National Film Awards: The 71st National Film Awards lit up Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with moments of pride, applause and standing ovations as the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, conferred honours on the finest talents of Indian cinema. The gathering of artists, dignitaries and admirers was united by a single emotion – celebration of the stories that have shaped the heart of the nation.
Conferring the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award to legendary actor Shri. Mohanlal, the President said that he has not only showcased his exceptional talent but also upheld India’s cultural ethos through his vast body of work. The President extended her warm congratulations to him, recalling his remarkable journey from theatre to cinema and his outstanding portrayal of India’s cultural heritage in works ranging from Sanskrit one-act play Karnabharam on Mahabharata to his award winning performance in Vanaprastham. She said his name commands deep respect and has earned a special place in the hearts of audiences across generations.
Smt. Droupadi Murmu said that cinema in India reflects the essence of democracy and the diversity of Bharat. Just as literature has flourished in multiple Indian languages, cinema too has developed as a vibrant expression of India’s cultural richness. She observed that films not only entertain but also serve as a medium to awaken society, instill sensitivity, and spread awareness among the youth.
The President noted the increasing representation of women in cinema and stressed that, when provided equal opportunities, they can excel and achieve extraordinary success. She underlined the need to ensure meaningful participation of women both on screen and behind the scenes.
Smt. Murmu expressed her appreciation for the contribution of young and emerging talent, including children, who are bringing creativity and innovation to the film industry. She congratulated six child artists honoured at the awards and welcomed the increasing awareness towards environmental concerns reflected in cinema
Dadasaheb Phalke Award Conferred on Shri Mohanlal; Actor Pays Tribute to Film Fraternity
When President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Mohanlal, it felt like a pivotal scene in the larger story of Indian cinema. Here was the actor who had lived a thousand lives on screen: the mischievous college boy, the anguished common man, the charismatic soldier, the flawed hero, the unforgettable friend. In over 360 films, he has shaped Indian as well as Malayalam cinema and carried it to the world, making audiences laugh, weep, and reflect in equal measure.
Already adorned with the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri and five National Awards, this moment was not about accolades, but about a nation rising in honour. As Vigyan Bhawan stood on its feet in a long ovation, Mohanlal, with the same humility that has marked his journey, bowed to his audiences and colleagues. In that instant, the applause wasn’t just for an actor – it was for the stories, the memories, and the shared emotion of Indian cinema itself.
Accepting the honour, Shri Mohanlal expressed gratitude to all those who had shaped his journey in cinema. He said that every film he worked in had touched him profoundly, reminding him of the power of cinema as a medium. Describing the honour as “magical and sacred,” he dedicated the award to the legendary masters of the Malayalam film industry and underlined that it belonged to the entire fraternity. He noted that cinema was the heartbeat of his soul, and the recognition further strengthened his resolve to pursue the art with greater depth and commitment.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, hailed Shri Mohanlal as a true legend. He recalled that the government had promised and delivered Waves 2025, a benchmark event placing India at the forefront of global film and content creation. Highlighting how the world is now looking towards India, he said initiatives such as Waves Bazaar are enabling Indian creators to access wider markets.
The Minister informed that the country’s first International Institute of Cinema and Technology (IICT) has begun functioning at the NFDC campus in Mumbai with 17 courses already underway in collaboration with leading global partners including Meta, NVIDIA, Microsoft and Google. Under the Prime Minister’s vision of positioning India as a global content economy, the Minister outlined the aim of promoting indigenous production of film equipment and formulating policies to strengthen the live concert economy. The Minister further stated that Model State Cinema Regulation Rules are being prepared, underscoring the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, with the creators’ economy playing a pivotal role in this journey.
Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju, said cinema is a celebration of stories, dreams, and shared experiences. Highlighting the year as one of legends and many firsts, he acknowledged the jury members, including Shri Ashutosh Gowarikar, Shri P. Seshadri, and Shri Gopal Krishna Pai, and reiterated the success of the Waves Summit, which brought together cinema, music, gaming, and technology. He emphasized the spirit of “Ek Desh, Hazaron Kahaniyan, Ek Junoon” (One Country, Thousands of Stories, One Passion), reflecting India’s vibrant creative ecosystem.
Celebrating Excellence: National Film Awards Honour Acting, Stories and Cinematic Innovation Across India
When Shah Rukh Khan was announced as the Best Actor for Jawan, the hall erupted in applause for a towering performance that blended scale, charisma and emotional depth. In a role that demanded both spectacle and subtlety, he carried the film with commanding presence, delivering moments that were as unforgettable as they were heartfelt. Sharing the honour, Vikrant Massey was recognised for 12th Fail, where his portrayal of a young man battling setbacks with quiet determination became a source of inspiration for millions. Together, their awards reflected the dual spirit of Indian cinema — the grandeur of larger-than-life storytelling and the honesty of simple, human resilience.
The moment grew more intimate when Rani Mukerji was conferred the Best Actress Award for Mrs. Chatterjee v/s Norway. Her role, rooted in the anguish and strength of a mother, blurred the line between art and lived experience, drawing empathy from every corner of the hall.
There was equal respect for the supporting roles that give films their soul. Vijayaraghavan and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar were honoured as Best Supporting Actors, their craft proving how seemingly smaller characters can carry the weight of entire narratives. Urvashi and Janki Bodiwala, recipients of the Best Supporting Actress Award, were celebrated for performances that lent authenticity and depth, leaving audiences with faces and emotions they could not forget.
Beyond performances, the films themselves told stories of aspiration, struggle and imagination. 12th Fail was declared the Best Feature Film, its tale of determination becoming a mirror for countless lives. Flowering Man, named Best Non-Feature Film, and God Vulture and Human, the Best Documentary, showed cinema’s ability to document, to question, and to illuminate truths often left unseen.
In newer frontiers, Hanu-Man was honoured as the Best Film in AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics) a recognition of India’s growing strength in visual storytelling while Giddh: The Scavenger took the award for Best Short Film,
Together, these honours were not just a list of achievements but a mosaic of voices, stars and newcomers, mainstream and experimental , proving once more that Indian cinema carries within it both the dreams of a nation and the confidence to shape its future.
