72nd National Film Awards: Article 370 Named Best Feature Film, Yami Gautam Wins Best Actress

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

The 72nd National Film Awards showcased a vibrant year for Indian cinema, celebrating both artistic excellence and audience-driven storytelling across the nation.