New Delhi | Entertainment Desk | PaperPatrika
The 72nd National Film Awards, one of India’s most prestigious cinematic honours, celebrated excellence in Indian cinema by recognizing outstanding performances, storytelling, direction, and technical achievements across multiple languages. This year’s awards witnessed Article 370 emerging as the biggest winner, taking home the coveted Best Feature Film award. Meanwhile, legendary Malayalam actor Mammootty and Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor honour for their remarkable performances in Bramayugam and Chandu Champion, respectively. Actress Yami Gautam received her first-ever National Film Award as Best Actress for her powerful performance in Article 370.
The awards recognize films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 and December 31, 2024. The winners were announced in New Delhi by the Feature Film Jury headed by filmmaker Jayaraj, highlighting the growing diversity and artistic excellence of Indian cinema.
‘Article 370’ Emerges as the Biggest Winner
Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, Article 370 became the standout film of this year’s National Film Awards.
Besides winning Best Feature Film, the political thriller also earned:
- Best Actress – Yami Gautam
- Best Background Score – Shashwat Sachdev
The film is inspired by the events surrounding the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Praised for its gripping screenplay, compelling performances, and strong technical execution, the film received appreciation from both critics and audiences upon its release.
Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan Share Best Actor Award
One of the biggest highlights of the ceremony was the decision to honour two outstanding performances with the Best Actor award.
Mammootty – Bramayugam
Veteran Malayalam superstar Mammootty received the award for his haunting and powerful performance in the critically acclaimed horror-drama Bramayugam. His portrayal of a mysterious feudal lord demonstrated remarkable depth, subtlety, and emotional intensity.
Kartik Aaryan – Chandu Champion
Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan was honoured for portraying India’s first Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar in Chandu Champion. His physically demanding transformation and emotionally layered performance were widely praised by critics and audiences alike.
Yami Gautam Wins Her First National Award
Actress Yami Gautam achieved a major milestone by winning the Best Actress award for Article 370.
She portrayed an intelligence officer navigating one of India’s most sensitive political operations. Critics praised her restrained yet commanding performance, calling it one of the finest of her career.
The National Award marks Yami Gautam’s first recognition at India’s highest government-sponsored film honours.
Major Winners at the 72nd National Film Awards
Some of the biggest honours announced this year include:
- Best Feature Film: Article 370
- Best Actor: Mammootty (Bramayugam) & Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion)
- Best Actress: Yami Gautam (Article 370)
- Best Director: Rajkumar Periasamy (Amaran)
- Best Hindi Film: Srikanth
- Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kalki 2898 AD
- Best Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values: Captain Miller
Regional Cinema Continues to Shine
The 72nd National Film Awards once again highlighted the growing strength of regional Indian cinema.
Films from Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and other regional industries earned recognition across major categories.
Notable films receiving honours included:
- Bramayugam
- Amaran
- Captain Miller
- Maharaja
- Mithya
The results reinforce the increasing influence of regional cinema in shaping India’s national film landscape through compelling storytelling and technical excellence.
Why ‘Article 370’ Won Best Feature Film
According to industry experts, several factors contributed to the film’s success:
- Timely and politically relevant subject matter.
- Strong screenplay and narrative structure.
- Confident direction by Aditya Suhas Jambhale.
- Outstanding performances, particularly by Yami Gautam.
- Excellent cinematography and production design.
- Powerful background score enhancing dramatic tension.
The film successfully balanced political themes with cinematic storytelling, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.
Significance of Mammootty’s Achievement
Mammootty remains one of India’s most respected actors, with a career spanning over four decades.
His performance in Bramayugam has been widely regarded as one of the finest of his illustrious career.
Following the announcement, Mammootty expressed gratitude to the film’s director, cast, crew, and audiences while congratulating fellow winners. His achievement further strengthens his legacy as one of Indian cinema’s greatest performers.
Industry Reactions
The announcement of the awards triggered widespread celebrations across the Indian film industry.
Actors, directors, producers, and filmmakers congratulated the winners on social media.
Several prominent personalities, including Mohanlal and Kamal Haasan, praised Mammootty’s achievement, while many Bollywood celebrities congratulated Kartik Aaryan and Yami Gautam for their first National Award victories.
Importance of the National Film Awards
Instituted by the Government of India, the National Film Awards are regarded as the country’s highest official recognition for cinematic excellence.
The awards aim to:
- Encourage artistic excellence.
- Recognize outstanding performances.
- Promote regional cinema.
- Reward technical innovation.
- Celebrate films reflecting India’s cultural diversity and social values.
Unlike commercial awards, the National Film Awards emphasize artistic merit, storytelling, and meaningful cinema.
A Positive Signal for Indian Cinema
This year’s awards demonstrate that Indian cinema continues to evolve beyond traditional commercial boundaries.
Political dramas, inspirational biopics, socially relevant narratives, and regional-language films have all gained national recognition.
The success of films such as Article 370, Amaran, Bramayugam, Captain Miller, and Kalki 2898 AD reflects audiences’ growing appreciation for content-driven cinema and diverse storytelling.
Conclusion
The 72nd National Film Awards celebrated the richness, diversity, and artistic excellence of Indian cinema. Article 370 emerged as the biggest winner by securing Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam earned her first National Award as Best Actress. The joint Best Actor honour for Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan recognized two exceptional performances that captivated audiences across the country.
The awards also highlighted the remarkable contribution of regional cinema, reaffirming that Indian filmmaking is becoming increasingly diverse, ambitious, and globally competitive. As the industry continues to evolve, the 72nd National Film Awards stand as a testament to the power of meaningful storytelling and cinematic excellence.