The 71st National Film Awards celebrated the best of Indian cinema for films certified in 2023. The winners were announced on August 1, 2025, and the awards ceremony took place on 23 September 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
President Droupadi Murmu attended as the chief guest and personally presented the awards, honoring outstanding talent in acting, direction, music, and technical achievements. Notable winners included ‘12th Fail’ for Best Feature Film, Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey sharing Best Actor, and Rani Mukerji winning Best Actress.
The event celebrated the creativity, diversity, and cultural richness of Indian cinema, recognising films and artists that left a lasting impact on audiences across the country.
Event Details:
| Category | Details |
| Edition | 71st National Film Awards |
| For Films of | 2023 |
| Winners Announced | 1 August 2025 |
| Award Ceremony | 23 September 2025 |
| Venue | Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi |
| Chief Guest | President Droupati Murmu |
71st National Film Awards 2025 List
The 71st National Film Awards 2025 celebrate the finest achievements in Indian cinema over the past year. This edition highlights outstanding films, unforgettable performances, and the hard work of filmmakers, actors, and technicians from across the country. From critically acclaimed movies to popular favorites, the awards honor a mix of creativity, talent, and dedication, recognizing both veteran artists and rising stars who have made a significant impact on audiences and the industry alike. The 71st National Film Awards list is provided in the table below:
| Category | Winner(s) | Film(s) |
| Best Actor |
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| Best Actress | Rani Mukerji | Mrs Chatterjee Vs. Norway |
| Best Supporting Actor |
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| Best Supporting Actress |
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| Best Feature Film | – | 12th Fail |
| Best Film in Hindi | – | Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery |
| Best Film in Telugu | – | Bhagavanth Kesari |
| Best Film in Tamil | – | Parking |
| Best Film in Punjabi | – | Godday Godday Chaa |
| Best Film in Odia | – | Pushkara |
| Best Film in Marathi | – | Shyamchi Aai |
| Best Film in Malayalam | – | Ullozhukku |
| Best Film in Kannada | – | Kandeelu: The Ray of Hope |
| Best Film in Gujarati | – | Vash |
| Best Film in Bengali | – | Deep Fridge |
| Best Film in Assamese | – | Rongatapu 1982 |
| Best Direction | Sudipto Sen | The Kerala Story |
| Best Choreography | Vaibhavi Merchant | Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani |
| Best Action Direction | Nandu and Prudhvi | Hanu-Man |
| Best Lyrics | Kasarla Shyam | Balagam |
| Best Music Direction | G.V. Prakash Kumar (Songs) Harshavardhan Rameshwar (BGM) | VaathiAnimal |
| Best Male Playback Singer | P.V.N. S. Rohit | Baby |
| Best Female Playback Singer | Shilpa Rao | Jawan |
| Best Cinematography | Prasanthanu Mohapatra | The Kerala Story |
| Best Editing | Midhun Murali | Pookkaalam |
| Best Sound Design | Sachin Sudhakaran, Hariharan | Animal |
| Best Production Design | Mohandas | 2018- Everyone is a Hero |
| Best Make-up | Shrikanth Desai | Sam Bahadur |
| Best Costume Designer | Sachin, Divya, Nidhhi | Sam Bahadur |
| Special Mention | M.R. Radhakrishnan (Re-recording mixer) | Animal |
The 71st National Film Awards 2025 stand as a proud reminder of how rich and diverse Indian cinema truly is. From powerful real-life stories and meaningful regional films to memorable performances and technical brilliance, this year’s winners reflect the hard work, passion, and honesty that go into filmmaking. Each award not only honors individual talent but also celebrates the collective effort of artists who continue to tell stories that connect with people, inspire conversations, and leave a lasting impression on audiences across the country.
Which movie got the National Award in 2025?
At the National Film Awards 2025, 12th Fail was honored with the Best Feature Film award, making it a proud moment for everyone involved. The film won appreciation for its honest storytelling and its heartfelt portrayal of determination and hope. It captured the everyday struggles of students in a way that felt real and relatable. The performances were sincere and deeply moving, adding life to the characters. The film stayed true to its core without depending on loud drama or exaggeration. Each scene reflected patience, effort, and belief in oneself.
Adding to the joy, Vikrant Massey received the Best Actor award for his role in 12th Fail, sharing the honor with Shah Rukh Khan for Jawan. Together, these achievements celebrated cinema that feels genuine, inspiring, and close to real life.
The 71st National Film Awards 2025 celebrate the talent, passion, and hard work of everyone who brings stories to life on screen. From heartfelt tales to unforgettable performances, these films remind us why cinema has the power to inspire, move, and stay with us long after we leave the theater.
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