The 71st National Film Awards 2025 celebrated the very best of Indian cinema, with veteran actor Shah Rukh Khan finally winning his long-awaited National Award for his powerful performance in Jawan. In a rare tie, he shared the Best Actor honour with Vikrant Massey, who delivered an emotionally charged performance in 12th Fail. At the same event, Rani Mukerji claimed her own victory as Best Actress for her compelling role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
71st National Film Awards 2025
This year’s awards not only honored marquee Bollywood stars but also celebrated regional gems and emerging talent. Films like 12th Fail walked away with Best Feature Film, while Kathal was named Best Hindi Film. The ceremony underscored the diversity and depth of storytelling across languages and regions, reaffirming the National Film Awards’ role in recognizing cinematic excellence.
Awards Summary: Highlights from 71st National Film Awards 2025
Below is a snapshot of key winners and honours at this year’s ceremony:
| Category | Winner(s) | Film |
| Best Feature Film | Vidhu Vinod Chopra | 12th Fail |
| Best Actor (Leading Role) | Shah Rukh Khan & Vikrant Massey | Jawan & 12th Fail |
| Best Actress (Leading Role) | Rani Mukerji | Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway |
| Best Hindi Film | — | Kathal |
| Best Popular Film (Entertainment) | — | Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani |
| Best Direction | Sudipto Sen | The Kerala Story |
| Best Supporting Actor | Vijayaraghavan & Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar | Pookalam & Parking |
| Best Supporting Actress | Urvashi & Janki Bodiwala | Ullozhukku & Vash |
Spotlight on Top Honorees
Best Feature Film & Direction
12th Fail not only bagged Best Feature Film, but also saw its performance star Vikrant Massey crowned Best Actor, while Vidhu Vinod Chopra earned praise for direction and screenplay.
Sudipto Sen won Best Director for The Kerala Story, recognized for bold storytelling that captured national and social themes.
Best Actor Tie: SRK’s Long-Awaited Win and Massey’s Rise
At 35 years into his career, Shah Rukh Khan secured his first National Award for Best Actor for Jawan, a high-octane social action drama. Sharing the title with Vikrant Massey, acclaimed for his role in 12th Fail, this year marks a milestone moment for both actors.
Best Actress: Rani Mukerji Shines
Veteran actor Rani Mukerji took home Best Actress for her nuanced portrayal in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. Her performance was cited as deeply moving and technically polished.
Regional Triumphs & Supporting Roles
Regional cinema and supporting talent were also richly celebrated:
- Best Supporting Actress shared between Urvashi (Ullozhukku) and Janki Bodiwala (Vash).
- Best Supporting Actor honoured both Vijayaraghavan (Pookalam) and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar (Parking).
Why These Awards Matter in 2025
These awards reflect more than performances; they signal a shift in Indian cinema—a celebration of diversity, regional storytelling, and bold cinema that resonates with modern audiences and critics alike.
A win for 12th Fail as Best Feature Film highlights how socially relevant, realistic narratives are receiving recognition. Meanwhile, popular cinema like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani earned Best Popular Film, bringing a balanced mix of mainstream and alternative cinema platforms.
FAQs about 71st National Film Awards 2025
Q1. Why did Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey share the Best Actor award?
They shared the honour due to a tie in jury evaluation, reflecting equally outstanding performances in Jawan and 12th Fail.
Q2. Which film won the Best Feature Film?
12th Fail was awarded Best Feature Film, recognized for its compelling narrative and execution.
Q3. Who won the Best Actress award?
Rani Mukerji won Best Actress for her role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, acclaimed for emotional depth and performance.
Conclusion
The 71st National Film Awards 2025 struck a beautiful balance between honoring cinematic icons and applauding fresh, meaningful storytelling. With Shah Rukh Khan achieving his first Best Actor award alongside Vikrant Massey, and Rani Mukerji delivering yet another stellar performance, the awards justly celebrated both legacy and emerging talent.
As regional films like Vash, Kathal, Parking, and The Kerala Story received recognition across categories, this year’s ceremony underscored the rich mosaic of Indian cinema. It’s clear that Indian film is evolving—and the National Awards are leading the celebration.
