Article 370 Wins Best Feature at 72nd National Film Awards

New Delhi, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: Aditya Jambhale’s Hindi film Article 370, which explores the Union government’s controversial abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under the Constitution in 2019, has been awarded the prestigious title of Best Feature Film at the 72nd National Film Awards. The film's lead actress, Yami Gautam Dhar, also received the Best Actress award for her compelling performance. This recognition not only highlights the film's artistic merit but also underscores its relevance in contemporary Indian socio-political discourse.

The abrogation of Article 370 was a significant political move by the Indian government, which led to the revocation of the special status that Jammu and Kashmir had enjoyed since the accession of the region to India in 1947. This decision has been met with widespread debate and contention, both within the country and internationally. The film Article 370 delves into the human stories and the socio-political ramifications of this decision, aiming to provide a nuanced perspective on the issue. By winning the Best Feature Film award, the film has not only gained critical acclaim but has also sparked conversations about the ongoing challenges faced by the people in the region.

The awards, announced by jury chairperson Jayaraj, recognized films made in or certified by the censor board in 2024. The National Film Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in Indian cinema, celebrating excellence in filmmaking across various genres and languages. In addition to its Best Feature accolade, Article 370 secured a third trophy for Best Music Direction for Songs, awarded to Shashwat Sachdev, further emphasizing the film’s artistic achievements in multiple facets of production.

In a celebration of cinematic excellence, Nag Ashwin’s Telugu fantasy drama Kalki 2898 AD was honored as the Best Popular Film for wholesome entertainment, and it also received an award for Best Production Design, attributed to Nitin Zihani Choudhary. The film's blend of mythology and futuristic elements has resonated well with audiences, showcasing the versatility and creativity present in contemporary Indian cinema.

The award for Best Director was presented to Rajkumar Periasamy for his Tamil-language film Amaran, which also won in the Best Editing category, thanks to the work of R Kalaivannan. This recognition is significant as it highlights the importance of directorial vision and the technical prowess required in filmmaking. Randeep Hooda’s biopic Swatantrya Veer Savarkar was recognized as the Best Debut Film of a Director, marking a promising start for the filmmaker and contributing to the growing trend of biographical films in Indian cinema.

In a notable achievement, Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty and Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor award for their performances in Bramayugam and Chandu Champion, respectively. This dual recognition not only celebrates their individual talents but also reflects the diversity of storytelling across different film industries in India. Bramayugam also garnered the Best Cinematography award, awarded to Shehnad Jalal, showcasing the film's visual storytelling and technical excellence.

Sukumar’s Pushpa 2: The Rule won the award for Best Screenplay (Original), while Yogesh Deshpande took home the Best Screenplay (Adapted) award for the biopic Swargandharva Sudhir Phadke. The recognition of screenplays is crucial, as it underscores the importance of storytelling in film, whether through original narratives or adaptations of existing works. The Best Costume Designer award was shared by Deepali Noor and Sheetal Sharma for their work on Pushpa 2, highlighting the role of costume design in enhancing the authenticity and visual appeal of cinematic narratives.

The awards also recognized films across various languages in the Best Film language categories, including Committee Kurrollu (Telugu), Srikanth (Hindi), Raayan (Tamil), Chalchitra Ekhon (Bengali), Mithya (Kannada), Feminichi Fathima (Malayalam), Juiphool (Assamese), Mukkam Post Bombilwadi (Marathi), Lahari (Odia), Dholi (Garhwali), Maaran (Gujarati), Sunita (Manipuri), Mog Asum (Konkani), and Imbu (Tulu). This broad spectrum of languages reflects the rich tapestry of Indian cinema, celebrating regional narratives and the diverse cultural heritage of the country.

In the documentary category, Sumira Roy’s Bhangaar was named Best Non-Feature Film, while Ravi Raj Murmu’s Angen was recognized as the Best Debut Film of a Director. Documentaries play a crucial role in providing insights into real-life issues and narratives, often sparking discussions that resonate with audiences on a personal level.

Ropashree Varkady and Sachana Namidass won the Best Supporting Actress award for their performances in Mithya (Kannada) and Maharaja (Tamil), respectively. The Best Supporting Actor award went to Sanjay Mishra for his role in Bhakshak (Hindi). These awards highlight the significance of supporting roles in films, as they often provide depth and complexity to the main narrative.

Additionally, Arun Matheswaran’s Captain Miller (Tamil) was awarded for Best Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values, while Nanda Kishore Emani’s 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu (Telugu) was named Best Children’s Film. The recognition of films that promote social and environmental values is particularly important in today’s context, as cinema has the power to influence public perception and inspire change.

The National Film Awards not only serve as a platform to honor the artistic achievements of filmmakers but also reflect the evolving landscape of Indian cinema. With a growing emphasis on diverse storytelling, social issues, and innovative filmmaking techniques, these awards highlight the importance of cinema as a medium for both entertainment and social commentary. As the industry continues to evolve, the recognition of films like Article 370 and others encourages filmmakers to explore complex narratives that resonate with audiences, fostering a culture of storytelling that is both reflective and transformative.