The 70th National Film Awards were announced on August 16, and the ceremony held in Delhi unveiled triumphs across various film industries in India. Feature Film Jury Chairperson Rahul Rawail led the significant announcement, spotlighting impactful cinema certified in 2022. Among the notable winners was the Sharmila Tagore-starrer “Gulmohar,” which clinched the Best Hindi Film National Award. Manoj Bajpayee, who played a pivotal role in the same film, received a special mention, further elevating the film’s accolades.
This year’s awards shone a light on exceptional talents, with Neena Gupta earning the Best Supporting Actress Award for her distinguished performance in “Uunchai.” The film, directed by Sooraj Barjatya, and written by Abhishek Dixit from an original story by Sunil Gandhi, featured an ensemble cast, including stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Danny Denzongpa, Parineeti Chopra, Neena Gupta, and Sarika. Barjatya’s direction earned him the title of Best Director for “Uunchai,” highlighting his dual role in creating a standout cinematic experience.
In “Gulmohar,” directed by Rahul V. Chittella, audiences are drawn into a compelling family drama revolving around the Batra family. Manoj Bajpayee stars as Arun Batra, navigating through emotional upheavals as his family moves out from their ancestral home following a decision by the matriarch, played by Sharmila Tagore, to sell the property. The narrative explores themes of family bonding, relationships, and transitions, presenting a nuanced perspective on LGBTQ and adoption topics. Premiering on Disney+ Hotstar on March 3, 2023, “Gulmohar” captivated audiences and critics alike, culminating in its celebrated victory at the National Film Awards.
A plethora of notable films were recognized for their artistic contributions this year.
. Malayalam film “Aattam: The Play” emerged victorious in the Best Feature Film category, marking a significant achievement for the regional film industry. Kannada actor Rishabh Shetty was honored with the National Film Award for Best Actor for his role in “Kantara,” while the Best Actress award saw a unique tie. Nithya Menon was awarded for her role in “Thiruchitrambalam,” and Manasi Parekh shared the honor for her performance in “Kutch Express.” Additionally, Pawan Malhotra received the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in “Fouja,” further emphasizing the diverse talent represented in this year’s awards.
Music also played a vital role in the awards, with legendary composer AR Rahman winning the National Film Award for Best Music Director (Background Music) for his work in Mani Ratnam’s “Ponniyin Selvan-Part 1.” The film was notably recognized as the Best Tamil Film, underscoring Rahman’s enduring influence in the industry. Pritam received the Best Music Director (Songs) accolade for “Brahmastra-Part 1,” signifying his exceptional contribution to musical score in popular cinema.
The jury of the National Film Awards comprised eminent personalities like Rahul Rawail as Chairperson of the Feature Film Jury, Nila Madhab Panda leading the Non-Feature Film Jury, and Mr. Gangadhar Mudalair overseeing the Best Writing on Cinema Jury. Their collective expertise ensured a robust and fair selection process, recognizing excellence across a broad spectrum of filmmakers and artists.
With the sweeping recognition of “Gulmohar” and the individual acknowledgments in acting, directing, and music, the 70th National Film Awards reaffirms the progressive and inclusive nature of Indian cinema. The awards not only celebrate individual and collective artistic achievements but also reflect the evolving narratives that continue to shape the country’s film industry. From family dramas and regional masterpieces to compelling performances and groundbreaking music, this year’s National Film Awards showcased the rich tapestry of India’s cinematic landscape, honoring the very best of 2022’s films and talents.