Celebrating National Film Awards wins – who are the next deserving front-runners?
The 71st National Awards celebrated stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey, but performances like Yami Gautam in Article 370 and Fahadh Faasil in Aavesham also deserve recognition next year. These outstanding actors have made us proud and truly merit this prestigious honor.
Fahadh Faasil for Aavesham Fahadh Faasil stands among the most talented actors in Indian cinema. In Aavesham, he masterfully combined humor, intensity, and fearlessness in his portrayal of Ranga Bhai, a gangster. His compelling performance deeply moved audiences, solidifying it as one of his finest roles worthy of a National Award.
2/8
Yami Gautam for Article 370 Yami Gautam played Zooni Haksar, a bold NIA officer, in the political thriller Article 370. Her powerful performance as an agent fighting terrorism and corruption in Jammu and Kashmir was widely praised. She truly deserves a National Award for this outstanding role.
3/8
Sivakarthikeyan for Amaran Sivakarthikeyan's portrayal of Major Mukund in Amaran was outstanding. His patriotic and emotional performance deeply moved audiences and critics, earning praise as a potential National Award-winning role.
4/8
Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion Kartik Aaryan delivered a heartfelt performance as Murlikant "Chandu" Petkar in Chandu Champion, perfectly capturing his emotional journey. His raw and sincere portrayal deserves a National Award.
Vikrant Massey for Sector 36 Vikrant Massey, the National Award winner for 12th Fail, stunned audiences once again with his intense and unpredictable role as Prem in Sector 36. His chilling portrayal of a dark, antagonistic character was both gripping and shocking, proving yet another award-worthy performance.
6/8
Mammootty for Bramayugam Mammootty delivered a hauntingly brilliant performance in Bramayugam, portraying the enigmatic Kudamon Potti. With his commanding screen presence and chilling depth, the veteran actor reminded us of his versatility, making this a top contender for next year’s National Awards.
7/8
Alia Bhatt for Jigra Alia Bhatt shone in Jigra, playing a fiercely protective sister on a mission. Her emotionally layered and physically demanding performance highlighted her range and depth, reinforcing her position as one of the finest actresses of her generation.
8/8
Vijay Sethupathi for Maharaja In Maharaja, Vijay Sethupathi delivered a gripping and intense performance filled with pain and quiet rage. His nuanced portrayal of a father seeking justice was both heartbreaking and powerful, worthy of National Award recognition.
![Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion Kartik Aaryan delivered a heartfelt performance as Murlikant "Chandu" Petkar in Chandu Champion, perfectly capturing his emotional journey. His raw and sincere portrayal deserves a National Award.](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2025/08/20250806064520_kartik.jpg "Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion Kartik Aaryan delivered a heartfelt performance as Murlikant "Chandu" Petkar in Chandu Champion, perfectly capturing his emotional journey. His raw and sincere portrayal deserves a National Award.")
