- By Swati Singh
- Thu, 31 Jul 2025 07:36 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The annual schedule of the National Film Awards were delayed due to the pandemic. As a result, the 2023 awards honoured films from 2022 and this year's ceremony will recognise movies released in 2023. Although the exact date for the 71st National Film Awards announcement hasn't been confirmed, a report from Bollywood Hungama suggests it might happen within the next 48 hours. Vikrant Massey and Rani Mukerji are reportedly leading contenders for Best Actor and Best Actress awards for their performances in 12th Fail and Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, respectively. However, the official confirmation is yet awaited.
According to Bollywood Hungama, a source said, "Vikrant Massey’s performance in 12th Fail is getting him the National Award. It is final. For the National Award for Best Actress, Rani Mukerji is a very strong contender. There are two actresses from the South also in the reckoning. But for Best Actor, it is Vikrant."
About 12th Fail
The film 12th Fail was released on October 27, 2023 and became a sleeper hit, earning over Rs 69 crore worldwide on a budget of Rs 20 crore. It received widespread critical acclaim and won five awards at the 69th Filmfare Awards, including Best Film, Best Director and Best Actor (Critics) for Vikrant Massey's performance.
12th Fail is based on the 2019 eponymous non-fiction book by Anurag Pathak about Manoj Kumar Sharma who became an IPS officer amid overcoming extreme poverty.
About Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway
Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway is a 2023 Indian legal drama film starring Rani Mukerji, Anirban Bhattacharya, Neena Gupta and Jim Sarbh. Directed by Ashima Chibber, the film is based on the true story of an Indian couple who faced a custody battle with Norwegian authorities in 2011. Released on March 17, 2023, the film received positive reviews from both critics and audiences, with Rani Mukerji earning widespread acclaim for her performance. She also won Best Actress awards at major ceremonies, solidifying her impressive portrayal in the film.
On the professional front, Rani Mukerji has Mardaani 3 and King in the pipeline. On the other hand, Vikrant Massey has Romeo, Yaar Jigri and Talaakhon Mein Ek in his pipeline.