71st National Film Awards 2025: Celebrating the Power of Indian Cinema
The grand tapestry of Indian cinema witnessed a historic moment on August 1, 2025, as the winners of the 71st National Film Awards were officially announced. With entries from across the nation representing diverse languages, stories, and talents, this year’s awards were more than just a celebration of excellence—they were a testimony to the power of perseverance, representation, and emotional storytelling.
From long-awaited victories to surprising breakthroughs, the 2025 edition honored the bold, the beautiful, and the socially impactful. Here’s a deep dive into the highlights, insights, and emotional ripples these awards have sent across the cinematic world.
Shah Rukh Khan: A Crown Earned, Not Given
After more than three decades of iconic roles and cinematic dominance, Shah Rukh Khan finally added a long-overdue jewel to his illustrious crown—his first National Film Award for Best Actor. His role in Jawan, a high-octane action drama with a poignant social message, captured both mass hysteria and critical acclaim.
Portraying dual identities—a vigilante and an honest soldier—SRK delivered a performance that was both layered and resonant. The film’s narrative on justice, corruption, and systemic failure hit home, but it was Khan’s embodiment of vulnerability and ferocity that elevated Jawan from a mass film to a message-driven masterpiece. His victory is not just a personal milestone—it’s a celebration for every fan who has waited decades to see their superstar acknowledged on the country’s most prestigious stage.
Vikrant Massey: From Underdog to Icon
In a historic decision, the Best Actor award was jointly awarded to Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey, bridging the gap between superstar charisma and grounded brilliance. Massey’s performance in 12th Fail was the soul of the awards. Based on the real-life story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, the film chronicled a young man’s journey from failure to triumph.
Massey lived and breathed Manoj’s character—struggling through poverty, humiliation, and societal expectations. His portrayal was raw, nuanced, and deeply personal. It wasn't just a film; it was a movement that inspired countless students and dreamers across India.
For Vikrant Massey, this award was more than a trophy—it was validation. From television beginnings to the pinnacle of cinematic acclaim, he proved that talent, patience, and authenticity can rewrite destinies.
Rani Mukerji: The Empress Returns
After years of selective roles, Rani Mukerji roared back with a performance that could not be ignored. In Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, she played a mother fighting an emotionally and legally exhausting battle against a foreign government for the custody of her children. It was a portrayal of motherhood, pain, resilience, and undying love.
Winning Best Actress, Rani’s win signified the return of the powerhouse performer who once dominated screens with unmatched intensity. Her nuanced performance reminded audiences of the importance of emotionally grounded storytelling in an era often distracted by spectacle.
Urvashi and Regional Cinema: The Heartbeat of India
Urvashi was honored with the Best Supporting Actress award for her hauntingly beautiful role in Ullozhukku, a Malayalam film that explored grief, loss, and human endurance. Her performance was a masterclass in subtlety—expressing profound emotions without uttering a single unnecessary word.
Her win, along with other regional stars like Vijayaraghavan (Pookkaalam) and MS Bhaskar (Parking) who shared the Best Supporting Actor award, underlined the critical role regional cinema plays in India's cinematic legacy. These actors and films continue to push the boundaries of storytelling while staying rooted in cultural authenticity.
Parking: A Small Film with a Big Voice
Among the most talked-about films this year was Parking, a Tamil film that earned recognition in multiple categories including Best Tamil Film and Best Screenplay. This slice-of-life drama about urban space, class, and human conflict tapped into the anxieties of the modern Indian living experience.
With a tight script and exceptional performances, Parking managed to turn a seemingly mundane plot into a compelling social commentary. MS Bhaskar’s award-winning performance was particularly noteworthy, balancing comic timing with deep emotional depth.
Animal: Roaring Through the Technical Categories
Though it didn’t win in the primary acting categories, Animal made a loud impact with its stunning visuals and soundscape. It took home awards for Best Background Score, Best Sound Design, and other technical areas, proving that a film’s strength lies not only in its narrative but in how that narrative is experienced.
Animal’s triumph in these categories signaled a rising trend in Indian cinema—where technical craftsmanship is receiving equal, if not more, respect than before.
Kathal and Rocky Aur Rani: Wholesome Wins
Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery was awarded Best Hindi Film, surprising many but delighting fans of satirical and grounded storytelling. This quirky tale combined humor with sharp social insight, showing that mainstream Hindi cinema has plenty of creative tricks up its sleeve.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani earned the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. With its colorful visuals, strong performances, and family-centric plot, the film exemplified what a feel-good movie with a social core could achieve.
Remembering Swades: The Spirit Lives On
Though not a part of this year’s contenders, Swades became a point of nostalgic reference in the wake of Jawan’s success. Many critics and fans found parallels in their socially responsible protagonists, reflecting India’s long-standing desire to see heroes who serve more than just justice—they serve society.
Swades laid the groundwork for films like 12th Fail and Jawan to shine today. It was poetic that SRK, who once played the idealistic Mohan Bhargava, now won a national award for another hero who believes in transformation.
Full List of Major Winners – National Film Awards 2025
| Category | Winner(s) / Film |
|---|---|
| Best Actor | Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) & Vikrant Massey (12th Fail) |
| Best Actress | Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway) |
| Best Feature Film | 12th Fail |
| Best Hindi Film | Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery |
| Best Supporting Actor | Vijayaraghavan (Pookkaalam), MS Bhaskar (Parking) |
| Best Supporting Actress | Urvashi (Ullozhukku) |
| Best Tamil Film | Parking |
| Best Screenplay | Parking |
| Best Popular Film | Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani |
| Best Music Direction (Songs) | Vaathi (Tamil) |
| Best Background Score | Animal (Hindi) |
| Best Action Direction | Hanu-Man (Telugu) |
Conclusion: A Festival of Stories
The 71st National Film Awards were more than just a distribution of accolades—they were a reflection of what India is watching, feeling, and becoming. From megastars like SRK to inspirational figures like Massey, from comeback queens like Rani Mukerji to regional legends like Urvashi, this year’s honorees painted a kaleidoscope of human experience.
Indian cinema is not just surviving—it is thriving, evolving, and daring to be different. And these awards? They aren’t just medals on a mantle—they are reminders that stories, when told right, can move mountains, change minds, and rewrite destinies.
