NEW DELHI — The 72nd National Film Awards celebrated the finest achievements in Indian cinema, honoring films and artists that made a significant impact during 2024. Leading the winners’ list was Article 370, which secured the prestigious Best Feature Film award, while its lead star Yami Gautam was recognized as Best Actress in a Leading Role.
The awards, announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in New Delhi, highlighted a diverse range of cinematic achievements spanning mainstream blockbusters, independent productions, regional cinema, documentaries, and short films.
Article 370 Emerges as the Biggest Winner
One of the most talked-about films of the year, Article 370 earned the highest recognition by winning Best Feature Film.
The political drama, which sparked widespread discussion following its release, was praised for its storytelling, performances, and treatment of a complex subject.
Adding to the film’s success, Yami Gautam received the Best Actress in a Leading Role award, marking a major milestone in her career.
The recognition further strengthens her standing among India’s most accomplished contemporary performers.
Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan Share Best Actor Honor
The Best Actor in a Leading Role award was shared by two performers from vastly different cinematic worlds.
Veteran Malayalam superstar Mammootty won for his acclaimed performance in Bramayugam, a film widely appreciated for its atmospheric storytelling and powerful acting.
Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan received the same honor for Chandu Champion, a sports drama that showcased one of the most demanding performances of his career.
The joint award reflects the National Film Awards’ tradition of recognizing excellence across genres and industries.
Rajkumar Periasamy Wins Best Director
The award for Best Direction went to filmmaker Rajkumar Periasamy for the Tamil-language war drama Amaran.
The film earned critical acclaim for its emotional storytelling, technical execution, and compelling depiction of sacrifice and service.
Meanwhile, actor-director Randeep Hooda received the Best Debut Director award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, recognizing his successful transition behind the camera.
Kalki 2898 AD and Captain Miller Earn Major Honors
Among commercial successes, Kalki 2898 AD secured the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
The science-fiction epic impressed audiences with its ambitious world-building, visual effects, and large-scale storytelling.
The film also won the award for Best Production Design, highlighting its technical achievements.
Meanwhile, Captain Miller received the award for Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values, recognizing its socially relevant themes.
Strong Recognition for Supporting Performances
Veteran actor Sanjay Mishra won Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Bhakshak.
His portrayal of a cameraman working for a local news channel was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.
In a statement following the announcement, Mishra expressed gratitude to filmmakers, colleagues, and audiences who supported his journey throughout a career spanning more than three decades.
The Best Supporting Actress award was shared by:
- Sachana Namidass (Maharaja)
- Ropashree Vorkady (Mithya)
Both performances received acclaim for their nuanced portrayals and contribution to their respective films.
Celebrating Young Talent
The Best Children’s Film award went to the Telugu-language drama 35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu.
The Best Child Artist honor was jointly awarded to:
- Athish S. Shetty (Mithya)
- Arundev Pothula (35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu)
- Riddhiman Banerjee
- Tapomoy Deb
- Gitashree Chakraborty (Onko Ki Kothin)
The recognition highlights the growing quality of children’s cinema across Indian film industries.
Major Technical and Creative Award Winners
Several blockbuster films also received recognition in technical categories.
Pushpa: The Rule Part 02
- Best Screenplay (Original) – Sukumar
- Best Costume Design
Stree 2
- Best Choreography for “Aaj Ki Raat”
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
- Best Sound Design
Maharaja
- Best Action Direction
Kalki 2898 AD
- Best Production Design
These awards showcase the increasing emphasis on technical excellence in Indian filmmaking.
Best Film Winners by Language
The National Film Awards continued their tradition of honoring regional cinema across the country.
Best Hindi Film
Srikanth
Best Tamil Film
Raayan
Best Telugu Film
Committee Kurrollu
Best Malayalam Film
Feminichi Fathima
Best Kannada Film
Mithya
The language-specific awards underscore the diversity and creative strength of India’s regional film industries.
Non-Feature Film Winners
The non-feature film category also recognized outstanding documentary, animation, and short-form storytelling.
Best Non-Feature Film
Bhangaar (Marathi-English)
Best Documentary
Ram-Nami by Bharatbala
Best Direction (Non-Feature)
Aanand L Rai for Statue of Unity – Ekta ka Prateek
Best Animation Film
Touched as Water
Best Short Film
Hamsafar
The category highlighted the growing influence of documentaries and independent filmmaking in India.
A Celebration of Indian Cinema
The 72nd National Film Awards reflected the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where regional storytelling, commercial blockbusters, independent productions, and socially relevant narratives continue to thrive side by side.
With winners representing multiple languages, genres, and filmmaking styles, the awards reinforced the industry’s creative diversity and artistic excellence.
Recipients will receive their honors at the official awards ceremony scheduled for September, where the President of India will present the National Film Awards.
72nd National Film Awards: Major Winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Feature Film | Article 370 |
| Best Actress | Yami Gautam (Article 370) |
| Best Actor | Mammootty (Bramayugam) & Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) |
| Best Director | Rajkumar Periasamy (Amaran) |
| Best Debut Director | Randeep Hooda (Swatantrya Veer Savarkar) |
| Best Popular Film | Kalki 2898 AD |
| Best Supporting Actor | Sanjay Mishra (Bhakshak) |
| Best Children’s Film | 35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu |
| Best Hindi Film | Srikanth |
| Best Tamil Film | Raayan |
| Best Telugu Film | Committee Kurrollu |
| Best Malayalam Film | Feminichi Fathima |
| Best Kannada Film | Mithya |
The 72nd National Film Awards showcased a vibrant year for Indian cinema, celebrating both artistic excellence and audience-driven storytelling across the nation.
