Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Shine in National Film Awards Glory
New Delhi: In a dazzling celebration of Indian cinema, the 71st National Film Awards for 2023 were announced today by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, spotlighting an eclectic mix of storytelling, artistry, and technical brilliance.
From heart-wrenching dramas to visually stunning spectacles, the year’s winners captivated juries and audiences alike, with 12th Fail clinching the coveted Best Feature Film award and Flowering Man soaring as the Best Non-Feature Film. The awards, presented by juries led by luminaries like Ashutosh Gowariker and P. Sheshadri, saw fierce competition with 332 feature films, 115 non-feature films, 27 books, and 16 critics’ submissions vying for glory.
A Star-Studded Affair
The acting categories were a highlight, with Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan earning his first-ever National Film Award for his electrifying performance in Jawan, sharing the Best Actor (Leading Role) honour with Vikrant Massey, whose portrayal in 12th Fail struck a universal chord. Rani Mukerji also claimed her maiden National Film Award as Best Actress for her gripping role in Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway, a tale of maternal resilience that resonated deeply.
In the supporting categories, Vijayaraghavan (Pookkaalam) and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar (Parking) were jointly awarded Best Supporting Actor, while Urvashi (Ullozhukku) and Janki Bodiwala (Vash) shared the Best Supporting Actress accolade, showcasing the depth of talent across regional cinemas.
Cinematic Excellence Across Genres
Hanu-Man emerged as a standout, bagging the Best Film in AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comic), with its animator and VFX supervisor Jetty Venkat Kumar also earning individual honors. The film’s action-packed sequences, choreographed by Nandu Prudhvi, secured the Best Action Direction Award, cementing its place as a visual marvel.
In the non-feature section, Flowering Man, directed by Soumyajit Ghosh Dastidar, and God Vulture and Human, helmed by Rishiraj Agarwal, were lauded for their poignant storytelling. Giddh The Scavenger won Best Short Film, proving that brevity can pack a powerful punch.
Top Award Winners: At a Glance
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Feature Film | Vidhu Vinod Chopra (Director) | 12th Fail |
| Best Non-Feature Film | Soumyajit Ghosh Dastidar (Director) | Flowering Man |
| Best Documentary | Rishiraj Agarwal (Director) | God Vulture and Human |
| Best Film in AVGC | Prasanth Varma (Director) | Hanu-Man |
| Best Short Film | Manish Saini (Director) | Giddh The Scavenger |
| Best Actor (Leading) | Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey | Jawan, 12th Fail |
| Best Actress (Leading) | Rani Mukerji | Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway |
| Best Supporting Actor | Vijayaraghavan, Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar | Pookkaalam, Parking |
| Best Supporting Actress | Urvashi, Janki Bodiwala | Ullozhukku, Vash |
| Best Direction | Sudipto Sen | The Kerala Story |
Regional and Social Impact
The awards celebrated India’s linguistic diversity, with films like Rongatapu 1982 (Assamese), Deep Fridge (Bengali), and Ullozhukku (Malayalam) winning in their respective language categories. Sam Bahadur was recognised for promoting national, social, and environmental values, while Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani won hearts as the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
Behind the Scenes Brilliance
Technical awards highlighted unsung heroes. Prasantanu Mohapatra’s cinematography in The Kerala Story and Sachin Sudhakaran and Hariharan Muralidharan’s sound design in Animal were among the standout achievements. Vaibhavi Merchant’s choreography for “Dhindhora Baje Re” in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani added a splash of vibrancy to the awards.
A Jury’s Dedication
The meticulous selection process, overseen by Feature Film Jury Chairperson Ashutosh Gowariker and Non-Feature Film Jury Chairperson P. Sheshadri, was praised for its fairness. The jury’s submission to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan marked the culmination of months of deliberation.
As the curtains fall on the 71st National Film Awards, the winners reflect the soul of Indian cinema—diverse, daring, and deeply human. From 12th Fail’s inspiring journey to Hanu-Man’s visual spectacle, these films are a testament to the industry’s enduring magic.
– global bihari bureau
