The 70th National Film Awards have been announced, and this year, the South Indian film industry has made a significant impact. The awards, which honor the best films of 2022, have seen remarkable achievements across various categories. From the best actor to the best film, the winners represent the diversity and talent within Indian cinema. Let’s take a closer look at the key winners and their contributions.
The Big Winners of the Night
Best Feature Film
The prestigious award for Best Feature Film went to the Malayalam movie Attam. This film has been recognized for its storytelling, direction, and overall impact, making it a standout in a competitive field.
Best Actor
Rishab Shetty, the star of Kantara, won the Best Actor award. His performance in the film captivated audiences and critics alike, earning him this well-deserved honor.
Best Actress
The Best Actress award was shared by two exceptional talents, Nithya Menen and Mansi Parekh, who both delivered outstanding performances in their respective films.
Best Director
Veteran filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya was honored with the Best Director award for his masterful direction, continuing his legacy in Indian cinema.
Best Supporting Actress
Neena Gupta, an actress known for her versatility, won the Best Supporting Actress award, adding another accolade to her illustrious career.
Best Supporting Actor
Pavan Malhotra, recognized for his powerful performances, took home the Best Supporting Actor award.
Regional Cinema Shines Bright
This year’s awards highlighted the incredible talent in regional cinema. KGF: Chapter 2 was awarded Best Kannada Film, while Karthikeya 2 won Best Telugu Film. Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1, a Tamil epic, was recognized as the Best Tamil Film. These films not only resonated with regional audiences but also gained national recognition.
Best Hindi Film
In the Hindi film category, Gulmohar, starring Sharmila Tagore and Manoj Bajpayee, was awarded Best Hindi Film. The film’s narrative and performances were widely praised, making it a worthy recipient.
Special Mentions and Notable Wins
Gulmohar also earned special mentions for Manoj Bajpayee and Sanjay Salil Chaudhary, recognizing their contributions to the film. The Best Action Direction award went to KGF: Chapter 2, further solidifying its status as a major cinematic achievement. In addition to these categories, there were several other notable wins
- Best Choreography: Thiruchitrambalam
- Best Lyrics: Fauja
- Best Music Direction: Pritam (Songs), A.R. Rahman (Background Score)
- Best Makeup: Aparajito
- Best Costume: Kachcha Express
- Best Production Design: Aparajito
- Best Editing: Attam
- Best Sound Design: Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1
- Best Screenplay: Attam
- Best Dialogues: Gulmohar
- Best Cinematography: Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1
- Best Female Playback Singer: Saudi Vellakka
- Best Male Playback Singer: Brahmastra
Acknowledging Excellence in Non-Feature Films
The National Film Awards also celebrate excellence in non-feature films. This year, Aayena was awarded Best Non-Feature Film, while Madhyantar won Best Debut Film. The Best Short Film award was given to Shunyota, and The Coconut Tree won Best Animated Film.
The Legacy of the National Film Awards
The National Film Awards, established in 1954, are the most prestigious awards in Indian cinema. They honor the best in both feature and non-feature films, recognizing talent across the diverse landscape of Indian cinema. The awards are divided into two main categories: The Golden Lotus (Swarn Kamal) and the Silver Lotus (Rajat Kamal), with winners receiving not only recognition but also prize money.
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Positive Takeaway
The 70th National Film Awards have once again highlighted the richness of Indian cinema. From regional films to mainstream blockbusters, the awards have celebrated the diversity, creativity, and talent that define the industry. As the winners are honored by the President of India, Draupadi Murmu, the 2024 National Film Awards stand as a testament to the power of storytelling in Indian cinema.
