The 71st National Film Awards 2025 turned into a historic evening at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, as President Droupadi Murmu honoured India’s finest talent. The spotlight was on Shah Rukh Khan, who after more than 30 years in cinema, finally received his first-ever National Award for Best Actor for Jawan. He shared the honour with Vikrant Massey, celebrated for 12th Fail.

Rani Mukerji bagged Best Actress for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, while Malayalam legend Mohanlal received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in Indian cinema.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail won Best Feature Film, while Sudipto Sen’s The Kerala Story earned him Best Director. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani was recognised as Best Film for Wholesome Entertainment, and Sam Bahadur won for promoting national and social values.

Regional cinema shone bright with Parking (Best Tamil Film), Bhagavanth Kesari (Best Telugu Film), Shyamchi Aai (Best Marathi Film), and Ullozhukku (Best Malayalam Film). Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal received awards for sound design and special mention.

The night also saw wins for Kathal (Best Hindi Film), Shilpa Rao (Best Female Playback Singer for Jawan), and Manoj Bajpayee’s Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai (Best Dialogue).