The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, held on July 18, 2026, celebrated a diverse range of cinematic achievements, with acting honors going to Mammootty, Kartik Aaryan, and Yami Gautam. This year's awards focused on films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during the 2024 calendar year, showcasing the best of Indian cinema.
One of the standout moments was Mammootty's shared award with Kartik Aaryan. Mammootty, a veteran actor, has now won his fourth National Film Award, a testament to his enduring talent. His performance in the Malayalam film, Bramayugam, alongside Kartik Aaryan's in Chandu Champion, highlights the diversity of storytelling and acting styles in Indian cinema.
Yami Gautam, on the other hand, took home the Best Actress award for her role in Article 370, a political action-thriller. This film also won Best Feature Film, showcasing its impact and the power of storytelling through cinema. The director, Aditya Suhas Jambhale, and producer, Aditya Dhar, created a compelling narrative around the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status, a topic that resonates deeply with audiences.
What makes this year's awards particularly fascinating is the range of genres and themes explored. From mythological sci-fi action in Kalki 2898 AD to biographical dramas like Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, the awards celebrate the breadth of Indian cinema. Kalki 2898 AD, for instance, boasts an impressive star-studded cast, including Amitabh Bachchan and Prabhas, and won the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
In my opinion, one of the most intriguing aspects of these awards is the recognition of regional cinema. With awards for Best Tulu, Garhwali, Telugu, Tamil, Manipuri, Odia, Marathi, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali, Assamese, and Konkani films, the ceremony highlights the richness and diversity of Indian languages and cultures. It's a reminder that Indian cinema is not just about Bollywood, but a vibrant tapestry of stories and talents from across the country.
The awards also celebrated the best in technical achievements, with honors for music direction, choreography, lyrics, makeup, costume design, production design, editing, sound design, dialogues, and screenplay. These categories showcase the behind-the-scenes talent that brings films to life and often goes unnoticed.
One detail that I find especially interesting is the recognition of child artists. The Best Child Artist award went to a group of young actors for their performances in Onko Ki Kothin, 35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu, and Mithya. This category highlights the importance of nurturing young talent and the impact they can have on screen. It's a reminder that cinema is not just for adults, but a medium that can inspire and engage audiences of all ages.
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony was a celebration of Indian cinema's diversity, talent, and storytelling prowess. It showcased the best of regional cinema, honored veteran actors, and recognized emerging talents. From political thrillers to mythological sci-fi, the awards highlighted the range of genres and themes explored in Indian films. As we reflect on these awards, it's clear that Indian cinema continues to evolve, innovate, and captivate audiences with its unique blend of storytelling and cultural richness.
