The much-anticipated 70th National Film Awards were unveiled on August 16, 2024, during a ceremonial announcement in Delhi. The annual event, known for recognizing excellence across the diverse spectrum of Indian cinema, witnessed an array of deserving artists and films taking home prestigious honors. This year, Sharmila Tagore’s starrer Gulmohar made headlines by clinching the Best Hindi Film National Award, while also earning Manoj Bajpayee a special mention for his impressive performance in the same movie.
Coming as a thrilling surprise to its fans and creators alike, Gulmohar, a family drama woven around the intricacies of relationships and societal themes, stood out significantly. The script, written and directed by Rahul V. Chittella, presents a nuanced narrative about the Batra family, led by the matriarch played by the veteran actress Sharmila Tagore. With Manoj Bajpayee portraying Arun Batra, the film delves into the emotional upheavals within the family post their decision to sell their family home, showcasing the themes of LGBTQ and adoption sensitively alongside familial bonds.
The announcement event, conducted by Feature Film Jury Chairperson Rahul Rawail, highlighted that only films certified in 2022 were considered for this year’s honors. The event saw further acknowledgment of cinematic excellence, with Neena Gupta winning the Best Supporting Actress Award for her role in Uunchai. Directed by Sooraj Barjatya and featuring a stellar ensemble including Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Danny Denzongpa, Parineeti Chopra, Neena Gupta, and Sarika, Uunchai’s impactful storytelling and Gupta’s compelling performance resonated deeply with both audiences and critics.
Furthermore, Gulmohar’s portrayal as the Best Hindi Film solidified its position in the annals of Indian cinema, distinguished by its release on the Disney+ Hotstar OTT platform on March 3, 2023. The film’s take on contemporary social issues and the dynamics within a family unit, against the backdrop of a significant lifestyle change, struck a chord with many.
In addition to Gulmohar’s success, the awards ceremony illuminated several other notable winners across different regional cinemas.
. The Malayalam film Aattam: The Play was honored as the Best Feature Film, while Rishab Shetty took home the Best Actor award for his compelling performance in the Kannada film Kantara. The Best Actress category witnessed an unusual tie, with accolades shared between Nithya Menen for Thiruchitrambalam and Manasi Parekh for Kutch Express. Pawan Malhotra bagged the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in Fouja, underscoring the richness of performances celebrated this year.
The world of music in Indian cinema also saw its share of laurels. The legendary AR Rahman received the National Film Award for Best Music Director (Background Music) for his evocative compositions in Mani Ratnam’s Ponnyin Selvan-Part 1, which also won the Best Tamil Film award. Pritam was bestowed with the award for Best Music Director (Songs) for his work in Brahmastra-Part 1, further celebrating the diversity and creativity within India’s musical landscapes.
At the heart of the 70th National Film Awards remained the discourses facilitated by the distinguished jury members that included Rahul Rawail, Chairperson of the Feature Film Jury; Nila Madhab Panda, Chairperson of the Non-Feature Film Jury; and Mr. Gangadhar Mudalair, Chairperson of the Best Writing on Cinema Jury. Their collective expertise guided the rigorous selection of winners, ensuring that the awards were bestowed upon the most deserving within the Indian cinematic community.
Through the celebration of films like Gulmohar and performances across Uunchai and various regional jewels, the 70th edition of the National Film Awards not only served as a platform for recognition but also as an indicator of the rich, evolving tapestry of Indian cinema. The narratives and talents spotlighted this year signify the industry’s continuous journey towards diverse, inclusive storytelling that resonates with a global audience, redefining cinematic excellence at every turn.
Indeed, the 2024 National Film Awards have set a new benchmark, honoring innovators, storytellers, and performers who have excelled prodigiously, contributing indelibly to India’s storied filmmaking tradition.
