Shah Rukh Khan, Mohanlal, Rani Mukerji Shine at 71st National Film Awards; ‘12th Fail’ Wins Best Feature Film

New Delhi, September 23 (TNA) The 71st National Film Awards ceremony was held on Tuesday at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, where some of the finest talents from Indian cinema were honoured in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu. The awards recognised outstanding cinematic achievements from films certified in 2023, celebrating diversity across genres and regional cinemas.

Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey shared the Best Actor award for their performances in “Jawan” and “12th Fail,” respectively, with this being Shah Rukh Khan’s first-ever National Film Award after over three decades in cinema. Rani Mukerji won Best Actress for her role in “Mrs Chatterjee Vs. Norway.” Malayalam superstar Mohanlal was bestowed the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s “12th Fail” was declared the Best Feature Film, while “Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery” took home the Best Hindi Film award. Sudipto Sen won Best Director for the film “The Kerala Story,” which also won Best Cinematography (Prasanthanu Mohapatra). Karan Johar’s “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” was honoured as the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

Other notable awards included Best Malayalam Film to “Ullozhukku,” Best Telugu Film to “Bhagavanth Kesari,” and Sam Bahadur received Best Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values.

The ceremony highlighted excellence in acting, direction, music, technical fields, and storytelling, marking a significant celebration of Indian cinema’s rich heritage and contemporary creativity.