National film awards 2024: The 70th National Film Awards, one of the most prestigious accolades in Indian cinema, were announced on August 16, 2024, by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) in New Delhi.
These awards recognize and honor the best films and cinematic achievements of the year 2022. The anticipation surrounding this event was immense, especially considering the high caliber of films and performances that graced the screens in 2022.
The winners of these awards were selected from films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 and December 31, 2022. The ceremony, where the winners will be felicitated by President Droupadi Murmu, is scheduled for October 2024.
Major Award Categories and Winners
Best Feature Film: ‘Aattam’
The award for Best Feature Film, the most coveted of all categories, went to ‘Aattam’. The film, celebrated for its nuanced storytelling and remarkable direction, stood out among numerous contenders.
‘Aattam’ is a testament to the power of cinema in conveying profound human emotions and social commentary. The film’s success at the National Awards underscores its critical and cultural impact, cementing its place in Indian cinema history.
Best Debut Film of a Director: ‘Fouja’
‘Fouja’, directed by a first-time filmmaker, clinched the award for Best Debut Film of a Director. This recognition highlights the promising future of Indian cinema, with new and emerging talents bringing fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques to the forefront.
‘Fouja’ has been lauded for its unique narrative style and the director’s ability to extract powerful performances from the cast, particularly in a debut effort.
Best Direction: Sooraj R. Barjatya for ‘Uunchai’
Veteran filmmaker Sooraj R. Barjatya was awarded Best Direction for his film ‘Uunchai’. Known for his ability to craft heartwarming, family-oriented dramas, Barjatya once again demonstrated his directorial prowess with ‘Uunchai’.
The film, which resonates with audiences across generations, is a poignant exploration of friendship and the passage of time, themes that Barjatya masterfully brings to life on screen.
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: ‘Kantara’
The Kannada film ‘Kantara’, which garnered widespread acclaim for its engaging narrative and strong performances, was honored as the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
‘Kantara’ is a film that blends folklore, action, and drama to create an immersive cinematic experience. The film’s success at the National Awards is a testament to its mass appeal and the way it resonated with audiences across the country.
Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values: ‘Kutch Express’
‘Kutch Express’ was recognized as the Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values. The film, which sheds light on critical issues while weaving them into a compelling narrative, stands out for its commitment to using cinema as a tool for social change.
‘Kutch Express’ not only entertains but also educates and inspires, making it a deserving winner in this category.
Best Film in AVGC: ‘Brahmastra: Part 1 – Shiva’
In the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) category, ‘Brahmastra: Part 1 – Shiva’ emerged victorious. The film, known for its groundbreaking visual effects and ambitious storytelling, represents a significant milestone in Indian cinema’s journey toward embracing and excelling in the AVGC domain.
This award acknowledges the film’s technical brilliance and its contribution to elevating the standards of visual storytelling in India.
Acting Awards
Best Actor in a Leading Role: Rishabh Shetty for ‘Kantara’
Rishabh Shetty’s performance in ‘Kantara’ earned him the Best Actor in a Leading Role award. Shetty, who also directed the film, delivered a powerhouse performance that was both intense and deeply nuanced. His portrayal of the protagonist’s journey through myth, tradition, and modernity captivated audiences and critics alike, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Best Actress in a Leading Role: Nithya Menon for ‘Thiruchitrambhalam’ and Manasi Parekh for ‘Kutch Express’
The Best Actress in a Leading Role award was shared by two exceptional talents: Nithya Menon for ‘Thiruchitrambhalam’ and Manasi Parekh for ‘Kutch Express’. Nithya Menon’s portrayal in ‘Thiruchitrambhalam’ was a masterclass in subtlety and depth, where she brought a complex character to life with grace and authenticity. On the other hand, Manasi Parekh’s performance in ‘Kutch Express’ was powerful and emotionally charged, reflecting her dedication to her craft. Both actresses delivered performances that resonated deeply with audiences, earning them this honor.
Best Supporting Actor: Pavan Raj Malhotra for ‘Fouja’
Pavan Raj Malhotra was awarded Best Supporting Actor for his role in ‘Fouja’. Malhotra’s performance was a standout, providing depth and dimension to the film’s narrative. His ability to portray complex emotions with subtlety and precision made his performance unforgettable and earned him well-deserved recognition.
Best Supporting Actress: Neena Gupta for ‘Uunchai’
Veteran actress Neena Gupta won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in ‘Uunchai’. Gupta’s performance was a blend of strength, vulnerability, and wisdom, perfectly complementing the film’s themes. Her portrayal added significant emotional weight to the film, making her a deserving winner in this category.
Best Child Artist: Sreepath for ‘Malikappuram’
Sreepath, the young talent from ‘Malikappuram’, was recognized as the Best Child Artist. His performance, marked by innocence and authenticity, captured the hearts of the audience and showcased his potential as a future star in Indian cinema.
Technical and Creative Awards
Best Cinematography: Ravi Varmam for ‘Ponniyin Selvan 1’
Ravi Varmam’s exceptional work in ‘Ponniyin Selvan 1’ earned him the award for Best Cinematography. The film, which is a visual masterpiece, owes much of its grandeur to Varmam’s ability to capture stunning landscapes and intricate details, bringing the historical epic to life in a truly spectacular way.
Best Screenplay: Anand Ekarshi for ‘Aattam’
Anand Ekarshi was honored with the Best Screenplay award for ‘Aattam’. His screenplay, which skillfully weaves together complex characters and a compelling plot, was instrumental in making ‘Aattam’ the critically acclaimed film it is. Ekarshi’s writing is a testament to the power of a well-crafted script in elevating a film’s impact.
Best Dialogue Writer: Arpita Mukherjee and Rahul V. Chittela for ‘Gulmohar’
The duo of Arpita Mukherjee and Rahul V. Chittela won the Best Dialogue Writer award for their work in ‘Gulmohar’. Their dialogues, which are both poignant and realistic, added layers of depth to the film’s narrative and resonated strongly with the audience.
Best Production Design: Ananda Addhya for ‘Aparajito’
Ananda Addhya’s outstanding production design for ‘Aparajito’ earned him the Best Production Design award. His work in recreating the period setting and attention to detail played a crucial role in immersing the audience in the film’s world.
Best Action Choreography: Anbariv for ‘KGF – Chapter 2’
Anbariv, the action choreography duo, was awarded Best Action Choreography for their work in ‘KGF – Chapter 2’. The film’s high-octane action sequences, which were both visually spectacular and narratively integral, set a new standard for action choreography in Indian cinema.
Best Make-Up Artist: Somnath Kundu for ‘Aparajito’
Somnath Kundu’s work in ‘Aparajito’ earned him the Best Make-Up Artist award. His ability to transform actors into their characters with incredible precision and artistry was key to the film’s success in portraying its historical setting.
Best Costume Design: Niki Joshi for ‘Kutch Express’
Niki Joshi was recognized with the Best Costume Design award for her work in ‘Kutch Express’. Joshi’s costumes, which were authentic and reflective of the film’s cultural setting, contributed significantly to the film’s visual storytelling.
Music and Sound
Best Music Direction for Songs: Pritam for ‘Brahmastra: Part 1 – Shiva’
Pritam won the award for Best Music Direction for Songs for his work in ‘Brahmastra: Part 1 – Shiva’. The film’s soundtrack, which was both innovative and memorable, played a crucial role in enhancing the film’s narrative and emotional impact.
Best Music Direction for Background Scores: A.R. Rahman for ‘Ponniyin Selvan 2’
A.R. Rahman, the legendary composer, was awarded Best Music Direction for Background Scores for ‘Ponniyin Selvan 2’. Rahman’s score, which beautifully complemented the film’s epic scale and emotional depth, was a key factor in its success.
Best Lyrics: Naushad Sadar Khan for ‘Salaami’ in ‘Fouja’
Naushad Sadar Khan’s poignant lyrics for the song ‘Salaami’ in ‘Fouja’ earned him the Best Lyrics award. His words, which captured the essence of the film’s themes, resonated deeply with listeners.
Best Male Playback Singer: Arijit Singh for ‘Kesariya’ from ‘Brahmastra: Part 1 – Shiva’
Arijit Singh, one of India’s most beloved playback singers, was awarded Best Male Playback Singer for his rendition of ‘Kesariya’ in ‘Brahmastra: Part 1 – Shiva’. Singh’s soulful voice brought a special magic to the song, making it an instant hit.
Best Female Playback Singer: Bombay Jayashri for ‘Chaayum Veyil’ from ‘Saudi Vellakka’
Bombay Jayashri’s ethereal rendition of ‘Chaayum Veyil’ in ‘Saudi Vellakka’ won her the Best Female Playback Singer award. Her voice, with its classical richness, added an unforgettable layer of emotion to the song.
Special Jury Awards and Regional Cinema
Special Jury Award: Manoj Bajpayee for ‘Gulmohar’ and Sanjoy Chowdhury for ‘Kadhikan’
Manoj Bajpayee was honored with a Special Jury Award for his performance in ‘Gulmohar’. Bajpayee, known for his versatility, delivered a performance that was both powerful and nuanced, reaffirming his status as one of India’s finest actors.
Sanjoy Chowdhury was also recognized with a Special Jury Award for his outstanding contribution to ‘Kadhikan’, showcasing his expertise in sound design.
Best Feature Films in Regional Languages
The National Film Awards also celebrated the diversity of Indian cinema by recognizing the best films in various regional languages. ‘Emuthi Puthi’ by Kulanandini Mahanta won Best Feature Film in Assamese, while ‘Kaberi Antardhan’ by Kaushik Ganguly was awarded Best Feature Film in Bengali.
‘Gulmohar’ by Rahul V. Chittella took home the award for Best Feature Film in Hindi, and ‘KGF – Chapter 2’ by Prashanth Neel was honored as the Best Feature Film in Kannada. In the Malayalam category, ‘Saudi Vellakka’ by Tharun Moorthy was recognized as the Best Feature Film.
Conclusion
The 70th National Film Awards were a celebration of the incredible talent and creativity that define Indian cinema. The winners, representing a diverse range of languages, genres, and styles, showcased the richness of Indian filmmaking.
From powerful performances to technical brilliance, the 2022 films have left an indelible mark on audiences and critics alike.
The awards serve as a testament to the enduring power of cinema to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought, as well as to the ever-evolving landscape of Indian filmmaking. The upcoming ceremony in October 2024, where these talents will be celebrated, promises to be a fitting tribute to the best of Indian cinema.