The National Film Awards, an annual celebration of cinematic excellence in the vibrant tapestry of Indian cinema, serve as a radiant beacon of distinction. These awards, orchestrated under the aegis of the Directorate of Film Festivals, within the purview of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, pay homage to films that not only showcase aesthetic and technical brilliance but also resonate with profound social relevance. They exemplify the profound impact of cinema as an art form and a medium for societal transformation.
The 69th National Film Awards were unveiled at the illustrious National Media Center in New Delhi, a momentous occasion that illuminated the brilliance of the country’s cinematic talents. These awards are regarded as among the highest honours in the realm of filmmaking, a testament to the unwavering dedication and artistic ingenuity of individuals who contribute to India’s rich cinematic heritage. The distinguished President Droupadi Murmu, on the 17th of October, graced the occasion at the Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, conferring the 69th National Film Awards for the year 2023. The names of the laureates had been announced earlier in August.
| Category | Winner |
| Best Feature Film | Rocketry |
| Best Director | Nikhil Mahajan, Godavari |
| Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment | RRR |
| Nargis Dutt Award for Best 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 Gujarati 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 Odia 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 Makeup | Preetisheel Singh, Gangubai Kathiawadi |
| Best Stunt Choreography | King Soloman, RRR |
| Special Jury Award | Shershaah, Vishnuvardhan |
| Special Mention | 1. Late Shri Nallandi, Kadaisi Vivasayi 2. Aranya Gupta & Bithan Biswas, Jhilli 3. Indrans, Home 4. Jahanara Begum, Anur |
| Best Non-feature film | Ek Tha Gaon |
| Best Direction (Non-feature film) | Bakul Matiyani, Smile Please |
| Best Debut Non-Feature Film of a Director | Paanchika, Ankit Kothari |
| Best Anthropological Film | Fire on Edge |
| Best Biographical Film | Rukhu Matir Dukhu Majhi and Beyond Blast |
| Best Arts Films | T.N. Krishnan Bow Strings to Divine |
| Best Science & Technology Films | Ethos of Darkness |
| Best Promotional Film | Endangered Heritage ‘Warli Art’ |
| Best Environment Film (Non-feature film) | Munnam Valavu |
| Best Film on Social Issues (Non-feature film) | Mithu Di and Three Two One |
| Best Investigative Film | Looking For Challan |
| Best Exploration Film | Ayushman |
| Best Educational Film | Sirpigalin Sirpangal |
| Best Short Fiction Film | Dal Bhat |
| Best Animation Film | Kandittundu |
| Best Film on Family Values | Chand Saanse |
| Best Cinematography (Non-feature film) | Bittu Rawat, Pataal |
| Best Audiography (Re-recordist of the final mixed track) (Non-feature film) | Unni krishnan, Ek Tha Gaon |
| Best Production Sound Recordist (Location/Sync Sound) (Non-feature film) | Suruchi Sharma, Meen Raag |
| Best Editing (Non-feature film) | Abhro Banerjee, If Memory Serves Me Right |
| Best Music Direction (Non-feature film) | Ishaan Divecha, Succelent |
| Best Narration/Voice Over (Non-feature film) | Kulada Kumar Bhattacharjee, Hathibondhu |
| Special Mention (Non-feature film) | 1. Aniruddha Jatkar, Baale Bangara, 2. Srikanth Deva, Karuvarai, 3. Sweta Kumar Das, The Healing Touch, 4. Ram Kamal Mukherjee, Ek Duaa |
| Special Jury Award (Non-feature film) | Shekhar Bapu Rankhambe, Rekha |
| Best Book on Cinema | Music by Laxmikant Pyarelal: The Incredibly Melodious Journey by Rajiv Vijayakar |
| Best Film Critic | Purushothama Charyulu |
| Best Film Critic (Special Mention) | Subramanya Bandoor |
The luminary actress Alia Bhatt was honoured with the ‘Best Actress’ National Award for her outstanding performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s directorial masterpiece, “Gangubai Kathiawadi.” In an elegant ceremony in Delhi, the 30-year-old actress received this prestigious accolade from President Droupadi Murmu. Accompanied by her husband and fellow actor Ranbir Kapoor, the moment was one of grace and grandeur. Pratisheel Singh also clinched the National Award in the makeup category for the same film.
Released in February 2022, “Gangubai Kathiawadi” saw Alia Bhatt brilliantly embody the titular role, portraying the life of a young girl from Kathiawad. The movie also featured an ensemble cast, including Shantanu Maheshwari, Jim Sarbh, Vijay Raaz, and Seema Pahwa.
Actress Kriti Sanon, another luminary in Indian cinema, received the National Award for ‘Best Actress’ for her compelling portrayal in the Laxman Utekar-directed gem, “Mimi.” In this heartfelt film, Kriti plays the central character, a woman who embarks on a poignant journey as a surrogate mother for a foreign couple. Pankaj Tripathi, a seasoned actor, was recognized with the National Award for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ for his stellar performance in the same movie. In the category of ‘Best Supporting Actress,’ the honour was bestowed upon Pallavi Joshi for her role in “The Kashmir Files.”
The charismatic Allu Arjun claimed the National Award for ‘Best Actor’ for his remarkable performance in “Pushpa – The Rise,” skillfully directed by Sukumar.
The story of the 69th National Film Awards is one of creativity, dedication, and profound storytelling. It is a reminder that cinema, as a medium, has the power not only to entertain but also to inspire, provoke, and reflect the diverse tapestry of Indian society.
With the Dadasaheb Phalke Award honouring the legendary Waheeda Rehman, the awards reach a poignant conclusion, paying tribute to the enduring legacy of Indian cinema. As the winners take their well-deserved accolades, the National Film Awards continue to stand as a beacon of recognition for the artistic brilliance that enriches the cultural fabric of our nation.
