The 71st National Film Awards 2025 turned into a landmark evening for Bollywood as three of its most celebrated actors—Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, and Rani Mukerji—received their first-ever National Film Awards. Held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on September 23, the ceremony was graced by President Droupadi Murmu, who presented the prestigious honours to the winners across multiple categories. Alongside the coveted Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus) medallion and certificate, the winners also received cash prizes, making the recognition both symbolic and rewarding.
The awards, which celebrate excellence in Indian cinema, were adjudicated by distinguished juries led by filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker (Feature Films) and Malay Ray (Non-Feature Films). This year’s acting categories drew special attention, not just for the performances but also for the prize money awarded to the winners.
Prize Money Breakdown – 71st National Film Awards 2025
| Category | Winner(s) | Prize Money (₹) | Award Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Actor | Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) | ₹1,00,000 | Rajat Kamal | Shared award with Vikrant Massey |
| Best Actor | Vikrant Massey (12th Fail) | ₹1,00,000 | Rajat Kamal | Shared award with Shah Rukh Khan |
| Best Actress | Rani Mukerji (Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway) | ₹2,00,000 | Rajat Kamal | Sole recipient |
| Best Feature Film | 12th Fail (Vidhu Vinod Chopra) | ₹3,00,000 | Swarna Kamal | Awarded to producer and director |
| Best Director | Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story) | ₹3,00,000 | Swarna Kamal | Recognised for directorial excellence |
| Dadasaheb Phalke Award | Mohanlal | ₹10,00,000 | Phalke Medallion | Lifetime achievement honour |
Shah Rukh Khan’s win for his performance in the blockbuster Jawan marked a historic moment in his three-decade-long career. Known for his mass appeal and global fanbase, SRK’s portrayal of a vigilante hero resonated with audiences and critics alike. Sharing the Best Actor honour with Vikrant Massey, who delivered a nuanced performance in 12th Fail, the duo split the ₹2 lakh prize money, receiving ₹1 lakh each.
Rani Mukerji, on the other hand, received the full ₹2 lakh cash prize for her emotionally charged role in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Her portrayal of a mother fighting for her children in a foreign land was hailed as one of the most powerful performances of the year.
First-Time National Award Winners – Career Milestones
| Actor | Film | Award Category | First National Award | Career Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shah Rukh Khan | Jawan | Best Actor | Yes | 30+ years |
| Vikrant Massey | 12th Fail | Best Actor | Yes | 15+ years |
| Rani Mukerji | Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway | Best Actress | Yes | 25+ years |
The National Film Awards are among India’s most prestigious recognitions in cinema, honouring artistic excellence across feature films, non-feature films, and technical categories. Winners receive a medallion, certificate, and cash prize, with amounts varying by category. While the Best Actor and Best Actress awards carry ₹2 lakh each, the Best Feature Film and Best Director awards come with ₹3 lakh. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest film honour, includes ₹10 lakh, a medallion, and a shawl.
This year, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his iconic contributions to Indian cinema. His recognition added gravitas to the ceremony, which also celebrated emerging talents and regional cinema.
Prize Money Structure – National Film Awards Categories
| Award Category | Cash Prize (₹) | Medal Type | Additional Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Actor / Actress | ₹2,00,000 | Silver Lotus | Certificate |
| Best Feature Film | ₹3,00,000 | Golden Lotus | Awarded to producer and director |
| Best Director | ₹3,00,000 | Golden Lotus | Certificate |
| Best Debut Film | ₹3,00,000 | Golden Lotus | Recognition for new filmmakers |
| Dadasaheb Phalke Award | ₹10,00,000 | Phalke Medallion | Lifetime achievement, shawl |
The 71st edition of the awards also spotlighted diversity in Indian cinema, with regional films and debut directors receiving well-deserved attention. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail, which won Best Feature Film, was praised for its realistic portrayal of aspirational youth and systemic challenges.
Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, earning ₹3 lakh for Dharma Productions. Marathi filmmaker Ashish Bende was recognised for Best Debut Film of a Director with Aatmapamphlet, also receiving ₹3 lakh.
Public Sentiment – National Film Awards 2025 Highlights
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.6M mentions | 89% celebratory | #NationalFilmAwards #SRKFirstAward |
| 1.2M views | 92% positive | #RaniMukerji #VikrantMassey | |
| YouTube | 980K views | 85% emotional | #Jawan #12thFail #MrsChatterjee |
| 860K interactions | 88% supportive | #IndianCinema #AwardWinners |
The ceremony also witnessed heartwarming moments, including Shah Rukh Khan helping Rani Mukerji with her saree pallu as they settled into their seats—an act that fans called “pure gentleman behaviour.” The camaraderie between the awardees added warmth to an evening of cinematic celebration.
As the 71st National Film Awards concluded, it left behind a trail of inspiration, recognition, and renewed respect for the craft of storytelling. For Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, and Rani Mukerji, the honours were not just trophies—they were affirmations of their journey, talent, and impact on Indian cinema.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available award announcements, verified news reports, and official ceremony details. It does not constitute financial or legal advice. All quotes and figures are attributed to public sources and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
