The 69th National Film Awards ceremony was held on October 17, 2023, at the prestigious Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. This grand event witnessed the gathering of some of the biggest names in the Indian film industry, as they came together to celebrate and honour the outstanding achievements in Indian cinema. President Droupadi Murmu graced the occasion, conferring the awards upon the deserving winners. The ceremony was a star-studded affair, showcasing the glamour and talent that the Indian film industry is renowned for.
Recognizing Excellence: The Winners of the 69th National Film Awards
The 69th National Film Awards showcased a wide range of films that captivated audiences and critics alike. The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of jury members, led by renowned filmmaker Ketan Mehta. Let’s take a closer look at some of the notable winners of the evening.
Best Actor: Allu Arjun Creates History
Allu Arjun, the charismatic Telugu actor, created history by becoming the first-ever Telugu actor to win the Best Actor award at the National Film Awards. His remarkable performance in “Pushpa: The Rise” left a lasting impression on the audience and the jury members. Allu Arjun’s portrayal of a rugged and fearless character in this action-packed thriller was hailed as a breakthrough in his career, earning him this prestigious accolade.
Best Actress: Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon Shine
The Best Actress category witnessed a tie between two talented leading ladies of Bollywood, Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon. Alia Bhatt’s powerful portrayal of a fearless and resilient character in “Gangubai Kathiawadi” impressed both the audience and the jury members. Kriti Sanon’s outstanding performance in “Mimi,” where she portrayed the journey of a surrogate mother, also struck a chord with the viewers. Both actresses displayed immense skill and dedication in bringing their characters to life, deserving the recognition they received.
Best Feature Film: Rocketry
One of the most prestigious awards of the evening, the Best Feature Film, was bagged by “Rocketry: The Nambi Effect.” This biographical drama, directed by R. Madhavan, tells the inspiring story of Nambi Narayanan, a former Indian scientist and aerospace engineer. The film beautifully captures the struggles and triumphs of Nambi Narayanan, and the award is a testament to exceptional storytelling and filmmaking prowess.
Musical Brilliance: MM Keeravani and Devi Sri Prasad
The National Film Awards also recognized the exceptional musical talent of MM Keeravani and Devi Sri Prasad. MM Keeravani’s mesmerizing background score for “RRR” was awarded the Best Music Direction (Background Music). The film, directed by SS Rajamouli, is a visual spectacle that was elevated by Keeravani’s soul-stirring music. Devi Sri Prasad’s musical compositions for “Pushpa” won him the Best Music Director (Songs) award. His catchy tunes and soulful melodies added depth and emotion to the narrative of the film.
Supporting Excellence: Pankaj Tripathi and Pallavi Joshi
Pankaj Tripathi’s impactful performance in “Mimi” earned him the Best Supporting Actor award. His portrayal of a compassionate individual who supports the protagonist in her journey was praised for its authenticity and depth. Pallavi Joshi, on the other hand, won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in “The Kashmir Files.” Her nuanced portrayal of a strong-willed woman added depth to the film’s narrative, making it a standout performance.
Celebrating National Integration: “The Kashmir Files” and “RRR”
“The Kashmir Files,” directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, received the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. The film sheds light on a crucial chapter in India’s history, exploring the events that unfolded during the Kashmir conflict. It serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and national integration. “RRR,” a multilingual film directed by SS Rajamouli, won the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The film’s grand scale and captivating storytelling made it a favourite among audiences across the country.
Honoring a Legend: Waheeda Rehman
Recognizing her illustrious career spanning over five decades, veteran actress Waheeda Rehman was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious honour celebrates her incredible contributions to Indian cinema and impactful performances that have left an indelible mark on the industry.
69th National Film Awards 2023 Winners List
- Best Feature Film: Rocketry
- Best Director: Nikhil Mahajan, Godavari
- Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: RRR
- Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration: The Kashmir Files
- Best Actor: Allu Arjun, Pushpa
- Best Actress: Alia Bhatt, Gangubai Kathiawadi and Kriti Sanon, Mimi
- Best Supporting Actor: Pankaj Tripathi, Mimi
- Best Supporting Actress: Pallavi Joshi, The Kashmir Files
- Best Child Artist: Bhavin Rabari, Chhello Show
- Best Screenplay (Original): Shahi Kabir, Nayattu
- Best Screenplay (Adapted): Sanjay Leela Bhansali & Utkarshini Vashishtha, Gangubai Kathiawadi
- Best Dialogue Writer: Utkarshini Vashishtha & Prakash Kapadia, Gangubai Kathiawadi
- Best Music Director (Songs): Devi Sri Prasad, Pushpa
- Best Music Direction (Background Music): MM Keeravaani, RRR
- Best Male Playback Singer: Kaala Bhairava, RRR
- Best Female Playback Singer: Shreya Ghoshal, Iravin Nizhal
- Best Lyrics: Chandrabose, Konda Polam’s Dham Dham Dham
- Best Hindi Film: Sardar Udham
- Best Kannada Film: 777 Charlie
- Best Malayalam Film: Home
- Best Gujurati Film: Chhello Show
- Best Tamil Film: Kadaisi Vivasayi
- Best Telugu Film: Uppena
- Best Maithili Film: Samanantar
- Best Mishing Film: Boomba Ride
- Best Marathi Film: Ekda Kaay Zala
- Best Bengali Film: Kalkokkho
- Best Assamese Film: Anur
- Best Meiteilon Film: Eikhoigi Yum
- Best Odiya Film: Pratikshya
- Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director: Meppadiyan, Vishnu Mohan
- Best Film on Social Issues: Anunaad – The Resonance
- Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation: Aavasavyuham
- Best Children’s Film: Gandhi and Co
- Best Audiography (Location Sound Recordist): Arun Asok & Sonu K P, Chavittu
- Best Audiography (Sound Designer): Aneesh Basu, Jhilli
- Best Audiography (Re-recordist of the final mixed track): Sinoy Joseph, Sardar Udham
- Best Choreography: Prem Rakshith, RRR
- Best Cinematography: Avik Mukhopadhayay, Sardar Udham
- Best Costume Designer: Veera Kapur Ee, Sardar Udham
- Best Special Effects: Srinivas Mohan, RRR
- Best Production Design: Dmitrii Malich and Mansi Dhruv Mehta, Sardar Udham
- Best Editing: Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Gangubai Kathiawadi
- Best Make-up: Preetisheel Singh, Gangubai Kathiawadi
- Best Stunt Choreography: King Soloman, RRR
- Special Jury Award: Shershaah, Vishnuvardhan
A Night to Remember: Celebrating Indian Cinema
The 69th National Film Awards ceremony was a testament to the incredible talent and creativity that exists in the Indian film industry. From exceptional performances to groundbreaking storytelling, the winners showcased the diversity and richness of Indian cinema. The awards not only honored the winners but also served as a reminder of the power of cinema in shaping narratives, inspiring change, and bringing people together.
As the curtains closed on the National Film Awards 2023, the industry celebrated the achievements of the winners and looked forward to the future of Indian cinema. The event served as a reminder of the immense talent and dedication that goes into creating memorable films, and the awards bestowed upon the deserving winners will forever be a symbol of their excellence in the world of cinema.
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