The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards have been announced, celebrating the finest achievements in Indian cinema across feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema. Recognising films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2024, this year's awards reflected the growing diversity of Indian filmmaking, with regional cinema emerging as one of the biggest winners alongside several acclaimed Hindi films.

One of the most talked-about moments of the ceremony was the announcement of a joint Best Actor award. Kartik Aaryan won the prestigious honour for his performance in Chandu Champion, while Malayalam superstar Mammootty was recognised for his critically acclaimed role in the horror-drama Bramayugam. Yami Gautam received the Best Actress award for her powerful performance in Article 370, marking the first National Award of her career.

Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty Share Best Actor Award

Kartik Aaryan's transformation in Chandu Champion, based on the life of Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar, earned widespread praise for its emotional depth and physical commitment. The actor's National Award win is considered a significant milestone in his career, placing him among the country's finest performers.

Sharing the honour is Mammootty, who delivered one of the most acclaimed performances of recent years in Bramayugam. His portrayal in the black-and-white Malayalam horror film captivated audiences and critics alike, further cementing his legacy as one of Indian cinema's greatest actors. Industry colleagues, including Kamal Haasan and Mohanlal, congratulated Mammootty following the announcement, highlighting the respect he commands across the film fraternity.

Yami Gautam Wins First National Award

Yami Gautam emerged as the Best Actress winner for her role in Article 370. The political thriller, which explored the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, was praised for its performances and narrative. Gautam's nuanced portrayal earned her the highest acting honour, making it a landmark achievement in her career.

The actress and filmmaker Aditya Dhar celebrated the recognition, describing it as a victory for everyone who believed in the project.

Article 370 and Srikanth Among Hindi Cinema's Biggest Winners

Apart from Yami Gautam's acting triumph, Hindi cinema enjoyed a strong showing at the awards.

Srikanth, the biographical drama starring Rajkummar Rao as visually impaired entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla, won the award for Best Hindi Feature Film. The film was widely appreciated for its inspiring storytelling and sensitive treatment of its subject. Producer and director Tushar Hiranandani described the honour as a proud moment for the entire team.

Meanwhile, Article 370 secured multiple honours, reaffirming its impact both critically and commercially. The film's success underlined the growing acceptance of politically driven narratives within mainstream Indian cinema.

South Indian Cinema Dominates Major Categories

As in recent years, South Indian cinema enjoyed remarkable success at the National Film Awards.

Dhanush's directorial debut Raayan emerged as one of the biggest winners of the evening, earning multiple accolades and reinforcing the actor-filmmaker's versatility. The film's success marked a significant milestone in Dhanush's career, as his work behind the camera received national recognition.

The awards also recognised outstanding films across regional languages, showcasing the richness and diversity of Indian storytelling. Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada cinema all featured prominently among the winners, reflecting the increasing influence of regional industries on the national stage.

Recognition Across Technical and Creative Excellence

Beyond acting and feature films, the National Film Awards honoured excellence in direction, music, cinematography, editing, screenwriting and several technical disciplines.

The awards once again highlighted that cinematic excellence extends far beyond box office numbers, recognising artists and technicians whose work elevates Indian filmmaking. From independent productions to commercially successful films, the jury rewarded innovation, storytelling and technical craftsmanship across multiple categories.

Regional Stories Continue to Lead Indian Cinema

One of the defining trends of the 72nd National Film Awards was the continued rise of regional cinema. Films from Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and other language industries dominated several prestigious categories, reinforcing how audiences and critics increasingly embrace authentic local stories with universal appeal.

Over the past decade, regional films have consistently gained nationwide recognition through theatrical releases and streaming platforms. This year's winners further demonstrated that compelling storytelling transcends language barriers, allowing films rooted in local culture to resonate across India and internationally.

72nd National Film Awards 2024: Complete Winners List

Feature Films

Non-Feature Films

Special Mentions (Non-Feature Films)

A Celebration of Indian Cinema's Diversity

Administered by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the National Film Awards remain India's most prestigious government recognition for cinematic excellence. The awards honour artistic merit rather than commercial success, providing a platform for filmmakers from every region and language.

The 72nd edition reflected the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where mainstream entertainers, socially relevant dramas, biographical films, political thrillers and experimental regional productions all found recognition. The joint Best Actor award for Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty symbolised this diversity—celebrating two vastly different performances from two distinct cinematic traditions.

With Article 370, Raayan, Srikanth, Chandu Champion and Bramayugam among the biggest winners, this year's National Film Awards acknowledged a wide spectrum of storytelling styles and artistic voices. The honours reaffirmed the strength of Indian cinema across languages and genres, recognising performances, films and technicians that left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.

With input from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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