National Film Awards 2025: Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, and '12th Fail' Lead the Winners List in a Landmark Year
The 71st National Film Awards 2025 saw Shah Rukh Khan win his first National Award for 'Jawan', Vikrant Massey shine with '12th Fail', and Rani Mukerji bag accolades. Here's the complete winners list.
NewsSutra
New Delhi, August 2, 2025 – The 71st National Film Awards have made history with some of the biggest names in Indian cinema finally receiving the highest honours of the land. With the spotlight firmly on Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, and the sleeper hit 12th Fail, this year’s ceremony turned into an emotional celebration of perseverance, performance, and powerful storytelling.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the winners list today at the National Media Centre. The jury, headed by noted filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, praised the diverse and content-driven films of the year. From mainstream blockbusters like Jawan to small-budget gems like Parking, the awards showcased the wide spectrum of Indian cinema.
Shah Rukh Khan Wins His First National Award for ‘Jawan’
In a moment fans have waited decades for, Shah Rukh Khan finally bagged the Best Actor award for his dual performance in Jawan. Directed by Atlee, the film not only shattered box office records but also established itself as a socially charged action thriller that resonated across the country.
Khan’s layered portrayal of a vigilante father and son earned the jury’s unanimous praise. “SRK has redefined the action hero with soul,” commented one jury member.
The win is significant, as Khan’s past performances in films like Swades and My Name is Khan were widely regarded but went unrecognised by the National Awards. With Jawan, he finally gets the official nod.
Vikrant Massey Shines with '12th Fail'
Equally deserving was Vikrant Massey, who shared the Best Actor honour with Khan for his role in 12th Fail. Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the film is based on the true story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma.
Massey’s restrained and realistic performance as a struggling student from a rural background touched hearts across the country. The film’s grassroots appeal and inspirational narrative made it a critical darling. This marks Massey’s first National Award, solidifying his reputation as one of India’s most versatile and committed actors.
Best Actress: Rani Mukerji Returns to Glory
Rani Mukerji won the Best Actress award for her moving performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. The film, inspired by real events, saw her portray a mother fighting a legal battle in a foreign land for the custody of her children.
Rani’s return to intense dramatic roles paid off, and her win was greeted with a standing ovation during the announcement. Her dedication to emotionally charged roles over the years finally received the acclaim it long deserved.
‘12th Fail’ Bags Best Hindi Film
12th Fail had a clean sweep at the ceremony. Apart from the acting honours, it also won Best Hindi Feature Film, praising Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s direction and the film’s honest writing. The raw narrative, shot largely in real locations, was hailed as an ode to hope and resilience.
‘Animal’ Wins for Music and Visuals
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, may have polarized audiences, but the National Awards recognised its musical and technical brilliance. The film won Best Background Score and Best Visual Effects, highlighting its massive production value and cinematic ambition.
‘Parking’ Wins Best Feature Film
One of the surprises of this year was the Tamil film Parking, which took home the coveted Best Feature Film award. Directed by Ramkumar Balakrishnan, it offered a gripping social commentary wrapped in a thriller format. The film was lauded for its screenplay, tight direction, and fresh narrative structure.
Full List of Key Winners – National Awards 2025
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Best Feature Film: Parking (Tamil)
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Best Hindi Film: 12th Fail
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Best Actor: Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) & Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
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Best Actress: Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway)
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Best Director: Atlee (Jawan)
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Best Supporting Actor: Pankaj Tripathi (Main Atal Hoon)
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Best Supporting Actress: Urvashi (Karumegangal Kalaiginrana)
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Best Music Direction: Animal – Harshavardhan Rameshwar
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Best Choreography: Jawan – Shobi Paulraj for "Zinda Banda"
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Best Screenplay (Adapted): 12th Fail
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Best Screenplay (Original): Parking
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Best Background Score: Animal
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Best Editing: Jawan
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Best Cinematography: Swatantra Veer Savarkar
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Best Debut Director: Balakrishnan R (Parking)
SRK’s Journey Comes Full Circle
Fans of Shah Rukh Khan, often called the “King of Bollywood,” have campaigned for years for national recognition. From Swades to Chak De! India, his roles have consistently delivered depth under the starry surface. With Jawan, he finally bridges the gap between commercial success and critical acclaim. His humble statement following the win — “This one is for my fans, who never gave up on me” — broke the internet, with hashtags like #SRKNationalAward trending nationwide.
Spotlight on Women-Centric Cinema
This year also highlighted the resurgence of strong female-led stories. Apart from Rani Mukerji’s win, Karumegangal Kalaiginrana, starring Urvashi, won in multiple regional categories for its layered portrayal of motherhood and social injustice. The National Awards continue to honour films that reflect the evolving narratives in Indian society.
A New Era for Indian Cinema
The 71st National Film Awards 2025 marks a shift where content-driven films and mass entertainers both found their place. Whether it's the emotional grit of 12th Fail, the high-octane spectacle of Jawan, or the subtle power of Parking, Indian cinema in 2024-25 proved it could deliver both heart and impact.
The official ceremony will take place in New Delhi next month, where the President of India will hand over the awards to the winners. The anticipation for the event is already building, with fans eager to see their stars finally get their due recognition.
Conclusion
This year’s National Film Awards were not just about winners; they were about validation, patience, and a celebration of cinematic excellence across genres and languages. Whether it was Shah Rukh Khan’s long-awaited recognition, Vikrant Massey’s rise as a national icon, or the quiet brilliance of films like Parking, 2025 has reminded us of why Indian cinema continues to captivate the world.
As the dust settles on the winners list, one thing is clear — the future of Indian cinema is not just bright; it's brilliant.
