The 72nd National Film Awards, announced on July 18, 2026, celebrated the best of Indian cinema from the previous year. While the awards recognize a wide range of achievements, from direction and acting to music and editing, a few films and performances stood out, each with its own unique story and significance. In this article, I'll delve into some of the most notable winners and runners-up, exploring what makes them special and why they deserve recognition. But first, let's set the stage with a quick recap of the winners and their achievements.
A Celebration of Indian Cinema
The National Film Awards are a prestigious event, honoring films that received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in the previous year. The awards are a testament to the diverse and vibrant nature of Indian cinema, with films from various languages and genres represented. This year's winners showcase the depth and breadth of Indian storytelling, from epic action adventures to thought-provoking dramas and captivating thrillers.
Mammootty, Kartik Aaryan, and Yami Gautam: Acting Honors
The acting honors went to three exceptional performers: Mammootty, Kartik Aaryan, and Yami Gautam. Mammootty, a veteran actor known for his versatile roles, won his fourth National Film Award for his performance in the Malayalam film "Bramayugam." This marks a significant achievement, considering he previously won for "Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha" and "Mathilukal" (1989), "Ponthan Mada" and "Vidheyan" (1994), and "Dr. Ambedkar" (1999).
Kartik Aaryan, who has been making waves in Bollywood with his leading roles, won for his performance in the Hindi film "Chandu Champion." This is a testament to his growing popularity and the critical acclaim he has received for his work.
Yami Gautam, known for her roles in films like "Badla" and "Bala," won the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in the political action-thriller "Article 370." This is a significant achievement, considering the film's critical and commercial success.
Article 370: A Film with a Message
"Article 370" won multiple awards, including Best Feature Film. Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale and produced by Aditya Dhar, the film tells a fictional story of covert operations set against the backdrop of the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019. The film's success lies not only in its gripping narrative but also in its ability to spark important conversations about politics and society.
What makes "Article 370" particularly fascinating is its ability to blend entertainment with a strong message. The film's fictional story is rooted in real-world events, making it a thought-provoking watch. It raises a deeper question about the role of cinema in shaping public opinion and the responsibility of filmmakers to address important issues.
Kalki 2898 AD: A Star-Studded Sci-Fi Adventure
Nag Ashwin’s "Kalki 2898 AD" won the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The star-studded cast includes Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani. The film is a mythological sci-fi actioner that combines thrilling action sequences with a compelling narrative.
One thing that immediately stands out is the film's ability to bring together a diverse cast of actors from different generations and genres. The film's success lies in its ability to create a cohesive and engaging story that appeals to a wide audience.
Amaran: A Tribute to a Real-Life Hero
The Tamil film "Amaran" won the award for Best Direction, with Rajkumar Periyasamy taking home the honors. The film tells the story of Major Mukund Varadarajan, a real-life hero who prioritized his team's safety and well-being. The film's success lies in its ability to pay tribute to a true hero while also delivering a compelling narrative.
What many people don't realize is that the film's impact extends beyond its entertainment value. "Amaran" serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers and the importance of recognizing their contributions. It raises a deeper question about the role of cinema in honoring and remembering the heroes who serve our country.
Swatantrya Veer Savarkar: A Director's Debut
Randeep Hooda’s "Swatantrya Veer Savarkar" received the honor for Best Debut Film of a director. The biographical drama tells the story of Hindutva idealogue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, exploring his early revolutionary activities and the torture he faced at the cellular jail. The film marks Hooda’s directorial debut, and he also plays the titular role.
If you take a step back and think about it, "Swatantrya Veer Savarkar" is a significant achievement for Randeep Hooda. The film's success lies in its ability to tell a complex and often misunderstood story with sensitivity and authenticity. It raises a deeper question about the role of cinema in preserving and sharing historical narratives.
Dhanush: A Special Mention for Excellence
Tamil actor-filmmaker Dhanush got a special mention for his performance in the historical actioner "Captain Miller." Dhanush had previously won the Best Actor award for "Aadukalam" (2011) and "Asuran" (2019).
What this really suggests is that Dhanush is a versatile and talented actor who can deliver compelling performances in a wide range of genres. His ability to take on challenging roles and deliver critically acclaimed performances is a testament to his skill and dedication.
Pushpa 2: The Rule: A Double Win
Allu Arjun’s "Pushpa 2: The Rule," directed by Sukumar, won two awards. Deepali Noor & Sheetal Sharma won the Best Costume Designer Award, and Sukumar was adjudged the winner in the Best Screenplay section.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the film's ability to build upon the success of its predecessor while also introducing new elements. "Pushpa 2: The Rule" is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of maintaining a consistent vision throughout a film series.
Sanjay Mishra: A Loyal and Seasoned Cameraman
Actor Sanjay Mishra bagged the honor of Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Bhakshak." In the film, he plays a loyal and seasoned cameraman working alongside investigative journalist Vaishali Singh (Bhumi Pednekar).
What makes this particularly fascinating is the film's exploration of the often-overlooked role of the cameraman in journalism. The film raises a deeper question about the importance of visual storytelling and the role of the cameraman in capturing the truth. It also highlights the importance of supporting roles in cinema, which often go unnoticed.
A Celebration of Diversity and Excellence
The 72nd National Film Awards are a celebration of diversity and excellence in Indian cinema. The winners and runners-up showcase the depth and breadth of Indian storytelling, from epic action adventures to thought-provoking dramas and captivating thrillers. Each film and performance has its own unique story and significance, making them worthy of recognition.
In my opinion, the awards serve as a reminder of the power of cinema to entertain, educate, and inspire. They also highlight the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse voices and perspectives that make up the rich tapestry of Indian cinema. As we look forward to the future of Indian cinema, let's continue to support and celebrate the artists and filmmakers who push the boundaries of storytelling and innovation.
