The 72nd National Film Awards, held on July 18, 2026, celebrated the best of Indian cinema, with a focus on feature films, non-feature films, and writing across various languages. The ceremony recognized films released in 2024, with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) providing certification. The awards were a testament to the diverse and vibrant nature of Indian cinema, with a range of films and filmmakers honored for their contributions.
One of the standout winners was Mammootty, who claimed his fourth National Award for his performance in 'Bramayugam'. The film, directed by Rahul Sadasivan, is a black-and-white horror film that explores the evils of unrestricted power. Mammootty's portrayal of a terrifying, tyrannical landlord who traps travellers in his power-obsessed mind games was both compelling and thought-provoking.
In other notable categories, 'Article 370' was named the Best Feature Film, with Yami Gautam winning the Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in the action-thriller. The film, directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, is an explainer on the government's Kashmir policy, and Yami Gautam's portrayal of a leading role was both nuanced and powerful.
The ceremony also recognized a range of other films and filmmakers, including 'Kalki 2898 AD' for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, 'Swatantrya Veer Savarkar' for Best Debut Film of a Director, and 'Amaran' for Best Direction. The awards celebrated the diversity and creativity of Indian cinema, with a focus on storytelling, direction, and performance.
However, the ceremony was not without its controversies. The win of 'Article 370' as Best Feature Film sparked debate, with some critics arguing that the film's portrayal of the government's Kashmir policy was one-sided and lacked nuance. Others praised the film for its exploration of complex political issues and its strong performances.
Overall, the 72nd National Film Awards were a celebration of Indian cinema's richness and diversity, with a range of films and filmmakers recognized for their contributions. The ceremony highlighted the power of storytelling and the impact of cinema on society, with a focus on both artistic excellence and social relevance.
