President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday presented the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023 to legendary actor Mohanlal and distributed awards to winners across various categories at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
“Cinema is the heartbeat of my soul. Jai Hind!” said Mohanlal after receiving the nation’s highest cinema honour.
Congratulating the awardees, President Murmu commended Mohanlal for his versatile performances that ranged from the gentlest to the most intense emotions. She also emphasised the growing recognition of women-centric films, noting that such stories — including mothers shaping children, women challenging social norms, and courageous women fighting patriarchy — were being increasingly celebrated.
President Murmu on Women & Cinema
Highlighting the role of women in film, the President called for adequate representation of women on jury panels at both central and regional levels. She said:
“Given equal opportunities, women can excel in all fields. Cinema should not only entertain but also raise awareness about social issues, especially among the youth.”
She also acknowledged films focusing on children, awarding six child actors this year, and praised Indian cinema for reflecting the country’s diverse regional languages and cultures.
Major Winners
- Best Actor: Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
- Best Actress: Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway)
- Best Direction: Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story)
- Best Feature Film: 12th Fail (Hindi)
- Best Cinematography: Prasantanu Mohapatra (The Kerala Story)
- Best Debut Film: Ashish Bende (Aatmapamphlet, Marathi)
- Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
- Best Film Promoting National, Social & Environmental Values: Sam Bahadur (Meghna Gulzar)
- Best Children’s Film: Naal 2 (Marathi)
- Best Animation/Visual Effects/Gaming/Comic: Hanu-Man (Telugu)
Supporting Roles & Child Artistes
- Best Supporting Actor: Vijayaraghavan (Pookkaalam, Malayalam), Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar (Parking, Tamil)
- Best Supporting Actress: Urvashi (Ullozhukku, Malayalam), Janki Bodiwala (Vash, Gujarati)
- Best Child Artistes: Sukriti Veni Bandreddi (Gandhi Tatha Chettu, Telugu), Kabir Khandare (Gypsy, Marathi), Treesha Thosar, Shrinivas Pokale, Bhargav Jagtap (Naal 2)
Technical & Music Awards
- Sound Design: Animal (Hindi) – Sachin Sudhakaran, Hariharan Muralidharan
- Editing: Midhun Murali (Pookkaalam)
- Production Design: Mohandas (2018: Everyone Is A Hero)
- Music Direction: G.V. Prakash Kumar (Vaathi), Harshavardhan Rameshwar (Animal)
- Lyrics: Karsarla Shyam (Ooru Palleturu, Balagam)
- Choreography: Vaibhavi Merchant (Dhindhora Baje Re, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)
- Action Direction/Stunt Choreography: Nandu Prudhvi (Hanu-Man)
Notable mentions:
- Best Dialogue Writer (Hindi): Deepak Kingrani (Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai)
- Best Feature Films in Regional Languages: Rongatapu 1982 (Assamese), Deep Fridge (Bengali), Parking (Tamil), Kandeelu (Kannada), Shamchi Aai (Marathi), Puskara (Odia), Godday Godday Chaa (Punjabi), Bhagavanth Kesari (Telugu)
- Best Non-Feature Film: Flowering Man (Hindi)
President Murmu concluded her speech noting that Indian cinema, much like literature, evolves in diverse languages and regions, reflecting both local sensibilities and national consciousness.
The ceremony highlighted a strong focus on women, children, and socially relevant storytelling, cementing the awards’ role in celebrating the best of Indian cinema.
