top of page
The Communiqué News
National Film Awards 2025

The 71st National Film Awards honored exceptional contributions to cinema. Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey both received the Best Actor award for their performances in Jawan and 12th Fail, respectively. Rani Mukerji was awarded Best Actress for her role in Mrs. Chatterjee Vs. Norway. The awards highlighted a variety of films and talents from India's diverse regional cinema scene.

The National Film Awards represent one of the most esteemed accolades in Indian cinema. Annually presented by the Government of India, these awards celebrate excellence in filmmaking, acknowledging the finest films, performances, and technical accomplishments across a variety of languages and genres. 

Distinguished from other awards, the National Film Awards are renowned for their impartial and merit-based selection process. Eligibility is granted to films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 and December 31 of the preceding year.

The awards are determined by a jury appointed by the Directorate of Film Festivals and are conferred by the President of India. Receiving a National Film Award is regarded as a significant achievement by both filmmakers and actors.

This article will explore the complete list of National Film Awards 2025 winners, including prominent categories such as Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, and more.

Winners of the 71st National Film Awards 2025

The following individuals and films have been recognized as winners at the 71st National Film Awards, as announced by the National Film Awards committee:


Category

Winner(s)

Film(s)

Best Actor

  • Shah Rukh Khan

  • Vikrant Massey

  • Jawan

  • 12th Fail

Best Actress

Rani Mukerji

Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway

Best Supporting Actor

  • Vijayaraghavan

  • Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar

  • Pookkalam

  • Parking

Best Supporting Actress

  • Urvashi

  • Janaki Bodiwala

  • Ullozhukku

  • Vash

Best Feature Film

-

12th Fail

Best Film in Hindi

-

Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery

Best Film in Telugu

-

Bhagavanth Kesari

Best Film in Tamil

-

Parking

Best Film in Punjabi

-

Godday Godday Chaa

Best Film in Odia

-

Pushkara

Best Film in Marathi

-

Shyamchi Aai

Best Film in Malayalam

-

Ullozhukku

Best Film in Kannada

-

Kandeelu: The Ray of Hope

Best Film in Gujarati

-

Vash

Best Film in Bengali

-

Deep Fridge

Best Film in Assamese

-

Rongatapu 1982

Best Direction

Sudipto Sen

The Kerala Story

Best Choreography

Vaibhavi Merchant

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Best Action Direction

Nandu and Prudhvi

Hanu-Man

Best Lyrics

Kasarla Shyam

Balagam

Best Music Direction

G.V. Prakash Kumar (Songs)Harshavardhan Rameshwar (BGM)

VaathiAnimal

Best Male Playback Singer

P.V.N. S. Rohit

Baby

Best Female Playback Singer

Shilpa Rao

Jawan

Best Cinematography

Prasanthanu Mohapatra

The Kerala Story

Best Editing

Midhun Murali

Pookkaalam

Best Sound Design

Sachin Sudhakaran, Hariharan

Animal

Best Production Design

Mohandas

2018 - Everyone is a Hero

Best Make-up

Shrikanth Desai

Sam Bahadur

Best Costume Designer

Sachin, Divya, Nidhhi

Sam Bahadur

Special Mention

M.R. Radhakrishnan

(Re-recording mixer)

Animal





Venice, July 22, 2025 – The countdown has officially begun. At exactly 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, Alberto Barbera, Director of the Venice International Film Festival, unveiled the much-anticipated lineup for the 82nd Venice Film Festival, scheduled to run from August 27 to September 6, 2025.

The festival, renowned as the oldest cinematic event in the world, promises ten days of cinematic magic, global star power, and unforgettable red-carpet moments on the Venetian Lido.


ree

Paolo Sorrentino Opens With La Grazia

The curtain rises with Paolo Sorrentino’s new film La Grazia, starring his long-time collaborator Toni Servillo alongside Anna Ferzetti. This love story set in Turin is expected to deliver the director’s signature mix of emotional depth and striking visuals.

Opening celebrations will also honor cinema’s past, featuring a restored screening of Queen Kelly (1929) by Erich von Stroheim and Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s environmental documentary Origin, the Venetian Lagoon.

Hollywood Stars Set to Shine

The Venice Film Festival 2025 red carpet will welcome a parade of international A-listers. Highlights include:

  • Julia Roberts making her Venice debut in Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt, presented Out of Competition.

  • George Clooney, Greta Gerwig, Alba Rohrwacher, and Laura Dern starring in Noah Baumbach’s highly anticipated Jay Kelly.

  • Emma Stone, Jessie Plemons, and Alicia Silverstone reuniting with Yorgos Lanthimos for Bugonia.

  • Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, and Christoph Waltz in Guillermo del Toro’s gothic spectacle Frankenstein.

  • Cate Blanchett and Adam Driver leading Jim Jarmusch’s family saga Father, Mother, Sister, Brother.

Also confirmed: Emily Blunt (The Smashing Machine), Amanda Seyfried, Thomasin McKenzie, Rebecca Ferguson, Paul Dano, Jude Law, Gal Gadot, and even Al Pacino in multiple projects.

Italian Cinema at the Heart of the Festival

Italy takes center stage with strong contenders in Competition. Alongside La Grazia, audiences will see:

  • Elisa by Leonardo Di Costanzo

  • Duse by Pietro Marcello, a biopic on iconic actress Eleonora Duse starring Valeria Bruni Tedeschi

  • A Film Made for Good by Franco Maresco, exploring the life of Carmelo Bene

  • Under the Clouds by Gianfranco Rosi

This powerful Italian lineup underscores the festival’s mission to balance global storytelling with homegrown masterpieces.

Lifetime Achievements & Jury Spotlight

The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement will honor two cinematic legends: actress Kim Novak and filmmaker Werner Herzog. Meanwhile, the prestigious Competition jury will be led by Alexander Payne, joined by Italy’s own Maura Delpero, making history as the first female director to win a David di Donatello.

A Global Stage of Cinema

From Sorrentino’s Italian elegance to Del Toro’s dark fantasy, from Roberts’ long-awaited Venice debut to Clooney’s timeless charisma, the Venice Film Festival 2025 stands as the year’s cinematic event to watch. With its unique blend of Hollywood glamour, Italian artistry, and global storytelling, the festival is set to once again prove why Venice remains the beating heart of world cinema.

Indian Films at the 82nd Venice Film Festival

1. Songs of Forgotten Trees by Anuparna Roy (Orizzonti Competition)

Anuparna Roy’s poignant Hindi-language drama Songs of Forgotten Trees has earned a place in the Orizzonti section — the festival’s segment celebrating bold, innovative storytelling. Inspired by Roy’s own upbringing in rural Bengal, the film follows two female migrants in Mumbai—an aspiring actress and her friend, a sex worker—navigating life under patriarchy. The Hollong tree, a symbol of forgotten connections, is woven into the film’s emotional core. Roy’s deeply personal storytelling has drawn praise for its honesty and regional authenticity.

2. Mother – Opening the Orizzonti Programme

Another highlight is Mother, a biographical feature about Mother Teresa, directed by Teona Strugar Mitevska. This film opens the Orizzonti section and is co-produced by Faridkot-born, Kolkata-based producer Prateek Bagi. Shot across iconic Kolkata locales—including Howrah Bridge, Kumartuli, and the Loreto Convent where Mother Teresa once taught—the narrative focuses on a critical seven-day period in 1948 when she left the Loreto Convent to start the Missionaries of Charity. Noomi Rapace, a Swedish actress, leads the cast.

3. Do Bigha Zamin – 4K Restoration in Venice Classics

A cherished milestone of Indian cinema, Bimal Roy's 1953 classic Do Bigha Zamin, has been lovingly restored in 4K and selected for the Venice Classics section. The restoration effort, by the Film Heritage Foundation, Criterion Collection, and Janus Films, brings renewed life to this emotionally gripping tale of a farmer battling industrialization, timed to coincide with Roy’s 116th birth anniversary.

4. Secret of a Mountain Serpent by Nidhi Saxena (Biennale College – Cinema)

Emerging Indian talent is also represented through Secret of a Mountain Serpent, directed by Nidhi Saxena. This India–Sri Lanka co-production is part of the Biennale College – Cinema initiative — supporting micro-budget, innovative films. It’s one of four feature films in this category, and offers viewers a glimpse of new voices shaping world cinema.





The theme was "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," with the corresponding dress code being "Tailored for You."


Swati Bhat

Indian Celebrities Embrace Tailored Elegance at Met Gala 2025
Indian Celebrities Embrace Tailored Elegance at Met Gala 2025
Isha Ambani's memorable appearance at the Met Gala 2025

Isha Ambani's memorable appearance at the Met Gala 2025: She graced the iconic Met Gala carpet wearing a creation by designer Anamika Khanna. Isha made a statement with her Met Gala look, featuring a white geometric corset, black tailored pants, and a white cape. Anamika was inspired by Black dandy style, enhancing her design with semi-precious stones and traditional pearl work. For her glam, Isha chose dewy makeup and styled her hair in a long braid.


SRK's Black Dandy Style at the Met Gala 2025

SRK's Black Dandy Style at the Met Gala 2025: Shah Rukh exuded sophistication in his all-black Sabyasachi suit for the Met Gala 2025. He enhanced his ensemble with a tiger scepter, embodying the essence of a modern Maharaja.


Diljit Dosanjh Embraced the Maharaja Prabal Gurung Style

Diljit Dosanjh Embraced the Maharaja Prabal Gurung Style: Diljit ascended the Metropolitan Museum of Art steps in New York City, blending Punjabi elegance with modern flair. Dressed as a Maharaja in a custom Prabal Gurung outfit, he wore a turban, kurta, and tehmat, proudly displaying his Punjabi heritage. His ensemble included accessories, a sword, and a cape adorned with Punjabi alphabets. Reports mention he wore jewelry from Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala's Cartier collection.


Kiara Advani Donned a Gaurav Gupta Design at the Met Gala 2025

Kiara Advani Donned a Gaurav Gupta Design at the Met Gala 2025: Kiara chose a bespoke couture piece by the acclaimed Indian designer Gaurav Gupta. She exuded an ethereal aura on the blue carpet, embodying grace, strength, and the radiant beauty of motherhood.


Priyanka Chopra donned a polka dot Balmain suit at Met Gala 2025

Priyanka Chopra donned a polka dot Balmain suit at Met Gala 2025: Priyanka Chopra Jonas attended the Met Gala 2025 with her husband, Nick Jonas, showcasing a glamorous dandy style. This was her fifth appearance at the event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She wore a custom polka dot suit dress by Olivier Rousteing of Balmain, perfectly matching the gala's theme.


Manish Malhotra at Met Gala 2025

Manish Malhotra at Met Gala 2025: The outfit was a visual masterpiece, featuring detailed threadwork and embellishments that celebrated the opulence of South Asian couture and Black Style. A notable accessory was the golden elephant-face brooch on his overcoat, subtly honoring Indian heritage.


Sabyasachi Mukherjee at Met Gala 2025

Sabyasachi Mukherjee at Met Gala 2025: He wore high-waisted black trousers paired with shiny black dress shoes. His accessories included a bold choker and multiple rings. The standout piece was his sophisticated headgear, featuring a brooch, which added charm and detail.


The Indian Empress of Style, Natasha Poonawalla

The Indian Empress of Style, Natasha Poonawalla makes a powerful impression at the 2025 Met Gala in a custom couture piece by Manish Malhotra. Her take on the theme, Black Dandyism, reimagined through Indian couture, pays tribute to her Parsi heritage while solidifying her status as a contemporary cultural icon.











bottom of page