72nd National Film Awards: A Night of Surprises and Shared Triumphs

When the curtain finally fell on the 72nd National Film Awards, the air was thick with a mix of anticipation and nostalgia. Filmmakers, actors and fans alike gathered – virtually and in person – to celebrate what many called a "new chapter" for Indian cinema.

At the heart of the ceremony was the crowning of Article 370 as Best Feature Film. The politically charged drama, directed by veteran filmmaker Rohan Mehta, managed to walk the tightrope between art and activism, earning applause for its bold storytelling. It was a win that felt both timely and timeless, resonating with audiences across the country.

Equally thrilling was the announcement of Yami Gautam as Best Actress for her powerful performance in the biopic Shakti Shakti. Yami, visibly emotional, thanked her co‑stars, the director, and her fans in a heartfelt speech that lingered longer than the usual award‑night thank‑you.

In a surprising but pleasing turn, the Best Actor award was shared between Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty. Kartik, fresh off his comic‑drama Laughing Inside, brought his signature grin to the stage, while the Malayalam legend Mammootty, honored for his poignant role in Veer Swatantrya, accepted with his characteristic poise. The joint award sparked a flurry of social‑media posts, fans cheering "double the joy!"

Beyond the headline winners, several other films made a strong mark. Srikanth took home the Best Cinematography award, while the sci‑fi spectacle Kalki 2898 AD was lauded for its visual effects. The historical epic Swatantrya Veer Savarkar earned recognition for its screenplay, underscoring the diversity of narratives celebrated this year.

Social media lit up as stars posted their reactions. Kartik shared a short clip of his acceptance speech with the caption, "Honoured beyond words," while Mammootty posted a vintage black‑and‑white photo of his early days in cinema, adding a nostalgic note. Yami's Instagram story featured a behind‑the‑scenes snap from the award ceremony, complete with a handwritten thank‑you note.

Overall, the 72nd edition felt like a bridge between tradition and innovation—a night where seasoned veterans stood shoulder‑to‑shoulder with the new wave of talent. As the lights dimmed, one thing was clear: Indian cinema is still very much alive, evolving, and ready to tell stories that matter.