72nd National Film Awards: Honouring Excellence in Indian Cinema (Films Certified in 2024)

72nd National Film Awards: Honouring Excellence in Indian Cinema (Films Certified in 2024)

Context

The 72nd National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi to honour films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during the calendar year 2024. Organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the awards recognise excellence in artistic, technical, and socially relevant filmmaking across Indian languages.

History of the Issue

The National Film Awards were instituted in 1954 as the State Awards for Films and were renamed National Film Awards in 1973. Initially administered by the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF), the responsibility was transferred to the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in 2022. Winners are selected by an independent jury appointed by the Government of India, and the awards are presented by the President of India. The awards are divided into three broad categories: Feature Films, Non-Feature Films, and Best Writing on Cinema. The Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) is awarded for the highest honours, while the Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus) recognises acting and technical excellence. The ceremony also includes the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.

Salient Points

Article 370 won the Best Feature Film award, while Yami Gautam received the Best Actress award for the same film. Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) and Mammootty (Bramayugam) shared the Best Actor award. Amaran won Best Direction, Kalki 2898 AD received the Best Popular Film award, and Srikant was honoured as the Best Hindi Film.

India's Stand

India views cinema as an important instrument of national integration, cultural preservation, creative expression, and soft power. Through the National Film Awards, the Government promotes quality filmmaking that reflects India's linguistic diversity, social concerns, historical narratives, and artistic excellence.

Current Status

The 72nd National Film Awards recognise films certified in 2024, with the winners announced in July 2026. The awards continue to encourage meaningful cinema, celebrate regional and mainstream films equally, and strengthen India's global cultural influence through its vibrant film industry.

Analytical Questions

Q1. Why are the National Film Awards important beyond recognising cinematic excellence?

Answer: The awards do more than honour good films. They encourage stories that reflect social issues, national values and cultural diversity. They also promote regional cinema and meaningful filmmaking. In this way, cinema becomes a tool for public awareness, national integration and preservation of India's cultural heritage.

Q2. How can cinema contribute to India's soft power in the global arena?

Answer: Films introduce India's culture, languages, traditions and ideas to global audiences. Good cinema builds a positive image of the country and creates cultural connections. It also supports tourism, attracts investment in the creative industry and strengthens India's influence without using political or military power.

Q3. Why is it important that the National Film Awards recognise films made in different Indian languages?

Answer: India's strength lies in its diversity. Recognising films from different languages gives equal respect to regional cultures and encourages local talent. It also helps preserve linguistic heritage and allows important regional stories to reach national audiences, strengthening unity while respecting diversity.

Q4. What role can socially relevant films play in improving governance and public awareness?

Answer: Films can explain complex social issues in a simple and emotional way. They encourage discussion on subjects like gender equality, public health, national security and constitutional values. Better public awareness often leads to informed citizens, stronger democratic participation and greater support for positive social change.

Q5. How should governments balance support for creative freedom with the responsibility to regulate films?

Answer: Creative freedom is essential for artistic expression and democracy. At the same time, reasonable regulation is needed to prevent unlawful content and protect public order. The balance should be achieved through transparent laws, independent institutions and minimal restrictions while respecting constitutional rights and creative expression.