The highly anticipated National Award Winners 2024 were announced on Friday, August 16, celebrating the best in Indian cinema. Kantara and KGF Chapter 2 emerged as the evening's biggest victors, with Kantara clinching the prestigious Best Picture award and Rishab Shetty securing the Best Actor accolade. The Yash-starrer KGF Chapter 2 was honored as the Best Kannada Film, further solidifying its place in cinematic history.

Kantara and KGF Chapter 2 Dominate the National Awards

In a year marked by exceptional performances and groundbreaking films, Kantara and KGF Chapter 2 stood out for their remarkable contributions to Indian cinema. Kantara, a film that captivated audiences with its powerful narrative and stunning visuals, took home the coveted Best Picture award. Adding to its triumph, lead actor Rishab Shetty was recognized as Best Actor, a testament to his outstanding portrayal in the film.

KGF Chapter 2, which has been a box office juggernaut, was named Best Kannada Film, a fitting recognition for its massive impact on the industry. The film's success continues to resonate with fans and critics alike, and this award further cements its legacy.

Gulmohar Wins Best Hindi Film, Nitya Menon and Maansi Paarekh Share Best Actress Award In the Hindi film category, Gulmohar emerged victorious, winning the Best Hindi Film National Award. This poignant film has been lauded for its storytelling and strong performances, making it a standout in a competitive category.

The Best Actress award was shared between two talented performers, Nitya Menon and Maansi Paarekh. Both actresses delivered stellar performances in their respective films, earning them this prestigious honor. Their shared win highlights the exceptional talent and dedication they bring to their craft.

Sooraj R Barjatya Wins Best Director for Uunchai

Veteran filmmaker Sooraj R Barjatya was awarded the Best Director National Award for his work on Uunchai. Known for his mastery in crafting emotionally resonant narratives, Barjatya's direction in Uunchai was widely praised for its depth and sensitivity. This award is a testament to his enduring influence on Indian cinema.

Music Awards: Pritam, AR Rahman, and Arijit Singh Take Top Honors

On the music front, Pritam won the Best Music Director award for his work on Brahmastra. The film's music, which played a crucial role in its success, was celebrated for its innovation and impact.

Legendary composer AR Rahman added another feather to his cap by winning the Best Background Music award for Ponniyin Selvan 2, directed by Mani Ratnam. Rahman's haunting score elevated the film's narrative, earning him this well-deserved accolade.

Anand Krishnamurthy also received recognition for his work on Ponniyin Selvan 2, winning the Best Sound Design award. His meticulous soundscapes played a vital role in creating the film's immersive experience.

Arijit Singh, one of India's most beloved playback singers, was honored with the Best Playback Singer Male award for his soulful rendition in Brahmastra. His voice, which has become synonymous with some of the most memorable songs in recent years, continues to captivate audiences.

Brahmastra Wins Best VFX Award

In addition to its musical achievements, Brahmastra also won the Best VFX Award. The film's visual effects were groundbreaking, setting new standards in Indian cinema and contributing to its success at the box office.

Complete List of Winners:

Best Actor: Rishab Shetty, Kantara

Best Actress - Nithya Menon and Manasi Parekh

Best Director - Sooraj Barjatya

Best Supporting Actress - Neena Gupta

Best Supporting Actor - Pawan Malhotra

Best Debut - Fouja, Pramod Kumar

Best Telugu Film - Kartikeya 2

Best Tamil Film - Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1

Best Punjabi Film - Baaghi Di Dhee

Best Odia Film - Daman

Best Malayalam Film - Soudi Velakka CC.225/2009

Best Marathi Film - Vaalvi

Best Kannada Film - KGF: Chapter 2

Best Hindi Film - Gulmohar

Special Mentions - Manoj Bajpayee in Gulmohar, and Sanjoy Salil Chowdhury for Kalikhan

Best Action Direction - KGF: Chapter 2

Best Choreography - Tiruchitrabalam

Best Lyrics - Fouja

Best Music Director - Pritam (Songs), AR Rahman (Background Score)

Best Makeup - Aparajito

Best Costumes - Kutchh Express

Best Production Design - Aparajito

Best Editing - Aattam

Best Sound Design - Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1

Best Screenplay - Aattam

Best Dialogues - Gulmohar

Best Cinematography - Ponniyin Selvan - Part 1

Best Female Playback - Soudi Velakka CC.225/2009

Best Female Playback - Brahmastra

Conclusion: A Night of Celebrating Excellence in Indian Cinema

The National Award Winners 2024 highlighted the incredible talent and creativity within the Indian film industry. From powerful performances to innovative direction and music, this year's winners have set new benchmarks for excellence. As Kantara, KGF Chapter 2, and Brahmastra continue to be celebrated, their achievements serve as an inspiration for filmmakers and artists across the country.