The 72nd National Film Awards celebrated the finest achievements in Indian cinema, with Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu films emerging among the biggest winners. The prestigious awards honoured outstanding performances, direction, storytelling and technical excellence, highlighting the growing strength of regional cinema alongside mainstream Hindi films.
One of the biggest highlights of this year’s awards was veteran Malayalam actor Mammootty, who won the Best Actor award for his powerful performance in Bramayugam. Known for his remarkable versatility and decades-long contribution to Indian cinema, Mammootty’s latest honour further cements his place among the country’s most celebrated actors.
Tamil actor Dhanush also received widespread recognition for his role in Amaran, sharing the Best Actor award with Mammootty. His portrayal earned praise from critics and audiences alike for its emotional depth and compelling screen presence. The shared honour reflected the jury’s appreciation for two exceptional performances that stood out during the year.
The Best Actress award went to Yami Gautam for her performance in Article 370. Playing a key role in the political drama, Yami impressed the jury with a restrained yet impactful performance. The award marks one of the biggest achievements of her career and recognises her growing reputation as a versatile performer capable of handling challenging roles.
Among feature films, Srikanth, starring Rajkummar Rao, won the Best Hindi Feature Film award. Based on the inspiring life of industrialist Srikanth Bolla, the film was praised for its emotional storytelling and uplifting message about determination and resilience. The recognition further underlined the growing appreciation for meaningful, content-driven cinema.
Regional cinema once again dominated the honours. Telugu films delivered a particularly strong performance by winning nine National Awards, showcasing the industry’s consistent success across acting, music, cinematography and technical categories. The achievement reflects the increasing national recognition being earned by Telugu filmmakers for both commercial and critically acclaimed productions.
The Malayalam and Tamil film industries also enjoyed a memorable evening, with several films winning awards across multiple categories. Their continued success demonstrates the rich diversity of Indian cinema, where stories rooted in local cultures increasingly resonate with audiences across languages.
The awards also recognised excellence in filmmaking beyond acting. Directors, cinematographers, editors, music composers, lyricists and technicians were honoured for their creative contributions, highlighting the collaborative effort behind successful films. Technical excellence remained a major focus, acknowledging the evolving standards of Indian filmmaking on the global stage.
This year’s winners reflected the changing preferences of audiences, who are increasingly embracing films with strong narratives rather than relying solely on star power. Biographical dramas, socially relevant stories and experimental storytelling featured prominently among the award recipients, reinforcing the industry’s shift towards content-driven cinema.
The National Film Awards continue to remain India’s highest official recognition for cinematic excellence. Unlike commercial award shows, the honours are decided by an independent jury appointed by the Government of India, with winners selected on artistic merit rather than box office performance.
Industry experts believe the latest awards once again demonstrate how regional cinema has become a driving force in Indian filmmaking. Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu films are now regularly finding audiences across the country through theatrical releases and digital streaming platforms, helping bridge language barriers and expanding their reach.
For actors like Mammootty and Dhanush, the recognition serves as another milestone in already distinguished careers. Both performers have consistently delivered memorable performances across different genres and continue to inspire younger actors with their commitment to meaningful cinema.
Yami Gautam’s National Award win is equally significant, reflecting the growing opportunities for actresses to lead performance-driven films. Her portrayal in Article 370 highlighted the importance of nuanced performances in politically and socially relevant stories.
The recognition for Srikanth also underlines the audience’s appreciation for inspirational real-life stories. The film’s success at the National Awards is expected to encourage filmmakers to continue exploring biographical and socially meaningful subjects.
As Indian cinema continues to evolve, the 72nd National Film Awards have once again showcased the industry’s diversity, creativity and artistic excellence. From veteran performers to emerging talent, and from regional masterpieces to Hindi cinema, this year’s honours celebrated storytelling that transcends language and connects with audiences through emotion, authenticity and cinematic craft.
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