The 71st National Film Awards 2025 turned into a historic celebration of Indian cinema, honouring remarkable performances, visionary filmmakers, and timeless contributions. The glittering ceremony was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards to the winners.
Among the top highlights, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, while Shah Rukh Khan bagged his first-ever National Award for Jawan, sharing the honour with Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail.
Mohanlal Receives Cinema’s Highest Honour
The evening’s biggest moment was the presentation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award to Mohanlal, an icon of Indian cinema who has played over 350 roles since 1978. Accompanied by his wife Suchitra, the legendary actor expressed his gratitude:
“Cinema is the heartbeat of my soul. Jai Hind!”
President Droupadi Murmu praised Mohanlal’s unparalleled ability to embody characters with emotions ranging from subtle gentleness to powerful intensity. His four-decade journey continues to inspire millions of film lovers across languages and generations.
Shah Rukh Khan Wins His First National Award
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, known as the “King of Bollywood,” added a new milestone to his career by winning his first Best Actor National Award for Atlee’s Jawan (2023). His victory was a defining moment in the ceremony, marking recognition of his versatility and long-standing contribution to cinema.
Vikrant Massey Shares Best Actor Award for 12th Fail
Actor Vikrant Massey shared the Best Actor award with Shah Rukh Khan for his remarkable performance in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail. Based on Anurag Pathak’s book, the film narrates the inspiring journey of IPS officer Manoj Sharma, overcoming failures and hardships to achieve success. The film was also declared the Best Feature Film, cementing its place as one of the most impactful cinematic works of recent years.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra, while receiving the award, credited officers like Manoj Sharma for inspiring such stories. His wife, film critic Anupama Chopra, recalled his first National Award in 1977, making this year’s victory deeply emotional for the filmmaker.
Rani Mukerji Wins Best Actress for Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway
Veteran actress Rani Mukerji earned the Best Actress National Award for her powerful portrayal of a mother fighting against an entire system in Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway. The film, based on a real-life legal battle, highlighted themes of motherhood, resilience, and justice.
Other Major Winners at the 71st National Film Awards
The awards recognised cinematic brilliance across categories and languages:
- Best Popular Film (Wholesome Entertainment): Karan Johar – Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
- Best Direction: Sudipto Sen – The Kerala Story
- Best Supporting Actor: M.S. Bhaskar & Vijayaraghavan – Parking (Tamil), Pookkaalam (Malayalam)
- Best Supporting Actress: Urvashi & Janki Bodiwala – Ullozhukku (Malayalam), Vash (Gujarati)
- Best Music Direction: G.V. Prakash Kumar, Harshavardhan Rameshwar – Vaathi (Tamil), Animal (Hindi)
- Best Child Artist: Treesha Thosar & others – Naal 2, Gandhi Tatha Chettu, Gypsy
- Best Children’s Film: Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti – Naal 2 (Marathi)
- Best Film on Social/Environmental Values: Meghna Gulzar – Sam Bahadur
These winners represented the diversity and depth of Indian cinema, covering regional films, social stories, and pathbreaking performances.
President Murmu Highlights Women-Centric Cinema
In her keynote address, President Droupadi Murmu lauded the growing recognition of women-centric films. She highlighted narratives focusing on mothers shaping moral values, women challenging social norms, and courageous voices rising against patriarchy. She also stressed the need for greater representation of women on central and regional jury panels to ensure fairer opportunities.
“Cinema should not only entertain but also spread social awareness, particularly among the youth,” she said, urging filmmakers to use their craft for larger public good.
A Night of Cultural Unity
The ceremony showcased the unity of Indian cinema, with awards spanning multiple languages including Assamese (Rongatapu 1982), Bengali (Deep Fridge), Marathi (Shamchi Aai), Punjabi (Godday Godday Chaa), and Telugu (Bhagavanth Kesari). This reflected the shared spirit of Indian consciousness that connects regional and national narratives.
Defining the Legacy of the 71st National Film Awards
The 71st National Film Awards 2025 will be remembered as a landmark edition, one that celebrated legends like Mohanlal, recognised stalwarts like Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji, and gave a platform to new voices and regional storytellers. With 12th Fail emerging as the biggest winner and women-centric films earning special praise, the event underlined cinema’s role as both an entertainer and a social catalyst.
Also Read: Dada Saheb Phalke Award 2025: Legendary Malayalam Actor, Mohanlal
In a year marked by diversity, inclusivity, and recognition of cinematic excellence, the awards reaffirmed the power of films to inspire, unite, and drive change in society.
Spiritual Insight: Guidance of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj to Restore Morality in Society
In today’s society, the influence of movies and media has significantly impacted children and young adults. Many children have become quiet but disrespectful towards their parents, and some even engage in crimes at a very young age.
While some films have positive messages, children often watch content that negatively affects their morality, leading to indulgence in pornography and other wrongful activities. This has contributed to a decline in values within Indian society, weakening traditional moral frameworks.
Tatvdarshi Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj, a profound spiritual guide, emphasizes that truthful devotion (Satyabhakti) is far more valuable than consuming movies that negatively influence the mind. His teachings demonstrate a remarkable transformation in young followers. Observers note that children who spend three hours in satsang instead of watching films develop a noticeable difference in mindset, compassion, and service-oriented attitude.
To truly nurture morality, values, and inner peace in society, seeking the guidance of a visionary saint like Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj and taking Naam Diksha is encouraged, helping devotees ultimately reach their personal abode, Satlok.
For more insights and spiritual knowledge, visit www.jagatgururampalji.org.
FAQs on 71st National Film Awards 2025
Q1. Who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 71st National Film Awards 2025?
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, for his four-decade-long contribution.
Q2. Which film won the Best Feature Film at the 71st National Film Awards?
Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail, starring Vikrant Massey, won the Best Feature Film award for its inspiring story based on the life of IPS officer Manoj Sharma.
Q3. Did Shah Rukh Khan win his first National Award in 2025?
Yes, Shah Rukh Khan received his first National Award for Best Actor for his role in Atlee’s Jawan, sharing the honour with Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail.
Q4. Who won the Best Actress Award at the 71st National Film Awards?
Rani Mukerji won the Best Actress National Award for her powerful performance in Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway.
Q5. Which films were recognised for promoting social and cultural values?
Sam Bahadur won Best Feature Film promoting national and social values, while several regional films such as Bhagavanth Kesari (Telugu) and Parking (Tamil) were also honoured.
