India’s 70th National Film Awards: Kantara, Aattam, and Ponniyin Selvan win big

The 70th National Film Awards, announced on August 16, 2024, in New Delhi, were a grand celebration of Indian cinema, honouring the best films, actors, and technical talents from 2022. The event, held at the National Media Center, was led by three prominent jury chairpersons: Rahul Rawail for the Feature Film Jury, Nila Madhab Panda for the Non-Feature Film Jury, and Gangadhar Mudalair for the Best Writing on Cinema Jury. Their collective efforts highlighted the extraordinary diversity and creativity present in Indian cinema across various languages and regions.

Feature Films: Major Wins and Highlights

The Malayalam film Aattam, directed by Anand Ekarshi, won the prestigious Best Feature Film award. Aattam is a socially relevant film that delves into themes of sexual violence and women’s safety, showcasing a compelling narrative that resonated with both critics and audiences alike. The film also won awards for Best Screenplay and Best Editing, solidifying its status as a cinematic masterpiece.

In the acting categories, Rishab Shetty’s performance in Kantara was recognized with the Best Actor award. Shetty’s portrayal in this Kannada film was lauded for its intensity and emotional depth, making it a standout in a year filled with remarkable performances. The film itself was also honoured as the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, further cementing its popularity and impact on Indian cinema.

The Best Actress award was a tie between Nithya Menen for her role in Thiruchitrambalam and Manasi Parekh for Kutch Express. Menen’s portrayal of Shobana in Thiruchitrambalam was praised for its nuance and authenticity, while Parekh’s performance in Kutch Express was noted for its emotional resonance and strong character arc.

Sooraj Barjatya, known for his ability to craft heartfelt family dramas, won the Best Director award for Uunchai. The film, which emphasizes the importance of friendship and resilience in the face of adversity, was also recognized for its screenplay and direction.

Regional Cinema: A Celebration of Diversity

The 70th National Film Awards also spotlighted the rich diversity of regional cinema in India. Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1, directed by Mani Ratnam, was a major winner in the Tamil film category, securing awards for Best Tamil Film, Best Music Direction (AR Rahman), Best Cinematography (Ravi Varman), and Best Sound Design (Anand Krishnamoorthi). The film, an epic historical drama, was celebrated for its grand scale and technical excellence.

KGF: Chapter 2, a Kannada blockbuster, continued its successful run by winning the Best Kannada Film and Best Action Direction awards. The film, which became a pan-India phenomenon, was praised for its gripping storyline and high-octane action sequences.

In the Telugu film category, Karthikeya 2 was honoured as the Best Telugu Film. This mythological thriller captivated audiences with its engaging plot and impressive visual effects. Similarly, Vaalvi was recognized as the Best Marathi Film, and Gulmohar was named the Best Hindi Film, with Manoj Bajpayee receiving a special mention for his performance in the latter.

Non-Feature Films and Writing on Cinema

The awards also recognized excellence in non-feature films, with Ayena winning the Best Non-Feature Film award. Madhyantara was honoured as the Best Debut Film in the non-feature category, showcasing the emerging talents in Indian cinema. Additionally, the Best Writing on Cinema award went to Deepak Dua, reflecting the importance of critical analysis and scholarly work in the film industry.

The 70th National Film Awards were not just a reflection of the best in Indian cinema from 2022 but also a celebration of the industry’s resilience and creativity. The diverse range of films and talents recognized this year underscores the rich cultural tapestry that Indian cinema represents. As the industry continues to evolve, these awards serve as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the artistic achievements of filmmakers across the country.