71st National Film Awards 2025 Highlights: Shah Rukh Khan-Vikrant Massey Win Best Actor Award; Malayalam Star Mohanlal Bags Dadasaheb Phalke Award

President Droupadi Murmu congratulated the winners at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony, held on Tuesday at Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi. She concluded the event with an inspiring speech, delivering a message on promoting greater social good through cinema and art.

LIVE: President Droupadi Murmu’s address at the presentation of 71st National Film Awards at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi https://t.co/WGRCiYzufP

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 23, 2025

President Droupadi Murmu extended her congratulations to all the evening's award recipients, with a special acknowledgment to Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner Mohanlal, whom she thanked for his significant contributions to Indian cinema.

Sudipto Sen honoured with the Best Director award at the 71st National Film Awards for the film 'The Kerala Story'. The movie starred Adah Sharma in lead role and did significantly good at the box office.

Mohanlal, the "complete actor," dedicated his Dadasaheb Phalke Award to the Malayalam film industry. In an emotional acceptance speech, he called the moment "magical" and expressed gratitude for the prestigious honor. He proudly noted that he is the youngest Malayali and only the second person from the industry to receive the award. Following his speech, a video showcasing his significant contributions to cinema was played.

Standing Ovation for #Mohanlal♥️pic.twitter.com/fNO4BVPxjE

— Raghavendra (@SRaghavendra87) September 23, 2025

At the 71st National Film Awards Malayalam superstar Mohanlal was honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023 by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. The 'complete actor' received a standing ovation and cheers from everyone present, including Shah Rukh Khan, as he was recognised for his iconic contribution to the film industry with the lifetime achievement award.

Karan Johar wins the third consecutive honour for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The movie starred Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in lead roles and was praised for its strong screen presence and powerful storyline.

Shah Rukh Khanwins the Best Actor National Film Award for the very first time for his performance in the movie, Jawan. Additonally, Vikrant Massey was also honoured with the same title for his performance in 12th Fail.

Rani Mukerji bags the title of Best Actress for her powerful performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. The legal drama also starred Neena Gupta and Jim Sarbh in key roles. 

Vicky Kaushal starrer Sam Bahadur gets three awards at the 71st National Film Awards. The awards received for  Best Make-Up, Best Costume Design and Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values. Sachin, Divya, Meghna Gulzar and Nidhhi received the award.

Singer Shilpa Rao bags the title for the Best Female Playback Singer National Award for the song Chaleya. The song is from Jawan movie which starred Shah Rukh Khan and Nayanthara in lead roles.

Vaibhavi Merchant honoured for Best Choregraphy for the song Dindhora Baje Re in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji were seen clicking her pictures and cheering her. The movie featured Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in lead roles.

Gujarati horror movie Vash received Award in the category of The Best Gujarati Film. The director and producer Kalpesh Soni of the movie were honoured. The movie starred Janki Bodiwala in the lead role.

Tamil movie Vaathi wins the Best Music Direction award. The award was given to GV Prakash Kumar. The movie starred Dhanush and Samyuktha in lead roles.

Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery movie starring Sanya Malhotra in the lead role was honoured with the Best Hindi Film Award at the 71st National Film Award ceremony. The movie was produced by Ekta Kapoor and also featured Anant Joshi in key roles.

Punjabi movie Godday Godday Chaa received the Best Punjabi Film Award at the 71st National Film Award ceremony. The movie starred  Sonam Bajwa in the lead role.

MR Rajakrishnan received a special mention in the Best Feature Film category for the movie Animal. The 2023 movie was directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and featured Ranbir Kapoor and Anil Kapoor in lead roles.

Malayalam movie titled Nekal – Chronicle of The Paddy Man honoured with a Special Mention in the Non-Feature Films category at the 71st National Awards. The 42-minute movie revolves around the life and legacy of Wayanad-based tribal farmer and Padma Shri awardee winner Cheruvayal Raman.

During the National Film Awards, Shah Rukh Khan was honored as the 'king of arts.' Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, remarked on Khan's remarkable journey, stating, "His journey from Delhi theatre to global stardom is a story in itself."

Ronnie Screwvala extended his congratulations to actor Mohanlal on receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke honour during the National Award ceremony red carpet. Screwvala's production house, RSVP, is set to receive multiple awards for their films Sam Bahadur and Ullozhukka. Sam Bahadur has been recognized in the categories of Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values, Best Makeup, and Best Costume Design. Meanwhile, Ullozhukka will be awarded for Best Malayalam Movie.

Rani Mukerji looks absolutely elegant in a brown coloured saree. She is set to receive her maiden National award win for th movie Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. The movie was released in March 2023 and has received immense love for strong screen presence and powerful performance. 

The President of India Draupadi Murumu has arrived at the venue. The much anticipated event has finally begun with the National Anthem of India. 

Filmmaker Ekta Kapoor arrived at Vigyan Bhawan for the honour of Best Hindi Film, Kathal. The movie features Sanya Malhotra in lead role and received love form the audience on its release.

Karan Johar has won his third consecutive National Award, expressing gratitude at the 71st National Film Awards red carpet. Following wins for Shershaah and Brahmastra, he will receive this year's National Award for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in the Best Wholesome Entertainment category.

Shah Rukh Khan, looking as dapper as ever in a black suit, has graced the 71st National Film Awards with his presence. The King Khan of Bollywood is setting the event on fire with his charm. Check more pictures of SRK from the here.

Mohanlal, dressed in a white kurta, greeted attendees upon his arrival at the 71st National Film Awards. He is set to receive  the prestigious 'Dadasaheb Phalke Award'.

12th Fail movie director Vinod Chopra arrived at the Vigyan Bhawan at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The movie starred Vikrant Massey in lead role and is set to receive the award for Best Feature Film.

Shah Rukh Khan has already arrived at 71st National Film Award ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi. This will mark the first time he will receive this award in his acting career. 

The National Film Awards is categorised into two primary sections: Feature Films and Non-Feature Films. An independent jury, appointed by the NFDC, is responsible for evaluating all entries. The selection process and final award decisions are entirely free from any influence by the government or administration.

For the 71st National Films Awards 2025 movies certified by the Central Board of Film Certification between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, were considered eligible. The awards comprise two main categories: Swarna Kamal and Rajat Kamal, with cash prizes of Rs 3,00,000 and Rs 2,00,000, respectively.

The 71st National Film Awards are segregate into three categories. These includes: Feature Films, Non-Feature Films, and Best Writing on Cinema. Meanwhile, the feature and non-feature film awards includes films of artistic, technical, and social excellence.

The Vigyan Bhawan at Delhi is all set for the 71st National Awards ceremony which is finally taking place. The ceremony is scheduled to be held at 4pm today and crowd has already gathered at the venue.

In the ceremony Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey will be honoured with Best Actor Award, while Rani Mukerji will receive Best Actress award for the movie Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Here's the complete list of winners.

The 71st National Film Awards is presented by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of India and will be broadcast live on YouTube on September 23, 2025, at 4:00 PM IST, from Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The ceremony will also  broadcast live on DD News starting at 3 pm, including streaming access on the channel’s official YouTube page. Read More Details Here.