The 70th National Film Awards ceremony was held on October 25, 2024, at the National Media Center in New Delhi, marking a significant moment in Indian cinema. This prestigious event, conducted by the Directorate of Film Festivals, aims to recognize and honor outstanding contributions to the film industry, spanning various genres, languages, and artistic endeavors. The ceremony brought together an impressive array of talent, celebrating the dedication, creativity, and artistry that defines Indian filmmaking.
A Night of Honors
Best Actor: Rishab Shetty
One of the most talked-about winners of the night was Rishab Shetty, who was awarded the Best Actor for his outstanding performance in the Kannada film “Kantara.” This film, set against a picturesque rural backdrop, tells a gripping tale that intertwines myth, culture, and personal sacrifice. Rishab’s portrayal of the lead character showcased his remarkable acting skills and ability to embody complex emotions. His direction in the film also played a crucial role in its success, demonstrating his multifaceted talent.
Best Actress: Nithya Menen and Mansi Parekh
The Best Actress award was jointly awarded to Nithya Menen for her role in “Thiruchitrambalam,” and Mansi Parekh for her performance in “The Kutch Express.” Nithya’s portrayal of a woman navigating the complexities of modern relationships resonated with audiences, showcasing her depth and versatility as an actress. Mansi, on the other hand, brought to life the rich socio-cultural tapestry of Gujarat through her compelling performance, highlighting the diversity of stories in Indian cinema.
Best Feature Film: “Aattam”
The award for Best Feature Film was conferred upon the Malayalam film “Aattam.” Acclaimed for its innovative narrative and strong directorial vision, “Aattam” exemplifies the tradition of storytelling that Malayalam cinema is known for. Its unique approach captivated audiences, further solidifying Malayalam cinema’s reputation for quality filmmaking.
Best Director: Sooraj Barjatya
Sooraj Barjatya was honored with the Best Director award for his work on “Uunchai.” Known for his heartwarming narratives, Barjatya’s latest film continued his legacy of creating films that resonate with family values and emotions. His direction brought together an ensemble cast, allowing each actor to shine and contribute to a story that touched the hearts of many.
Music and Cinematography Awards
The music and cinematography categories also saw notable winners. AR Rahman received the Best Music Director (Background Music) award for his exceptional score in “Ponniyin Selvan I.” His ability to elevate the cinematic experience through music has always been celebrated, and this recognition added to his illustrious career.
The film also saw Ravi Varman awarded for Best Cinematographer, acknowledging his skillful visual storytelling that brought the lush landscapes and vibrant culture of the story to life. Anand Krishnamurthy was recognized for Best Sound Design, further highlighting the collaborative efforts that contribute to the overall impact of a film.
Celebrating Talent Across Categories
Other notable films included “KGF 2” and “Brahmastra: Part 1 – Shiva,” which were recognized for their contributions to the industry. The winners showcased the diverse talent in Indian cinema, celebrating not only established names but also emerging artists.
Arijit Singh took home the award for Best Male Playback Singer for his soulful rendition of “Kesariya” from “Brahmastra.” His ability to convey deep emotions through his music has made him a beloved figure in the industry.
The Significance of the National Film Awards
The National Film Awards play a crucial role in recognizing and promoting excellence in Indian cinema. They serve not only as a celebration of achievements but also as a platform for filmmakers, actors, and technicians to gain recognition for their hard work and creativity. The awards encourage new talent and inspire the next generation of filmmakers, ensuring that the art of storytelling continues to thrive in India.
The awards also highlight the diversity of Indian cinema, showcasing films in various languages and genres. This recognition fosters a sense of unity in the industry, bringing together people from different cultural backgrounds and encouraging collaboration across regional boundaries.
Here’s a complete table summarizing the winners of the 70th National Film Awards:
| Award | Film | Language | Awardee(s) | Cash Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Feature Film | Aattam | Malayalam | Producer: Joy Movie Productions Director: Anand Ekarshi |
₹3,00,000 each |
| Best Debut Film of a Director | Fouja | Haryanvi | Director: Pramod Kumar | ₹3,00,000 |
| Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment | Kantara | Kannada | Producer: Hombale Films Director: Rishab Shetty |
₹3,00,000 each |
| Best Film in AVGC (Best Animation Film) | Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva | Hindi | Producer: Dharma Productions, Prime Focus, Starlight Pictures Director: Ayan Mukerji |
₹3,00,000 each |
| Best Direction | Uunchai | Hindi | Sooraj R. Barjatya | ₹3,00,000 |
| Best Film in AVGC (Best Visual Effects) | Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva | Hindi | VFX Supervisors: Jaykar Arudra, Viral Thakkar, Neelesh Gore | ₹2,00,000 shared |
| Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values | Kutch Express | Gujarati | Producer: Soul Sutra Director: Viral Shah |
₹2,00,000 each |
| Best Actor in a Leading Role | Kantara | Kannada | Rishab Shetty | ₹2,00,000 |
| Best Actress in a Leading Role | Thiruchitrambalam | Tamil | Nithya Menen, Manasi Parekh | ₹2,00,000 shared |
| Best Actor in a Supporting Role | Fouja | Haryanvi | Pavan Malhotra | ₹2,00,000 |
| Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Uunchai | Hindi | Neena Gupta | ₹2,00,000 |
| Best Child Artist | Malikappuram | Malayalam | Sreepath | ₹2,00,000 |
| Best Male Playback Singer | Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva | Hindi | Arijit Singh (Song: “Kesariya”) | ₹2,00,000 |
| Best Female Playback Singer | Saudi Vellakka | Malayalam | Bombay Jayashri (Song: “Chaayum Veyil”) | ₹2,00,000 |
| Best Cinematography | Ponniyin Selvan: I | Tamil | Ravi Varman | ₹2,00,000 |
| Best Screenplay (Original) | Aattam | Malayalam | Anand Ekarshi | ₹2,00,000 |
| Best Screenplay (Dialogues) | Gulmohar | Hindi | Arpita Mukherjee, Rahul V. Chittella | ₹2,00,000 shared |
| Best Sound Design | Ponniyin Selvan: I | Tamil | Anand Krishnamoorthi | ₹2,00,000 |
| Best Editing | Aattam | Malayalam | Mahesh Bhuvanend | ₹2,00,000 |
| Best Production Design | Aparajito | Bengali | Ananda Addhya | ₹2,00,000 |
| Best Costume Design | Kutch Express | Gujarati | Niki Joshi | ₹2,00,000 |
| Best Make-up | Aparajito | Bengali | Somnath Kundu | ₹2,00,000 |
| Best Music Direction (Songs) | Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva | Hindi | Pritam | ₹2,00,000 |
| Best Music Direction (Background Music) | Ponniyin Selvan: I | Tamil | A. R. Rahman | ₹2,00,000 |
| Best Lyrics | Fouja (Song: “Salaami”) | Haryanvi | Naushad Sadar Khan | ₹2,00,000 |
| Best Choreography | Thiruchitrambalam (Song: “Megham Karukkatha”) | Tamil | Jani Master, Sathish Krishnan | ₹2,00,000 shared |
| Best Action Direction | KGF: Chapter 2 | Kannada | Anbariv | ₹2,00,000 |
| Best Assamese Feature Film | Emuthi Puthi | Assamese | Metanormal Motion Pictures Kulanandini Mahanta |
₹2,00,000 each |
| Best Bengali Feature Film | Kaberi Antardhan | Bengali | Surinder Films Kaushik Ganguly |
₹2,00,000 each |
| Best Hindi Feature Film | Gulmohar | Hindi | Star India Rahul V. Chittella |
₹2,00,000 each |
| Best Kannada Feature Film | KGF: Chapter 2 | Kannada | Hombale Films Prashanth Neel |
₹2,00,000 each |
| Best Malayalam Feature Film | Saudi Vellakka | Malayalam | Urvasi Theatres Tharun Moorthy |
₹2,00,000 each |
| Best Marathi Feature Film | Valvi | Marathi | Mayasabha Karamanuk Mandali Paresh Mokashi |
₹2,00,000 each |
| Best Odia Feature Film | Daman | Odia | JP Motion Pictures Vishal Mourya, Debi Prasad Lenka |
₹2,00,000 each |
| Best Punjabi Feature Film | Baghi Di Dhee | Punjabi | G-Next Media Mukesh Gautam |
₹2,00,000 each |
| Best Tamil Feature Film | Ponniyin Selvan: I | Tamil | Madras Talkies Mani Ratnam |
₹2,00,000 each |
| Best Telugu Feature Film | Karthikeya 2 | Telugu | Abhishek Agarwal Arts, People Media Factory Chandoo Mondeti |
₹2,00,000 each |
| Best Tiwa Feature Film | Sikaisal | Tiwa | Imaging Media Bobby Sarma Baruah |
₹2,00,000 each |
Looking Ahead: The Future of Indian Cinema
As the film industry continues to evolve, the National Film Awards serve as a reminder of the importance of storytelling. With the rise of digital platforms and changing audience preferences, filmmakers are exploring new narratives and innovative storytelling techniques. The celebration of excellence at the National Film Awards encourages this creativity, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in Indian cinema.
In conclusion, the 70th National Film Awards not only celebrated the finest achievements of the past year but also set the stage for the future of Indian cinema. The recognition of diverse talents and compelling stories reinforces the significance of cinema as a powerful medium for cultural expression and social commentary. As the industry moves forward, the spirit of creativity, collaboration, and storytelling will continue to thrive, ensuring that Indian cinema remains a vibrant and integral part of the global film landscape.