National Film Awards 2026: Must‑Watch Winners Across India

The 72nd National Film Awards, announced on July 19, 2026, celebrated a stunning mix of narratives that emerged from India’s bustling film industries in 2024. From grand political thrillers to intimate regional dramas, the jury seemed intent on rewarding both scale and soul.

Best Feature Film – "Article 370" – Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale and fronted by Yami Gautam, this political action thriller took home the top honour. Set against the backdrop of the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir, the film was praised for its tight script and gripping performances.

Best Hindi Film – "Srikanth" – Tushar Hiranandani’s biopic starring Rajkummar Rao chronicles the inspiring journey of entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla. Its uplifting narrative and powerful acting earned it the Best Hindi Film title.

Best Assamese Film – "Juiphool" – Directed by Jadumoni Dutta, this entry won hearts with its rooted storytelling and vivid portrayal of Assamese culture.

Best Bengali Film – "Chaalchitra Ekhon" – Veteran filmmaker Anjan Dutt added another National Award to his résumé for this poignant work.

Best Gujarati Film – "Maaran" – Abhishek Jain’s offering continued the recent wave of acclaimed Gujarati cinema.

Best Kannada Film – "Mithya" – A coming‑of‑age drama by Sumanth Bhat, praised for its emotional depth and sensitive storytelling.

Best Malayalam Film – "Feminist Fathima" – Directed by Fasil Muhammed, this socially relevant drama impressed the jury with its fresh perspective.

Best Marathi Film – "Mukkam Post Bombilwaadi" – Paresh Mokashi’s film captured the nuanced flavours of Marathi life and won the top Marathi honour.

Best Odia Film – "Lahari" – Amartya Bhattacharyya’s work highlighted the growing recognition of Odia cinema on the national stage.

Best Tamil Film – "Raayan" – Actor‑filmmaker Dhanush’s directorial debut earned the Best Tamil Film award for its intense storytelling and strong performances.

Best Telugu Film – "Committee Kurrollu" – Yadu Vamsi’s ensemble drama clinched the Best Telugu Film trophy, marking a major achievement for the filmmaker.

All these films, spanning ten languages, reflect the rich tapestry of Indian cinema today. Whether you’re in the mood for a political thriller, a heartfelt biopic, or a regional slice‑of‑life story, the 2026 National Film Awards list gives you plenty of reasons to press play.