71st National Film Awards 2025: A Night of Triumph for Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and ‘12th Fail’

The 71st National Film Awards, held in August 2025, celebrated cinematic brilliance from across India, with a star-studded lineup of winners and emotional tributes to powerful storytelling. The awards ceremony honored talents from across languages and genres, reinforcing the National Awards’ reputation as the most prestigious film recognition in the country.

Best Actor Winners: Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey

In a landmark moment, Shah Rukh Khan was named Best Actor for his role in Jawan, marking a triumphant return to form for the superstar. Known for blending commercial appeal with emotional depth, Khan’s performance was praised for its intensity and social relevance.

Sharing the honor with him was Vikrant Massey, whose compelling performance in 12th Fail earned widespread acclaim. Massey’s portrayal of a lower-middle-class youth struggling against the odds resonated with critics and audiences alike.

Best Actress: Rani Mukerji for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway

Rani Mukerji was awarded Best Actress for her deeply emotional role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, where she portrayed a mother fighting a foreign government to reclaim custody of her children. Her powerful and nuanced performance captured the heartbreak, courage, and grit of a mother under pressure.

Best Feature Film of National Film Awards: 12th Fail

12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, clinched the Best Feature Film award. The film, based on real-life stories of underdog UPSC aspirants, won hearts with its raw honesty and motivational message. It was lauded for blending realism with inspiration, making it a standout among 2025’s cinematic releases.

Other Key Awards of National Film Awards 2025

• Best Hindi Film: Kathal, a satirical crime drama starring Sanya Malhotra.
• Best Gujarati Film: Vash, a gripping psychological thriller.
• Best Supporting Actor: Pankaj Tripathi for OMG 2.
• Best Supporting Actress: Tillotama Shome for Delhi Crime: Season 2.
• Best Debut Director: Arati Kadav for Mrs. & Mr. Kohli.
• Best Children’s Film: Chhoti Si Baat Hai.
• Best Environmental Film: The Elephant Whisperers.

Technical and Regional Excellence

The awards also acknowledged several films for technical brilliance and regional storytelling:

• Best Editing: Jawan – for its crisp, action-packed narrative flow.
• Best Cinematography: Maharaja (Kannada) – for its visual grandeur.
• Best Screenplay (Original): 12th Fail – for capturing the emotional and social landscape of aspirants.
• Best Background Score: Animal – praised for its immersive audio experience.

In regional categories, films from Malayalam, Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, and Assamese cinema were honored, emphasizing India’s linguistic and cultural diversity.

Political and Presidential Presence

The awards were presented in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, who applauded the role of Indian cinema in shaping cultural identity and fostering social change. The ceremony was not only a celebration of artistic merit but also a reflection on how storytelling can unite people across regions.

A Night to Remember

The 71st National Film Awards 2025 stood out for the blend of legacy, realism, and new-age narratives. From Shah Rukh Khan’s return to glory to Vikrant Massey’s humble triumph, and Rani Mukerji’s powerful emotional journey, the awards proved that Indian cinema continues to evolve with both mass appeal and meaningful content.

As the curtains closed on the ceremony, it became evident that the year 2025 will be remembered as a milestone in Indian film history—for celebrating not just stars, but stories that matter.