National Film Awards 2024: Kantara, KGF 2 and Gulmohar grab headlines: The National Film Awards 2024 celebrated the diversity and richness of Indian cinema, with winners from various fields showcasing the best of the industry. At the awards announced on August 16, films such as #Kantara, #KGF Chapter 2 and #Gulmohar won some of the most prestigious honours, reflecting the immense talent and creativity present in Indian filmmaking.
The evening’s biggest prize was the movie #Kantara, which captivated viewers with its compelling story and outstanding performances. The movie, which was directed and starred Rishab Shetty, took home the coveted Best Film prize. Furthermore, Shetty won the Best Actor prize for his superb performance in the film.
#Kantara has been widely praised for its storytelling and Shetty’s ability to bring depth and intensity to his character, making it a standout at this year’s awards.
Another major winner was #KGF Chapter 2, which continued its remarkable run by winning the Best Kannada Film award.
The Yash starrer has been a huge success both critically and commercially, with its high-octane action sequences and compelling storyline attracting audiences across the country.
The film’s win at the National Film Awards has further cemented its status as one of the most influential films in recent years.
In the Hindi Cinema category, #Gulmohar emerged as the winner of the Best Hindi Film award. Known for its heartwarming story and strong performances, the film has been recognised for its contribution to the emerging landscape of Bollywood. #Gulmohar’s win is a testament to the growing importance of content-driven cinema in the industry, where storytelling is being prioritised over traditional commercial formulas.
Sooraj R Barjatya was awarded the Best Director award for his work in #Oochai. Known for his expertise in making family dramas, Barjatya has once again showcased his directorial skills with this film. His ability to connect with the audience through an emotionally resonant story earned him this honour.
On the music front, #Brahmastra made a significant impact. Pritam won the Best Music Director award for his work in the film, which was celebrated for its innovative and dynamic score. AR Rahman, one of India’s most respected composers, won the Best Background Music award for his work in #Ponniyin Selvan 2, while Anand Krishnamurthy won Best Sound Design for the same film.
Furthermore, for his role in #Brahmastra, Arijit Singh—the voice behind numerous well-known songs—won the Best Playback Singer Male honour. To further highlight the movie’s superior technical quality, it was also awarded Best VFX.
The National Film Awards 2024 have highlighted the diversity and talent of Indian cinema, recognising films and artistes that transcend boundaries and captivate audiences. This year’s winners reflect the evolving nature of the industry, where creativity and storytelling are at the core.
Here is the complete 2024 National Awards Winners List:
Film | Winner(s) |
Best Feature Film | Aattam |
Best Popular Film | Kantara |
Best Actor | Rishab Shetty, Kantara |
Best Actress | Nithya Menon and Manasi Parekh |
Best Director | Sooraj Barjatya |
Best Supporting Actress | Neena Gupta |
Best Supporting Actor | Pawan Malhotra |
Best Debut | Fouja, Pramod Kumar |
Best Telugu Film | Kartikeya 2 |
Best Tamil Film | Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1 |
Best Punjabi Film | Baaghi Di Dhee |
Best Odia Film | Daman |
Best Malayalam Film | Soudi Velakka CC.225/2009 |
Best Marathi Film | Vaalvi |
Best Kannada Film | KGF: Chapter 2 |
Best Hindi Film | Gulmohar |
Special Mentions | Manoj Bajpayee in Gulmohar, Sanjoy Salil Chowdhury for Kalikhan |
Best Action Direction | KGF: Chapter 2 |
Best Choreography | Tiruchitrabalam |
Best Lyrics | Fouja |
Best Music Director (Songs) | Pritam |
Best Music Director (Background Score) | AR Rahman |
Best Makeup | Aparajito |
Best Costumes | Kutchh Express |
Best Production Design | Aparajito |
Best Editing | Aattam |
Best Sound Design | Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1 |
Best Screenplay | Aattam |
Best Dialogues | Gulmohar |
Best Cinematography | Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1 |
Best Female Playback (Malayalam) | Soudi Velakka CC.225/2009 |
Best Female Playback (Hindi) | Brahmastra |