The 70th National Film Awards, held in New Delhi, spotlighted the best of Indian cinema from 2022. Rishab Shetty clinched the Best Actor award for his performance in Kantara, while the Malayalam film Aattam took home the Best Film award. The Best Actress accolade was shared by Nithya Menen and Mansi Parekh.
Apart from the prestigious titles, the National Film Awards come with significant cash prizes. The highest honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, includes a prize of Rs 15 lakh. The Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) award carries a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh, while the Rajat Kamal winners receive Rs 2 lakh each.
The Swarna Kamal award, which recognizes Best Film, Debut Film, Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, Best Director, and Best Children’s Film, was awarded to several notable winners this year. Aattam‘s producer Joy Movie Productions and director Anand Ekarshi received the Swarna Kamal for Best Film, while Fouja, directed by Pramod Kumar, won Best Debut Film of a Director. Kantara, recognized for providing wholesome entertainment, earned the Swarna Kamal for both its producer, Hombale Films LLP, and director, Rishab Shetty.
The Rajat Kamal, awarded for Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values, as well as acting categories, screenplay, and music, was distributed among several winners. Rishab Shetty, Nithya Menen, Mansi Parekh, Pavan Raj Malhotra, Neena Gupta, and Arijit Singh, among others, received the Rajat Kamal for their exceptional contributions.
Unlike the Oscars, which do not provide monetary awards but offer luxurious goodie bags to hosts and nominees worth over $170,000, the National Film Awards provide direct financial rewards. The Oscars’ swag bags, known for their opulent contents including vacations and luxury items, contrast with the tangible cash prizes of the National Film Awards.
This year’s National Film Awards highlighted both exceptional talent and the value placed on recognizing achievements in Indian cinema.
