71st National Film Awards 2025 Updates: Highlights

Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra got the National Award for his film 12th Fail, starring Vikrant Massey, at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony. And the first thing he did after that was go and meet BJP veteran LK Advani. His wife and critic Anupama Chopra shared images from the meeting on her Instagram, revealing that Vidhu Vinod got his first National Award from LK Advani and wrote, "In 1977 when VVC won his first National Award for his FTII diploma film Murder at Monkey Hill, Shri L.K Advani who was then I & B minister presented it to him. Today, after winning his 6th and 7th National Awards for 12th Fail, we first went to seek his blessings. It was a very emotional moment. What a journey!"

Actor Sreeleela is living the dream as Bhagavanth Kesari received the Best Telugu Film award at the 71st National Film Awards. Taking to Instagram, Sreeleela poured her heart out in gratitude and wrote, "Absolutely grateful Thank you so much. Closest to my heart closer to y'all #bhagavanthkesari @anilravipudi @balakrishna_nandamuri @shinescreenscinema @kajalaggarwalofficial."

Malayalam cinema legend Mohanlal received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honor in Indian cinema, at the 71st National Film Awards 2025 on September 23. One of the most memorable moments of the evening was when Mohanlal shared a warm hug with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Sharing the photos, a fan wrtote, "When Legends Cross Paths. The National Award ceremony turned even more iconic when three powerhouses of Indian cinema — Shah Rukh Khan, Mohanlal and Rani Mukerji— came together in one frame."

Veteran actress Urvashi celebrated her longtime co-star Mohanlal on being honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 71st National Film Awards. She shared in an interview with Mathrubhumi English, that she is "very happy — the happiest news I’ve heard in this century," and added that while one might say the award came "late," she prefers not to put it that way. Instead, she expressed belief that many more awards still lie ahead for him. Urvashi also reflected on their shared moments on sets over the years, saying memories with someone of his calibre become even more special now. She called this perhaps the "biggest honour received by Kerala."

"This award is also a tribute to all the mothers around the world - their strength, courage and unconditional love. Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway is a story that moved me deeply because it captures the unbreakable spirit of an immigrant mother, fighting against all odds in a foreign land to protect her child. As a mother myself, this role was incredibly personal. Through this film, we tried to honour the spirit of motherhood and I hope it serves as a reminder of the quiet power women carry within them every single day," shared the National Film Awards winner Rani Mukerji.

Rani Mukerji added in her note, "I share this award with my brilliant director Ashima, my producers Nikkhil, Monisha, Madhu, and everyone at Zee who brought this film together. Above all, I thank my entire cast and crew from Estonia and India without whom this film could not have been made, especially during the challenges of the COVID period. The entire team of Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway poured their hearts into this powerful story, and I’m deeply grateful to each one of them. A heartfelt thank you to the esteemed National Award jury for recognising our work. This film, and this moment, will always hold a special place in my heart."

In a statement, National Film winner Rani Mukerji shared, "I'm truly overwhelmed to receive my first National Award in my 30-year journey as an actor. This honour means the world to me, and I want to dedicate it to my late father, who always dreamt of this moment for me. I miss him deeply today, and I know it’s his blessing and my mother’s constant strength and inspiration that guided me through the role of Mrs. Chatterjee. To my incredible fans, thank you for being by my side through every high and low. Your unwavering love and support has been my greatest motivation. I know how much this award means to all of you, and it brings me immense joy and happiness to see how happy you are."

A photo from the big night at the Rashtrapati Bhavan shows Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji and Karan Johar enjoying a meal together. The stars can be seen sitting at a "RESERVED" table, and are their guards around them.

Shah Rukh Khan's IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders' Instagram page shared a clip from the National Film Awards ceremony and wrote, "𝘐𝘵𝘯𝘪 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘶𝘮𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘢𝘯𝘦 𝘬𝘪 𝘬𝘰𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘬𝘪 𝘩𝘢𝘪, 𝘬𝘪 𝘩𝘢𝘳 𝘻𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘫𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘶𝘮𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘦 𝘬𝘪 𝘴𝘢𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘬𝘪 𝘩𝘢𝘪”. You didn’t just say it. You meant it, you lived it! @iamsrk, your first National Award is a moment for history, and your Knight Riders couldn’t be prouder. To our heartbeat, our boss man, our 12th man, our forever King—this one’s as special as you are."

Actor Rani Mukerji was seen dressed in a Sabyasachi Saree at the 71st National Film Awards. But the highlight of Rani Mukerji’s looks, was a gold chain which carried the alphabet initials charms of her daughter, Adira’s name. The personal touch in Rani’s style resonates with the character of her movie, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway which won her the prestigious award.

At the National Awards event, Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji were captured in a few candid moments. More than the award ceremony, fans were excited to see this hit on-screen couple together. Shah Rukh and Rani also shared a great bond off screen and it was quite visible at the grand event. READ MORE

After winning the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, Karan Johar took to Instagram and wrote, "So humbled and honoured to win the most POPULAR FILM PROVIDING WHOLESOME ENTERTAINMENT at the NATIONAL AWARDS @mib_india #71stnationalfilmawards .. Apoorva @apoorva1972 and I are deeply grateful to our entire family @dharmamovies for being our soul and spine…. So emotional to win in the same year as Rani and Bhai @iamsrk ( missed taking a photo with him ) … thank you all for all the love to our film #rockyaurranikipremkahani and @ranveersingh and @aliaabhatt I just have to say … Karan Johar this side and I am a fragile today… thanks to the love and recognition."

Suhana Khan took to Instagram and wrote, "You always said you never win the silver, only lose the gold but This Silver is Gold...Our hearts are so happy seeing you receive the prestigious National Award, Congratulations papa we love you."

After receiving the National Awards, GV Prakash Kumar took to X and wrote, "Thank you all. grateful. 71st national awards. Best music director. thank you all."

Shah Rukh Khan's wife Gauri Khan took to Instagram and wrote, "What a journey it’s been @iamsrk. Congratulations on winning the National Award!!! So deserving… it’s a result of your years of hard work and dedication. Now I’m designing a special mantle for this award."

During his acceptance speech, Mohanlal said, “It is with profound pride and gratitude that I stand before you today, having received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, an honour instituted by the Government of India in the name of the Father of Indian Cinema. As a representative of the Malayalam film industry, I am deeply humbled to be the youngest recipient, and only the second ever from my state, to be bestowed with this national recognition.”

He continued, “This moment is not mine alone. It belongs to the entire Malayalam cinema fraternity. I see this award as a collective tribute to our industry’s legacy, creativity, and resilience. When I first received the news from the Centre, I was overwhelmed not merely by the honour, but by the privilege of being chosen to carry forward the voice of our cinematic tradition. I believe this is destiny’s gentle hand, allowing me to accept this award on behalf of all those who shaped Malayalam cinema with their vision and artistry. To be honest, I never dared to dream of this moment, not even in my wildest dreams. And so, this is not a dream come true; it is something far greater. It is magical and sacred. It roots me more deeply in gratitude and responsibility. I accept this award as the blessing of my forerunners, the legendary masters of Malayalam cinema, past and present. I dedicate it to them, to the vibrant Malayalam film industry, and to the discerning, intelligent audience of Kerala, who have nurtured our art with love and insight.”

The actor concluded, “As Kumaran Asan, the great poet, reformer, and philosopher, once noted in Veena Poovu: ‘This flower did not merely fall into the dust; it reaped a life of beauty.’ Let this moment be a tribute to all those who bloomed with brilliance and faded with grace, leaving behind a fragrance that continues to inspire. As an actor and film personality, this honour strengthens my resolve. It deepens my commitment to cinema. And I pledge to continue my journey with renewed sincerity, passion, and purpose. Cinema is the heartbeat of my soul. Jai Hind.”

Speaking at Vigyan Bhawan after acception the Dadasaheb Phalke honour, Mohanlal called the honour 'sacred'. "It is not a dream come true, but something far greater. Its magical, its sacred," he said.

Shilpa Rao deicates her National Award win to hometown. She won the award for Best Playback Singer for Jawan's Chaleya. “This win is not my own. The National Award belongs to all those who stood by me, and to Jamshedpur, my hometown that shaped me and continues to be my anchor,” she said in a statement.

Shilpa Rao dedicates National Award to her hometown. She won the award for Best Playback Singer for Jawan's Chaleya. “This win is not my own. The National Award belongs to all those who stood by me, and to Jamshedpur, my hometown that shaped me and continues to be my anchor”.

While Gauri Khan was not seen with Shah Rukh Khan at the National Award ceremony, she shared a congratulatory note for him on X, "What a journey it’s been @iamsrk. Congratulations on winning the National Award!!! So deserving… it’s a result of your years of hardwork and dedication. Now I’m designing a special mantle for this award."

Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey shared the Best Actor in a Lead Role award at the National Film Awards. They were honoured by Rajat Kamal and Rs 2 lakh cash prize, which will be shared between the two actors.

"To be honoured with a National Award is a moment I will cherish for a lifetime," said Shah Rukh Khan after receiving his first National Award from President Murmu at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi today.

Actor Mohanlal was the 2023 recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award during the 71st National Film Awards. He thanked the Malayalam industry and his fans for all their support and dedicated the award to them.

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Actor Shah Rukh Khan received the National Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his work in the film Jawan (2023).

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The Honourable President of India Droupadi Murmu congratulates the winners of the night. She specifically addressed Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient Mohanlal and thanked him for his contributions to Indian cinema.

After winning the Dadsaheb Phalke Award, actor Mohanlal took to the stage of the 71st National Film Awards and said, "This moment is not my alone, this belongs to the whole Malayalam industry. I never dreamed of this day coming true and I accept this award on behalf of the forerunners of our industry and our fans." He also thanked the members of the jury and the Government of India before concluding with, "Cinema is the heart of my soul."

Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient for 2023 Mohanlal was honoured further by the members of the jury with a special short film dedicated to his career.

Legendary director and actor Mohanlal wins the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award for the year 2023.

The Vidhu Vinod Chopra directorial 12th Fail, starring actor Vikrant Massey won the award for Best Film at 71st National Awards.