National Film Awards 2023: Best Picture for Rocketry, Alia Bhatt, Allu Arjun, Kriti Sanon win big

The 69th National Film Awards ceremony was held on October 17, 2023 at the Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu.

Celebrating the artistic brilliance and storytelling prowess of Indian cinema, the 69th National Film Awards unfolded, honoring outstanding contributions across various categories. From historical epics to gripping narratives, the ceremony showcased the diversity and excellence prevalent in the film industry.

Championing Scientific Narratives:

Following the groundbreaking Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing, the Swarna Kamal for Best Picture was awarded to "Rocketry: The Nambi Effect." R. Madhavan, the talented actor-director, received the accolade for his directorial debut, narrating the controversial chapter of ISRO scientist Nambi Narayan's life. This marks the second consecutive year a Tamil film has clinched the National Award for Best Picture.

Legends Honored:

Acting legend Waheeda Rehman, renowned for her iconic roles, was conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema. In her gracious acceptance speech, Rehman acknowledged the collaborative effort of the entire film industry in crafting memorable experiences for the audience.

Triumph of "Gangubai Kathiawadi" and Stellar Performances:

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Gangubai Kathiawadi" emerged as a major winner, securing five awards, including Best Actress for Alia Bhatt. Kriti Sanon also shared the Best Actress honor for her role in "Mimi." The film showcased the real-life story of Gangubai Harjeevandas, a trailblazing figure in Mumbai's Kamathipura during the '60s.

Regional Gems Shine:

Telugu blockbuster "RRR" garnered six National Awards, recognizing its contribution to wholesome entertainment. Allu Arjun was honored with the Best Actor award for his portrayal of sandalwood smuggler Pushpa Raj in "Pushpa: The Rise."

Diverse Cinematic Excellence:

The cinematic panorama of India was celebrated through awards in various categories, including Best Director for Nikhil Mahajan's Marathi film "Godavari" and Best Supporting Actress for Pallavi Joshi in "The Kashmir Files." Pankaj Tripathi received the Best Supporting Actor award for "Mimi."

Diversity in Regional Cinema:

Gujarati film "Chhello Show" clinched awards for Best Gujarati Film and Best Child Artist, while the Best Children’s Film prize was awarded to Gujarati film "Gandhi and Co."

Environmental Awareness and Social Impact:

Malayalam film "Aavasavyuham:

The Arbit Documentation of An Amphibian Hunt" received the award for Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation. Assamese film "Anunaad: The Resonance" won the Best Film on Social Issues category.

Musical Brilliance Recognized:

Shreya Ghoshal was honored with the Best Female Playback Singer award for her rendition in the Tamil film "Iravin Nizhal," while Chandrabose received the Best Lyrics prize for the Telugu film "Konda Polam."

Non-Feature Film Excellence:

In the non-feature film category, "Ek Tha Gaon" won the Best Non-Feature Film award, depicting the poignant story of ghost villages in Uttarakhand. Bakul Matiyani received the Best Direction award for the Hindi short film "Smile Please.

• Other notable winners at the National Film Awards 2023 include:

  • Chhello Show (The Last Film Show): Best Gujarati Film and Best Child Artist (Bhavin Rabari)

  • Gandhi and Co.: Best Children’s Film

  • Meppadiyan: Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director

  • Anunaad: The Resonance: Best Film on Social Issues

  • Aavasavyuham: The Arbit Documentation of An Amphibian Hunt: Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation

  • Maayava Thooyava: Best Female Playback Singer (Shreya Ghoshal)

  • Dham Dham Dham: Best Lyrics (Chandrabose)

  • 777 Charlie: Best Kannada Film

  • Home: Best Malayalam Film

  • Kadaisi Vivasayi: Best Tamil Film

  • Uppena: Best Telugu Film

  • Samanantar: Best Maithili Film

  • Boomba Ride: Best Mishing Film

  • Ekda Kaay Zala: Best Marathi Film

  • Kalkokkho: Best Bengali Film

  • Anurag: Best Assamese Film

  • Eikhoigi Yum: Best Meiteilon Film

  • Pratikshya: Best Odiya Film

  • Ek Tha Gaon (Once Upon a Village): Best Non-Feature Film

  • Smile Please: Best Direction (Non-Feature Film)

  • Paanchika (Five Pebbles): Best Non-Feature Film Debut of a Director

  • Kandittundu: Best Animation Film

Relevant and latest facts on the National Film Awards:

• The National Film Awards are presented by the Directorate of Film Festivals, an organization under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.

• The awards are given for excellence in Indian cinema and are considered to be the most prestigious film awards in India.

• The awards are given in various categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Music Director, Best Lyricist, Best Cinematographer, Best Editing, Best Sound Design, and Best Art Direction.

• The awards are presented by the President of India at a ceremony held annually in New Delhi.