By News On Air Sep 23, 2025
President Droupadi Murmu today conferred the 71st National Film Awards for the year 2023 at a function in New Delhi. The awards were given in various categories to celebrate excellence in filmmaking, storytelling, and acting.
On the occasion, legendary actor, director, and producer Mohanlal has been honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest recognition in the field of Cinema.
The Best Feature Film Award was given to the Hindi movie ’12th Fail,’ while the Best Hindi Feature Film Award was presented to ‘Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery. In the Best Actor category, actor Shah Rukh Khan was honoured for his film Jawan, while actor Vikrant Massey was conferred for 12th Fail. The Best Actress award was given to actress Rani Mukerji for her performance in the film Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway.
Sudipto Sen’s The Kerala Story has been conferred the Best Direction award, and the Hindi film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was given the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
Singer Shilpa Rao got the Best Female Playback singer award for the Hindi film Jawan, while in the male category, PVNS Rohit has received the award for the Telugu film Baby. Utpal Datta received the National Film Award for Best Film Critic for his significant and wide-ranging critical writings on cinema, with a particular focus on the Assamese language. Rimdogittanga received the National Film Award for the Best Garo Film. Director Shilpika Bordoloi receives the National Film Award for ‘Best Debut Film of a Director’ for the film Mau: The Spirit Dreams of Cheraw.
Addressing the gathering after presenting the awards, President Droupadi Murmu expressed her happiness over women-centric films being made in the film industry and receiving awards. She said, this is a very positive social indication.
Speaking on the occasion, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a very clear vision to make India a hub for content creation. He said that due to Waves Bazar, products of the country’s content creators are now finding new markets. The Minister said that the first Indian Institute of Creative Technology is now functioning in Mumbai on the National Film Development Corporation campus and seventeen courses have already started in this institute.
President Droupadi Murmu Presents 71st National Film Awards