The curtains have risen on the stage of cinematic excellence as the winners of the esteemed 69th National Film Awards were unveiled amidst anticipation and applause. A pivotal moment arrived at 5 pm on a Thursday, where a constellation of remarkable talents claimed their well-deserved accolades.
In a resonating testament to his craft, Allu Arjun emerged as the Best Actor, acclaimed for his portrayal in the compelling film “Pushpa: The Rise.” As the spotlight of recognition widened, Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon stood side by side, sharing the radiant title of Best Actress. Alia’s spellbinding embodiment in “Gangubai Kathiawadi” and Kriti’s captivating performance in “Mimi” illuminated the cinematic canvas.
Celebrating the essence of storytelling, “Rocketry: The Nambi Effect” soared to prominence, securing the coveted accolade of Best Feature Film. The resonance of its narrative, combined with its cinematic brilliance, captured the hearts of both critics and audiences alike.
A symphony of artistic finesse echoed in the recognition showered upon Shoojit Sircar’s biographical historical opus, “Sardar Udham.” This masterpiece stood tall as the Best Hindi Film, a title earned through its profound narrative and impactful portrayal. The talents behind the scenes were equally celebrated – Avik Mukhopadhyay’s lenswork danced with light, Sinoy Joseph’s audiography painted emotions, while Dmitrii Malich and Mansi Dhruv Mehta crafted intricate worlds, and Veera Kapur Ee’s costumes adorned characters with authenticity.
A resounding triumph marked “The Kashmir Files,” bestowed with the distinguished Nargis Dutt Award for Best Film on National Integration. This remarkable creation served not only as entertainment but also as a powerful bridge of unity in diversity.
The National Film Awards represent the pinnacle of cinematic honor, a platform where visionaries are celebrated, and artistry is exalted. Conceived by the Directorate of Film Festivals under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, these awards resonate with a purpose that extends beyond mere recognition. They stand as a beacon, beckoning filmmakers to craft narratives that resonate, not only aesthetically and technically but also with the heartbeat of society.
In this annual celebration of creativity and excellence, the 69th National Film Awards have etched their indelible mark, a tapestry woven with dedication, passion, and the timeless magic of cinema.
Winners List
Best Feature Film: Rocketry
Best Director: Nikhil Mahajan, Godavari
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: RRR
Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration: The Kashmir Files
Best Actor: Allu Arjun, Pushpa
Best Actress: Alia Bhatt, Gangubai Kathiawadi and Kriti Sanon, Mimi
Best Supporting Actor: Pankaj Tripathi, Mimi
Best Supporting Actress: Pallavi Joshi, The Kashmir Files
Best Child Artist: Bhavin Rabari, Chhello Show
Best Screenplay (Original): Shahi Kabir, Nayattu
Best Screenplay (Adapted): Sanjay Leela Bhansali & Utkarshini Vashishtha, Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Dialogue Writer: Utkarshini Vashishtha & Prakash Kapadia, Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Music Director (Songs): Devi Sri Prasad, Pushpa
Best Music Direction (Background Music): MM Keeravaani, RRR
Best Male Playback Singer: Kaala Bhairava, RRR
Best Female Playback Singer: Shreya Ghoshal, Iravin Nizhal
Best Lyrics: Chandrabose, Konda Polam’s Dham Dham Dham
Best Hindi Film: Sardar Udham
Best Kannada Film: 777 Charlie
Best Malayalam Film: Home
Best Gujurati Film: Chhello Show
Best Tamil Film: Kadaisi Vivasayi
Best Telugu Film: Uppena
Best Maithili Film: Samanantar
Best Mishing Film: Boomba Ride
Best Marathi Film: Ekda Kaay Zala
Best Bengali Film: Kalkokkho
Best Assamese Film: Anur
Best Meiteilon Film: Eikhoigi Yum
Best Odiya Film: Pratikshya
Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director: Meppadiyan, Vishnu Mohan
Best Film on Social Issues: Anunaad – The Resonance
Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation: Aavasavyuham
Best Children’s Film: Gandhi and Co
Best Audiography (Location Sound Recordist): Arun Asok & Sonu K P, Chavittu
Best Audiography (Sound Designer): Aneesh Basu, Jhilli
Best Audiography (Re-recordist of the final mixed track): Sinoy Joseph, Sardar Udham
Best Choreography: Prem Rakshith, RRR
Best Cinematography: Avik Mukhopadhayay, Sardar Udham
Best Costume Designer: Veera Kapur Ee, Sardar Udham
Best Special Effects: Srinivas Mohan, RRR
Best Production Design: Dmitrii Malich and Mansi Dhruv Mehta, Sardar Udham
Best Editing: Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Make-up: Preetisheel Singh, Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Stunt Choreography: King Soloman, RRR
Special Jury Award: Shershaah, Vishnuvardhan
Special Mention: 1. Late Shri Nallandi, Kadaisi Vivasayi 2. Aranya Gupta & Bithan Biswas, Jhilli 3. Indrans, Home 4. Jahanara Begum, Anur
Best Non-feature film: Ek Tha Gaon
Best Direction (Non-feature film): Bakul Matiyani, Smile Please
Best Debut Non-Feature Film of a Director: Paanchika, Ankit Kothari
Bes Anthropological Film: Fire on Edge
Best Biographical Film: 1. Rukhu Matir Dukhu Majhi, 2. Beyond Blast
Best Arts Films: T.N. Krishnan Bow Strings to Divine
Best Science & Technology Films: Ethos of Darkness
Best Promotional Film: Endangered Heritage ‘Warli Art’
Best Environment Film (Non-feature film): Munnam Valavu
Best Film on Social Issues (Non-feature film): 1. Mithu Di, 2. Three Two One
Best Investigative Film: Looking For Challan
Best Exploration Film: Ayushman
Best Educational Film: Sirpigalin Sirpangal
Best Short Fiction Film: Dal Bhat
Best Animation Film: Kandittundu
Best Film on Family Values: Chand Saanse
Best Cinematography (Non-feature film): Bittu Rawat, Pataal
Best Audiography (Re-recordist of the final mixed track) (Non-feature film): Unni krishnan, Ek Tha Gaon
Best Production Sound Recordist (Location/Sync Sound) (Non-feature film): Suruchi Sharma, Meen Raag
Best Editing (Non-feature film): Abhro Banerjee, If Memory Serves Me Right
Best Music Direction (Non-feature film): Ishaan Divecha, Succelent
Best Narration/Voice Over (Non-feature film): Kulada Kumar Bhattacharjee, Hathibondhu
Special Mention (Non-feature film): 1. Aniruddha Jatkar, Baale Bangara, 2. Srikanth Deva, Karuvarai, 3. Sweta Kumar Das, The Healing Touch, 4. Ram Kamal Mukherjee, Ek Duaa
Special Jury Award (Non-feature film): Shekhar Bapu Rankhambe, Rekha
Best Book on Cinema: Music by Laxmikant Pyarelal: The Incredibly Melodious Journey by Rajiv Vijayakar
Best Film Critic: Purushothama Charyulu
Best Film Critic (Special Mention): Subramanya Bandoor