The National Awards 2025 once again proved to be a grand celebration of Indian cinema, honoring the talent and creativity that drives the nation’s film industry forward. Held with great fanfare in New Delhi, the prestigious ceremony brought together the finest filmmakers, actors, and technicians from across the country.
This year’s awards were especially notable for their diversity, celebrating films from multiple regional industries and highlighting compelling performances that left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike. Let’s take a closer look at the major highlights of the evening, especially the winners of Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Actress—the categories that always draw the most attention.
Best Feature Film: “Neeraj” (Hindi)
Taking home the coveted Best Feature Film award was the Hindi-language biographical drama “Neeraj”, directed by Anubhav Mehta. The film chronicles the journey of Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw, capturing not just his achievements but also the struggles, discipline, and sacrifices that shaped him into a national hero.
“Neeraj” stood out for its powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and visually stunning sports sequences. The screenplay was sharp, balancing the athlete’s personal life with his professional milestones. The cinematography, especially during the training and competition scenes, was praised for its technical brilliance.
The film not only resonated with sports lovers but also touched a wider audience with its inspirational message and nationalistic fervor. Its win as Best Film at the National Awards 2025 reflects the jury’s appreciation for stories rooted in real-life triumph and national pride.
Best Actor: Fahadh Faasil for “Thazhvaram” (Malayalam)
Fahadh Faasil, already known for his brilliant acting range, delivered a career-defining performance in the Malayalam psychological thriller “Thazhvaram”. Playing the role of a mentally unstable yet genius forensic expert, Fahadh’s performance was a masterclass in subtlety and emotional intensity.
“Thazhvaram” deals with crime, guilt, and redemption, and much of its success lies in Fahadh’s ability to hold the viewer’s attention with his deeply layered portrayal. His character, haunted by personal trauma yet determined to seek justice, allowed him to explore both vulnerability and strength.
The National Award jury praised Fahadh’s “unmatched command over his craft” and his ability to “immerse completely into the character’s psyche.” His win for Best Actor at the National Awards 2025 is widely seen as a well-deserved honor for one of India’s most versatile performers.
Best Actress: Alia Bhatt for “Razia” (Hindi)
Winning hearts and awards yet again, Alia Bhatt was named Best Actress for her extraordinary performance in “Razia”, a period drama based on the life of Razia Sultana, the first and only female monarch of the Delhi Sultanate.
In “Razia”, Alia delivered a bold and emotionally charged performance, portraying the challenges faced by a woman in power in a male-dominated medieval society. From regal authority to emotional vulnerability, her portrayal was layered with grace, grit, and historical authenticity.
Her transformation into a fearless queen, along with her command over Urdu dialogues and complex expressions, earned her immense critical acclaim. The jury noted her “powerful screen presence and commitment to the role,” making her a clear choice for Best Actress at the National Awards 2025.
Other Notable Highlights from National Awards 2025
While the top three categories stole the spotlight, several other notable achievements were recognized at this year’s ceremony:
- Best Director: Vetri Maaran for “Viduthalai: Part II” (Tamil)
- Best Supporting Actor: Pankaj Tripathi for “Ghatak” (Hindi)
- Best Supporting Actress: Shobana for “Janani” (Malayalam)
- Best Children’s Film: “Bachpan Ke Rang” (Marathi)
- Best Debut Film of a Director: Priya Menon for “Thumbi” (Malayalam)
The awards showcased a healthy blend of mainstream and regional cinema, reflecting the depth and diversity of Indian filmmaking.
A Celebration of Cinematic Excellence
The National Film Awards, instituted in 1954, continue to be among the most prestigious honors for Indian cinema. Unlike commercially-driven awards, the National Awards are curated by a government-appointed jury and judged purely on artistic merit.
What makes National Awards 2025 special is their emphasis on celebrating real stories, meaningful cinema, and performance-oriented roles. Whether it’s a sports biopic like Neeraj, a complex psychological drama like Thazhvaram, or a historical tale like Razia, the common thread is excellence.
Public Reactions and Industry Buzz
Social media platforms buzzed with congratulatory messages and trending hashtags like #NationalAwards2025, #AliaBhatt, and #FahadhFaasil as fans and industry colleagues celebrated the winners.
Film critics praised the jury for recognizing talent from across regions and genres. Movie buffs welcomed the awards as validation for films that prioritize story and performance over commercial success.
Many also noted how the awards inspired younger artists and filmmakers to pursue content-driven cinema.
Conclusion
The National Awards 2025 served as a reminder of the power of cinema to inspire, inform, and transform. With deserving winners like Neeraj, Fahadh Faasil, and Alia Bhatt, the awards not only celebrated individual brilliance but also elevated the stature of Indian cinema on the global stage.
As we look forward to the next year, one thing is clear India’s storytelling legacy is in safe hands, and the best is yet to come.