71st National Film Awards: Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Vikrant Massey Shine as Mohanlal Receives Highest Honor

71st National Film Awards: The moment the Indian film industry and fans across the globe were waiting for has arrived. In a star-studded ceremony at New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhavan, the 71st National Film Awards honored the finest cinematic achievements of 2023, creating a wave of excitement and celebration.The prestigious event saw President Droupadi Murmu presenting the awards, with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, acclaimed actress Rani Mukerji, and versatile actor Vikrant Massey taking home top acting honors.

The big winner of the night was the Vidhu Vinod Chopra-directed “12th Fail,” which not only won the coveted award for Best Feature Film but also earned Vikrant Massey a Best Actor award for his soul-stirring performance.Sharing the Best Actor accolade was Shah Rukh Khan for his explosive dual role in the blockbuster “Jawan,” marking a monumental first National Award for the beloved “King Khan.”His win was met with thunderous applause, affirming his status as a superstar who can master any character, from romantic hero to action powerhouse.

Adding to the emotional highlights, the legendary Malayalam actor Mohanlal was bestowed with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honor in Indian cinema, for his lifetime of extraordinary contributions. With a career spanning over four decades and more than 400 films, Mohanlal’s unparalleled talent has graced not only Malayalam cinema but also Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films.

Rani Mukerji won the Best Actress award for her powerful and moving portrayal of a mother’s fight against a nation in “Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway.” Her compelling performance has been widely praised, and the National Award is a testament to her incredible acting prowess.

The event was a glamorous affair, with Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji seen seated together. Khan looked dapper in an all-black ensemble, while Mukerji was radiant in a brown saree.

A Celebration of Diverse Cinema and Technical Brilliance

The 71st National Film Awards celebrated a wide spectrum of films, from mainstream hits to regional gems. Karan Johar’s “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” was named the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, while Sudipto Sen won Best Direction for “The Kerala Story.”

The awards also recognized outstanding technical achievements. The action-packed Telugu film “Hanu-Man” won for Best Action Direction, and the Hindi blockbuster “Animal” took home awards for Best Sound Design and a Special Mention for its re-recording mixer.The vibrant choreography of “Dhindora Baje Re” from “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” earned Vaibhavi Merchant the award for Best Choreography.

Complete List of Major Winners at the 71st National Film Awards:

Best Sound Design: Animal (Hindi)

Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Mohanlal

Best Feature Film: 12th Fail

Best Actor: Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)

Best Actress: Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway)

Best Direction: Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story)

Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery

Best Female Playback Singer: Shilpa Rao (Chaleya – Jawan)

Best Action Direction: Hanuman (Telugu)

Best Cinematography: The Kerala Story