National Film Awards 2024: Manoj Bajpayee, Mani Ratnam, Vishal Bharadwaj accept awards from President

The 70th National Film Awards Ceremony 2024 was held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, honoring the outstanding contributions of artists and filmmakers to the Indian film industry. The prestigious event, presided over by President Droupadi Murmu, celebrated the achievements of numerous talents who have elevated Indian cinema. This year’s awards recognized exceptional films, performances, and technical excellence across multiple languages and categories, showcasing the diverse and vibrant culture of Indian cinema.

One of the major highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honor in Indian cinema, to veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty for his invaluable contributions to the industry. This award was a fitting tribute to an actor who has not only entertained audiences for decades but has also contributed to the craft of acting with his versatile performances.

Manoj Bajpayee, known for his nuanced portrayals and deep commitment to his roles, received the National Award for his performance in the film Gulmohar under the Special Mention category. This award added another feather to Bajpayee’s already illustrious career, reinforcing his position as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema.

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The Kannada film KGF Chapter 2 emerged as a major winner, taking home the award for Best Kannada Film and Best Action Direction. Shailaja Vijay accepted the awards on behalf of Homable Films. The film, which had set new benchmarks for the Kannada film industry with its high-octane action sequences and gripping narrative, was lauded for its technical brilliance and impactful storytelling.

Rishab Shetty, for his role in the Kannada film Kantara, earned the Best Actor award in a Leading Role. This recognition underscored Shetty’s immense talent and his ability to breathe life into complex characters. His performance in Kantara was widely appreciated for its intensity and authenticity.

In the Tamil category, Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 was honored as the Best Tamil Film. Mani Ratnam, a celebrated filmmaker known for his profound storytelling and visual style, accepted the award, further solidifying his status as a visionary director in Indian cinema.

The Telugu film Karthikeya 2 also made its mark by winning the Best Telugu Film award. Producer Abhishek Aggarwal accepted the award for this mystical thriller that captivated audiences with its intriguing storyline and strong performances.

The Assamese film Birubala: Witch to Padmashri, directed by Aimee Baruah, received a Special Mention for its portrayal of the social stigma surrounding witch-hunting. Baruah’s directorial efforts were recognized for shedding light on such a critical issue and promoting social awareness through cinema.

Music director Vishal Bhardwaj was awarded Best Music Direction in the non-feature film category for his work in Fursat. Known for his evocative compositions, Bhardwaj’s music has always been an integral part of storytelling, and this award was a testament to his mastery in blending music with cinematic narratives.