72nd National Film Awards: Article 370, Mammootty, Yami Gautam and Kartik Aaryan Among the Big Winners

Team L&M

The 72nd National Film Awards brought together an eclectic mix of films, performances and filmmaking talent from across India’s diverse cinema landscape. The awards, which recognise films certified during 2024, span feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema. The President of India presented the awards early today at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat. This year’s ceremony marked a move beyond the national capital, with the government announcing that future editions will be held across different states and cities.

Article 370 emerged as one of the major award-winning films, receiving the Best Feature Film honour, while its leading actor Yami Gautam was named Best Actress in a Leading Role. The film was directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale and produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios.

The Best Actor in a Leading Role award was shared by two performers from different cinematic traditions. Mammootty was recognised for his performance in the Malayalam film Bramayugam. And Kartik Aaryan received the honour for the Hindi film Chandu Champion.

Amaran Wins Best Direction

Tamil cinema also made a strong showing at the awards. Rajkumar Periasamy won Best Direction for Amaran, adding another major recognition to the film.

The awards also acknowledged films across genres and languages. Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, received the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

Meanwhile, Randeep Hooda was recognised with the Best Debut Film of a Director award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.

Recognition Across Indian Cinema

The National Film Awards continue to reflect the breadth of Indian filmmaking, with honours going to films in several languages and across different forms of cinema.

Captain Miller received the award for Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values, while 35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu was named Best Children’s Film. In the music categories, Shashwat Sachdev was recognised for songs in Article 370, while G. V. Prakash Kumar received the award for background music for Amaran.

In supporting performances, Sanjay Mishra won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Bhakshak. The Best Actress in a Supporting Role award was shared by Sachana Namidass for Maharaja and Ropashree Varkady for Mithya.

The awards also recognised young performers. The Best Child Artist honour was shared across performances in Mithya, 35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu and Onko Ki Kothin.

Bhangaar and Ram-Nami Lead the Non-Feature Categories

The awards extend beyond mainstream feature films. Bhangaar, in Marathi and English, was named Best Non-Feature Film, with Sumira Roy serving as producer and director.

Ram-Nami, directed by Bharatbala Ganapathy and produced by BBP Studio Virtual Bharat Pvt. Ltd., received the Best Documentary award.

The non-feature section also recognised Angen, a Santhali film, with the Best Debut Film of a Director award. Statue of Unity – Ekta ka Prateek received the award for Best Direction in the non-feature category.

A Celebration of India’s Cinematic Diversity

From Malayalam and Tamil to Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi and Santhali cinema, this year’s awards highlight the range of India’s film culture.

Several popular releases, including Pushpa: The Rule Part-02, Stree 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, have also received honours in different categories, alongside films such as Article 370, Amaran and Kalki 2898 AD.

Anant Nag to Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award

The celebrations also included the presentation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 to veteran actor Anant Nag. The award recognises his contribution to the growth and promotion of Indian cinema.

Instituted in 1969, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest honour in the field of cinema and recognises an individual’s outstanding contribution to the development of Indian filmmaking.

The awards ceremony brings together actors, directors, technicians and filmmakers from across the country. The 72nd National Film Awards offer a snapshot of the range and diversity of Indian cinema in 2024— from major theatrical releases and popular entertainers to documentaries, non-feature films and regional-language productions.