytelling.

About The 71st National Film Awards

The winners of the 71st National Film Awards were announced on August 1. It showcased the diversity of cinema across languages, genres and crafts. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail won Best Feature Film. The offbeat comedy, Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery, was selected as Best Hindi Film. Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail) shared the Best Actor award. Rani Mukerji received Best Actress for her powerful performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway.

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Also Read: 71st National Film Awards: Mohanlal Receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award Honour; Shilpa Rao, Vaibhavi Merchant And Others Bag Top Honours

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