New Delhi: The prestigious National Film Awards for 2024 were announced today, celebrating excellence in Indian cinema. Among the winners, Kantara and KGF: Chapter 2 emerged as the biggest victors, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Best Picture: Kantara
Kantara, a thought-provoking film that delves into the complexities of human relationships, clinched the coveted Best Picture award. Its powerful storytelling and exceptional performances resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Best Actor: Rishab Shetty
Talented actor Rishab Shetty received the Best Actor award for his remarkable portrayal in Kantara. His nuanced performance left an indelible impression on viewers.
Best Actress: Nithya Menon and Manasi Parekh
The Best Actress award was shared by two exceptional talents: Nithya Menon and Manasi Parekh. Their compelling performances in different films captivated audiences across genres.
Best Director: Sooraj R Barjatya
Veteran filmmaker Sooraj R Barjatya was honored with the Best Director award for his outstanding work in Uunchai. His ability to weave heartwarming narratives continues to inspire filmmakers.
Best Music Director: Pritam and AR Rahman
The music category witnessed a clash of titans. Pritam won the Best Music Director award for his soul-stirring compositions in Brahmastra, while the legendary AR Rahman took home the Best Background Music award for his work in Ponniyin Selvan – Part 2.
Best Sound Design: Anand Krishnamurthy
Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1 impressed the jury with its impeccable sound design, courtesy of Anand Krishnamurthy. His meticulous attention to detail elevated the film’s auditory experience.
Special Mentions: Manoj Bajpayee and Sanjoy Salil Chowdhury
Gulmohar garnered special mentions for Manoj Bajpayee, whose performance left an indelible mark, and Sanjoy Salil Chowdhury, the musical genius behind Kalikhan.
Technical Excellence: KGF: Chapter 2
The technical categories saw KGF: Chapter 2 shine. It bagged awards for Best Action Direction, Best Choreography (Tiruchitrabalam), Best Lyrics (Fouja), Best Makeup (Aparajito), Best Costumes (Kutchh Express), Best Production Design (Aparajito), Best Editing (Aattam), and Best Dialogues (Gulmohar).
Cinematic Brilliance: Soudi Velakka CC.225/2009 and Brahmastra
Soudi Velakka CC.225/2009 secured the Best Female Playback award, while Brahmastra triumphed with the Best VFX Award.
The additional categories from the 2024 National Film Awards:
Best Supporting Actress: The talented Neena Gupta received the award for her impactful performance in an undisclosed film.
Best Supporting Actor: Pawan Malhotra was recognized for his outstanding contribution to cinema. His nuanced portrayal left a lasting impression.
Best Debut: Fouja and Pramod Kumar shared the Best Debut award for their remarkable performances in different films.
Regional Excellence:
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
Technical Categories:
Best Cinematography: Ponniyin Selvan – Part 1
Best Female Playback Singer: Soudi Velakka CC.225/2009
Best Female Playback Singer (Songs): Brahmastra
