A Big Night for Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Indian Cinema’s Regional Stars as Friday evening saw the announcement of the 71st National Film Awards, which honoured the best of Indian cinema in 2023. Shah Rukh Khan received his first-ever National Award for Best Actor for Jawan, and Rani Mukerji won the Best Actress award for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway.
Vikrant Massey also bagged Best Actor awards for his acting skills in 12th Fail, which took home the highly prized Best Film award. The awards, however, did more than highlight Bollywood — they underscored a seismic shift towards regional cinema, with big wins by films such as HanuMan, Parking, Ullozhukku, and Naal 2. Technical brilliance, bold narratives, and up-and-coming talent characterised the awards this year.
Regional Cinema Dominates with Stronger Wins
This year, regional cinema stood out. Bhagavanth Kesari won Best Telugu Film, while Parking took home both Best Tamil Film and accolades for Screenplay and Supporting Actor. Shyamchi Aai won Best Marathi Film, and Godday Godday Chaa emerged as the Best Punjabi Film. Films like Pushkara (Odia), Rongatapu 1982 (Assamese), and Deep Fridge (Bengali) also received recognition.
In addition, Ullozhukku, the Best Malayalam Film, awarded Urvashi the Best Supporting Actress award. Vijayaraghavan took home Best Supporting Actor for Pookalam, another Malayalam entry.
Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji Shine Bright
In a much-awaited moment, Shah Rukh Khan received his very first National Award for his work in Jawan. Rani Mukerji’s strong performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway earned her Best Actress. Vikrant Massey’s intense performance in 12th Fail earned him a place alongside Khan.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani received Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, and Vaibhavi Merchant won Best Choreography for the song Dindhora Baje Re.
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Strong Technical Wins Across the Board
Animal was one of the technical winners, with MR Rajakrishnan receiving a Special Mention for Re-Recording and Harshavardhan Rameshwar receiving the Best Music Direction award. The film also won Best Sound Design.
Sam Bahadur walked away with three wins — Best Makeup, Best Costume Design, and the Promoting National, Social Values award.
GV Prakash Kumar received Best Music Direction for Vaathi, Baby picked up Best Playback Singer (Rohit), Best Screenplay (Sai Rajesh), and Best Dialogue (Deepak Kingrani for Sirf Ek Bandha Kaafi Hai).
Debuts and Emerging Voices Make Their Presence Felt
Debutants and new voices were also awarded. Aatmapamphlet received Best Debut Feature Film. Naal 2 swept awards such as Best Film and several Child Artist awards in the Children’s category.
Best AVGC Film went to HanuMan, while it also won the Best Action Direction award.
Honour for Diversity and Real Stories in Non-Feature Films
In non-feature films, God Vulture and Human won the Best Documentary award. The First Film won several awards, such as Best Direction and Music. Timeless Tamil Nadu won the Best Art & Culture Film award.
The Silent Epidemic (Social & Environmental Values), Flowering Man (Best Non-Fiction), and The Spirit Dreams of Cheraw (Best Debut Non-Feature) received additional honours.
National Awards as a Mirror to Changing India
This year’s National Awards not only celebrate performances or films, but they also echo the evolving face of Indian society. Tales from small towns, identity issues, and voices of underrepresented segments took centre stage. 12th Fail, Baby, The Kerala Story, and Sam Bahadur all resonate with an increasing desire for rooted, socially engaging storytelling.
Instead of stardom only, sincerity and skill determined this year’s awards. India’s cinema is changing — and the National Awards are paying attention.
