71st National Film Awards: 7 Legendary Triumphs & Mohanlal’s Glory

71st National Film Awards

The 71st National Film Awards ceremony was held recently, where President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2023) to veteran actor Mohanlal for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.
The ceremony celebrated films and performances that not only entertained but also highlighted social and national values.

Key Highlights: 71st National Film Awards

Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023:

• Awarded to: Mohanlal
• Significance: Recognizes lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.
• Mohanlal expressed, “For me, cinema is the rhythm of my soul. Jai Hind.”

President’s Address:

• Praised Mohanlal’s versatile acting, from gentle to intense roles.
• Appreciated films focusing on women’s struggles and empowerment.
• Stressed on:

• Adequate representation of women in central and regional jury panels.
• Cinema’s role in spreading awareness of social issues, especially among youth.
• Encouraging films focused on children, particularly girls.

• Highlight: Six child actors won awards this year.

Major Awards:

Best Actor Awards:

• Best Male Actor (shared):
  • Shah Rukh Khan for Jawan (Hindi)
  • Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail (Hindi)
• Best Female Actor:
  • Rani Mukerji for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway (Hindi)

Best Film Categories:

• Best Feature Film: 12th Fail (Hindi)
• Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (Hindi), directed by Karan Johar, received the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
• Sam Bahadur (Hindi), directed by Meghna Gulzar, was honored as the Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values.
• Naal 2 (Marathi), directed by Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti, won the award for Best Children’s Film.
• Best Film in Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comic Category: Hanu-Man (Telugu)

Best Direction and Cinematography:

• Sudipto Sen received the Best Director award for The Kerala Story (Hindi).
• Prasantanu Mohapatra won the Best Cinematography award for The Kerala Story (Hindi).

About Dadasaheb Phalke Award:

Introduction:

• The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest honor in cinema, given annually for outstanding lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.
• It is presented by the Government of India, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• The award is named after Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke, who is considered the “Father of Indian Cinema” for directing India’s first full-length feature film Raja Harishchandra (1913).

History:

• Established: 1969, to commemorate the birth centenary of Dadasaheb Phalke.
• First recipient: Devika Rani, the first lady of Indian cinema, in 1969.
• Since then, the award has been presented annually to honor individuals for their lifetime contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.