• Source:JND
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Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery (2023) is one of the most critically acclaimed and audience-loved films. Produced by Ekta Kapoor, Guneet Monga, Achin Jain, and Shobha Kapoor, the comedy-crime drama was directed by Yashowardhan Mishra. Today, at the 71st National Film Awards, which honored cinematic excellence in India for the year 2023, the film bagged a major win. Kathal won the National Award for Best Hindi Feature Film, marking a big and important win for its unique storytelling, social commentary, and fresh narrative style.

Ekta Kapoor expressed her gratitude after the win, saying, “I'm thankful to the jury for this great honour. It is incredibly reaffirming to be recognised for the work we do and the stories we choose to tell. I am grateful to have found collaborators in Guneet Monga, Achin Jain, Balaji and Netflix. I share this award with my wonderful cast and crew who shaped the film in myriad ways.”

Guneet Monga said, "Every time a story from the heart of India is honoured, it’s a win for every voice that deserves to be heard. We are incredibly honoured to receive the Best Hindi Film award for Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery at the 71st National Film Awards. Grateful beyond words for this recognition. A heartfelt congratulations to our brilliant director Yashowardhan Mishra, and his co-writer Ashok Mishra, for crafting a story that is sharp, original, and deeply human."

"Huge thanks to our producing partners Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor at Balaji Telefilms, and the entire team Sikhya Entertainment. Immense gratitude for our trusted platform partner Netflix India and the incredible Monika Shergill, Ruchika Kapoor Sheikh. Shout out to Pratiksha Rao and Ankita Singh who started this journey. Kathal wouldn’t have been possible without the unconditional support of this incredible team, this journey wouldn’t have been possible without your belief and support. And to Sanya Malhotra, your performance as Mahima was both powerful and full of heart. You brought Mahima to life with such nuance, warmth and unwavering strength, dil jeet liya! Thank you for leading this story with such grace, authenticity and quiet power," she further added.

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Set and shot entirely in the culturally rich state of Madhya Pradesh, Kathal is a satirical tale rooted in the everyday, a reminder that truth often hides in the most unexpected places. This win is for every storyteller who dares to look closer and tell stories that matter.