Held in New Delhi, the awards honoured films certified between January 1 and December 31, 2023, and delivered several surprises — including first-time National Award wins for some of Bollywood’s biggest stars.
Rani Mukerji Wins Her First National Award for Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway
Marking a career milestone after three decades in the industry, Rani Mukerji won Best Actress for her compelling performance in Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway. The emotionally charged film, based on a real-life custody battle, earned her widespread acclaim — and now, national recognition.
"I'm overwhelmed. This film celebrated the resilience of motherhood, and for me, this award validates my journey in cinema," Rani shared, dedicating her win to mothers around the world. “A mother’s love is unconditional — this film and this win are deeply personal.”
Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey Bag Best Actor Awards
In a powerful display of versatility, Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail) jointly received the Best Actor award — both earning their first-ever National Awards.
While Shah Rukh Khan chose to remain silent publicly, fans flooded social media to celebrate his action-packed performance in Jawan. The award added another feather to his cap in a year that saw a massive career resurgence.
Meanwhile, Vikrant Massey, praised for his grounded portrayal of real-life UPSC aspirant Manoj Kumar Sharma in 12th Fail, gave a heartfelt reaction: “A 20-year-old boy’s dream has come true today,” he said, dedicating the award to India’s marginalized communities and thanking filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra for the opportunity.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Dominates Popular Categories
Karan Johar’s vibrant romantic drama Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani emerged as a crowd-pleaser and critical favourite. The film won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, cementing its status as a cultural milestone.
The energetic track “Dhindhora Baje Re!” also brought home the Best Choreography award for Vaibhavi Merchant, whose visual storytelling through dance captivated audiences nationwide.
Karan Johar, visibly emotional, said, “I’m overwhelmed... This film is very close to my heart and this honour is humbling.”
Shilpa Rao Wins Best Female Playback Singer for Chaleya
Adding to Jawan’s tally, Shilpa Rao took home Best Female Playback Singer for the soulful track Chaleya. The song became a chartbuster and connected deeply with listeners.
“My first reaction was just gratitude… this song will always be special,” Shilpa said, acknowledging the power of music in elevating cinematic narratives.
Sam Bahadur Recognized for Costume and Social Impact
Meghna Gulzar’s Sam Bahadur, a biographical tribute to India’s first Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, received two major honours:
Best Costume Design
Best Film Promoting National, Social Values
“There’s a deep sense of pride. My parents waited long for this moment for me,” said an emotional Meghna, proud to see her work being acknowledged for its historical authenticity and message-driven storytelling.
The Kerala Story Wins Amid Controversy
Despite facing polarizing opinions and political debates, The Kerala Story bagged two notable awards:
Best Cinematography for Prasanthanu Mohapatra
Best Direction for Sudipto Sen
The awards underline the technical excellence and directorial ambition behind the film, regardless of public controversy.
Celebrating the Spectrum of Indian Storytelling
The 71st National Film Awards were not just a celebration of box office hits but also an affirmation of cinema with heart, conscience, and craft. From large-scale entertainers like Jawan and Rocky Aur Rani to intimate, social dramas like 12th Fail and Sam Bahadur, the winners reflect the depth, diversity, and dynamism of Indian filmmaking.
This year's winners showcase a new era of Indian cinema — one where emotional storytelling, social relevance, and technical mastery co-exist, pushing the boundaries of both mainstream and independent narratives.
