71st National Film Awards 2025: The spotlight is set to shine on Indian cinema as the 71st National Film Awards ceremony takes place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on September 23, 2025.
Beginning at 4 PM IST, the honours will be presented by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, celebrating excellence in films made in 2023. The awards, delayed by two years due to the pandemic, remain one of the most prestigious recognitions in Indian cinema.
Where to Watch the National Film Awards 2025?
Cinema lovers can watch the entire award ceremony live on DD News Channel and its official YouTube channel. The live broadcast will start at 3 PM, covering the red-carpet arrival of winners before the grand presentation.
Major Highlights of the 71st National Film Awards
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Best Feature Film – 12th Fail (Vidhu Vinod Chopra)
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Best Hindi Film – Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery
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Best Actor – Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
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Best Actress – Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway)
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Best Director – Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story)
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Dadasaheb Phalke Award – Mohanlal (for outstanding contribution to Indian cinema)
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Best Popular Film – Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani (Karan Johar)
Regional Winners
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Best Telugu Film – Bhagwanth Kesari
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Best Gujarati Film – Vaash
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Best Tamil Film – Parking
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Best Kannada Film – The Ray of Hope
Technical & Special Categories
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Best Female Playback Singer – Shilpa Rao (Chhaliya – Jawan)
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Best Male Playback Singer – Premisthunna (Baby, Telugu)
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Best Cinematography – The Kerala Story
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Best Choreography – Dhindora Baaje Re (Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani)
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Best Makeup & Costume – Sam Bahadur
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Special Mention – Animal (Re-recording Mixer – M R Radhakrishnan)
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Best Sound Design – Animal (Hindi)
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Best Action Direction – Hanuman Man (Telugu)
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Best Lyrics – Balgam (The Group) – Telugu
Non-Feature Films
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Best Film Critic – Utpal Dutta (Assam)
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Best Documentary – God, Vulture and Human
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Best Script – Sunflower Ver – The First One To Know (Kannada)
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Best Film (Non-Feature) – Nekal: Chronicle of the Paddy Man (Malayalam), The Sea and Seven Villages (Oriya)
Why the Awards Matter
The National Film Awards are considered the highest recognition for cinematic talent in India. From mainstream Bollywood to regional gems, the awards celebrate diversity in storytelling, innovation in filmmaking, and the grit of artists who bring stories to life.
Despite the pandemic delay, the 71st edition carries the same grandeur and anticipation, cementing its place as a true celebration of India’s cinematic brilliance.