Live: SRK, Rani Mukerji Receive First National Awards; Vikrant Massey Shines with 12th Fail at 71st National Film Awards 2025
A Night of Firsts and Fanfare
The 71st National Film Awards, announced on August 1, 2025, spotlighted a mix of veteran icons and rising stars in Indian cinema. It was not only a celebration of artistry but also a watershed moment—Shah Rukh Khan received his first-ever National Award after more than 30 years in the industry.
At the same ceremony, Vikrant Massey shared the Best Actor award with Shah Rukh, marking his breakthrough in mainstream recognition. Meanwhile, Rani Mukerji earned the Best Actress accolade for her deeply emotional role in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
And crowning it all, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail not only landed Massey a Best Actor award but also grabbed Best Feature Film honors.
Shah Rukh Khan: A Dreams‑Come‑True Moment 🎖️
First National Award at Last
At the 71st edition, “Jawan” earned Shah Rukh the prestigious Best Actor title—his first in a 33-year career that spans blockbusters, enduring romantic leads, and global recognition.
Why It Matters
Fans and pundits alike saw this as long overdue. Reactions online poured in with sentiments like, “He deserved it long ago…” . From the 1990s romance classics through decades of blockbuster hits, SRK finally received this ultimate form of recognition.
About Jawan
Jawan, combining high-octane action with a potent social message, struck a chord with audiences. The screenplay showcased SRK’s ability to take on layered, intense roles even after decades of stardom.
SRK’s Reflection
At 30+ years into his illustrious career, his comments on receiving India’s top acting honor reflected gratitude, humility, and a validation of his dedicated craft.
Vikrant Massey: From Television to National Icon
A Journey Realised
Vikrant Massey has consistently impressed audiences and critics with performances in both soap operas like Balika Vadhu and films like 12th Fail. He’s long viewed acting as a pursuit of purpose and authenticity.
12th Fail: The Performance and Award
In Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s compelling biographical drama 12th Fail, Massey portrayed Manoj Kumar Sharma, an IPS aspirant rising from impoverished roots. His portrayal was lauded for emotional realism, depth, and conviction—enough for the jury to award him Best Actor.
Personal Reflections
Massey had openly spoken of his long-cherished dream to earn a National Award, calling it the ultimate honour for an Indian actor—presented by the President. Interview quotes show his emotional connection:
“I hope it does… I hope the film wins an award… I’ve always aspired to have one. I’ve prayed for one.”
After winning, he called it a privilege to share his first National Award with an icon like Shah Rukh Khan.
Broader Impact
His win also served as testimony to 12th Fail’s broader resonance—as a story of grit, dreams, and social mobility, driven by a powerful central performance.
Rani Mukerji: Grace Meets Gravitas
Best Actress for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway
Rani Mukerji earned the Best Actress award for portraying a mother fighting for custody of her children in Norway—anchoring the narrative with emotional honesty and unwavering strength.
A Much‑Deserved Milestone
Despite decades of critically acclaimed performances across films like Black, Mardaani, and Hichki, Rani had not previously clinched a Best Actress National Award. This win was widely celebrated as both overdue and fitting.
12th Fail: More Than a Film, a Statement
Best Feature Film Award
Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail not only provided Vikrant Massey with a career-defining role—it swept the Best Feature Film honor, cementing its place among the year’s most celebrated works.
Why It Resonated
Adapted from Anurag Pathak’s non‑fiction book, the film traces Manoj Kumar Sharma’s path from an underprivileged background toward cracking India’s toughest civil services exam. It became a sleeper hit, reflecting resilience and hope, and resonated deeply even in a crowded cinematic year.
Cultural Significance
In times when Indian cinema increasingly values socially relevant storytelling, 12th Fail exemplified how narrative depth, authenticity, and real‑world inspiration can outshine box‑office spectacle.
Other Notable Winners & Trends
Genre and Language Diversity
- Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery
- Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
- Regional cinema celebrated with awards for films like Bhagavanth Kesari and Parking.
Technical & Supporting Categories
Winners included:
- Supporting Actress: Urvashi (Ullozhokku)
- Supporting Actor: Vijayaraghavan (Pookalam)
- Playback Singing: Jawan saw Best Female and Male Playback Singer awards.
Women‑Led & Social Narratives
This edition underscored a growing trend: narratives led by women or those addressing social issues (Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, Kathal, 12th Fail) tended to receive top recognition.
Responses from the Industry & Fans
Social Media Uplift
Fans across platforms celebrated:
- Shah Rukh’s win as long-awaited recognition,
- Rani’s as a testament to enduring talent,
- Massey’s win as the rise of a new generation.
Celebrities and media outlets alike hailed the jury’s balanced choices, giving due distinction to both megastars and emerging talent.
Statements from Massey & SRK
- Massey: “Privilege to share my first National Award with an icon like Shah Rukh Khan”
- Shah Rukh: Emphasized collective effort behind Jawan and acknowledged the emotional weight of finally winning the National Award.
Contextual Background: Why These Winners Now?
National Awards Catching Up
Due to pandemic-induced delays, the awards schedule has shifted—this edition honors films released in 2023, while the previous cycle covered 2022 films in 2024.
Predictions and Contenders
In the lead-up, many outlets predicted Vikrant and Rani as strong frontrunners, especially given Massey’s acclaim for 12th Fail and Rani’s powerful comeback performance.
Why Now These Stories
- 12th Fail as a cultural triumph for realistic, socially meaningful cinema.
- Rani’s role resonated with universal themes of motherhood and marital injustice.
- Shah Rukh’s win reflected both artistic bravery in Jawan and an overdue lifetime achievement moment.
Film Highlights at a Glance
| Winner | Film | Why It Stood Out |
|---|---|---|
| Best Actor (tie) | Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) | First National Award, action‑drama with social depth |
| Vikrant Massey (12th Fail) | Gritty portrayal of IPS aspirant, breakthrough career honor | |
| Best Actress | Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway) | Emotional & strong portrayal of a mother’s fight for justice |
| Best Feature Film | 12th Fail | Inspirational true‑story, sleeper hit, social resonance |
| Best Hindi Film | Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery | Quirky satire with strong screenplay and thematic punch |
| Best Popular Film | Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani | Entertaining, star‑driven narrative that connected widely |
Legacy and What This Means Forward
For Actors
- Shah Rukh Khan: Validated decades of cinematic contributions on an official, national platform.
- Vikrant Massey: Cemented his stature as one of India’s foremost character actors, celebrated for both craft and authenticity.
- Rani Mukerji: Reinforced her reputation as one of the most emotionally nuanced performers of her generation.
For Indian Cinema
The winners reflect a broad embrace of socially relevant storytelling, regional diversity, and strong female-led narratives. Films like 12th Fail show that small budgets and sincere content can and do compete with mainstream blockbusters.
The jury’s choices signal a healthier industry openness—against all odds—where merit, depth, and impact matter.
