The 70th National Film Awards, one of India’s most prestigious events, celebrates the best in Indian cinema. These awards honor remarkable talent and outstanding contributions in various categories, including feature films, non-feature films, writing, and technical achievements. The 2022 edition of the awards was no exception, showcasing an impressive lineup of winners across different languages and genres.
Overview of the National Film Awards
The National Film Awards were established in 1954 to recognize and honor excellence in Indian cinema. They are administered by the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. The awards are presented annually and are considered one of the most prestigious in the Indian film industry.
The 70th edition of the National Film Awards was no different in its grandeur. The awards ceremony highlighted the best works from 2022, spanning across different categories and languages. The awards were given after a thorough evaluation by a jury comprising respected professionals from the film industry.
Key Highlights of the 70th National Film Awards
Best Writing on Cinema
The award for Best Writing on Cinema was presented to Deepak Dua. He received the Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) and a cash prize. His work was recognized for its insightful critique and contribution to film literature. The Best Book on Cinema award went to “Kishore Kumar: The Ultimate Biography”, authored by Anirudha Bhattacharjee and Bharti S. Pradhan. The book, published by HarperCollins, offers an in-depth look into the life and career of the legendary actor-singer Kishore Kumar.
Special Mentions
The jury selected two films for special mention. The first was “Barwala”, a film produced by Aimee Baruah and directed by Aimee Baruah. The second film, “Hagila: The Greater Agent Stock,” is an Assamese film produced by PI Entertainment and directed by Parthasarathi Mohapatra.
Awards in the Main Categories
Best Script
The Best Script award was given to the film “Mono No Aware”, a Hindi and English film with the script written by Kaushik Sarkar. The film’s unique storytelling and scriptwriting stood out among the contenders.
Best Narration/Voiceover
The award for Best Narration/Voiceover was awarded to the renowned actor Vishal Bhardwaj. His narration brought depth and clarity to the film, making it an essential part of the viewing experience.
Best Editing
The Best Editing award went to the short film “Madhyantar”, an interlude in Kannada, edited by Suresh Urs. The film’s editing was praised for its seamless transitions and effective pacing.
Best Sound Design
The Best Sound Design award was given to “Yan Kakol”, a film in Hindi and Malvi languages. The sound design was crafted by Manas Choudhary, whose work enhanced the film’s immersive experience.
Best Cinematography
The Best Cinematography award was presented to Siddharth Diwan for his work in “Mono No Aware.” His cinematography captured the essence of the story and elevated the visual storytelling.
Best Direction
The award for Best Direction went to “Wasot”, a film in Bengali, Hindi, and English, directed by Mariam Chandy. The film’s direction was noted for its innovative approach and the way it handled complex narratives.
Best Short Film (Up to 30 Minutes)
The Best Short Film award was given to “Shoonya,” produced by HM Productions and directed by Nava Pan Deka. The film was praised for its powerful storytelling within a limited runtime.
Best Animation Film
The award for Best Animation Film was given to “Coconut Tree,” a silent film produced by JB Productions and directed and animated by Josy Benedict. The film’s animation was noted for its creativity and technical excellence.
Best Non-Feature Film Promoting Social and Environmental Values
The Best Non-Feature Film Promoting Social and Environmental Values award was given to “On the Brink: Season Two – Gharial,” produced by The Gaia People and directed by Akanksha Sood Singh. The film highlighted important environmental issues and was recognized for its impactful message.
Best Documentary
The Best Documentary award was given to “Murmurs of the Jungle,” a Marathi film produced and directed by Sahil Vaidya. The documentary was lauded for its insightful portrayal of the jungle and its inhabitants.
Best Arts and Culture Film
This award was shared between two films. The first, “Ranga Vibhaga,” focused on temple dance traditions in Karnataka and was produced by Puranik Productions and directed by Sunil Narasamachar Puranik. The second, “Varsha Legacy,” a Marathi film produced and directed by Sachin Balasaheb Suryavanshi, showcased the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra.
Best Biographical/Historical Reconstruction and Compilation Film
The award for Best Biographical/Historical Reconstruction and Compilation Film was given to “Ana Ki Ek Manjodaro,” a Marathi film produced by The Gone Studio and directed by Ashok Rane. The film provided a deep dive into the cultural history of Mumbai’s mill culture.
Regional Film Awards
Best Tulu Film
The Best Tulu Film award was given to “Sika Sal,” directed by Bobby Sharma Baruah. The film was praised for its authentic representation of Tulu culture and language.
Best Telugu Film
The Best Telugu Film award went to “Karthikeya 2,” produced by Abhishek Agarwal and directed by Chandoo Mondeti. The film was recognized for its gripping storyline and strong performances.
Best Tamil Film
The Best Tamil Film award was presented to “Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1,” produced by Madras Talkies and directed by Mani Ratnam. The film was celebrated for its epic storytelling and grandeur.
Best Punjabi Film
The Best Punjabi Film award was given to “Baghi: The Daughter of a Rebel,” produced by Jeanx Media Private Limited and directed by Mukesh Gautam. The film stood out for its compelling narrative and strong social message.
Best Odia Film
The Best Odia Film award was presented to “Daman,” produced by JP Motion Pictures and directed by Vishal Maurya and Devika Prasad. The film was recognized for its powerful storytelling and socially relevant themes.
Best Malayalam Film
The Best Malayalam Film award went to “Saudi Vellakka,” produced by Theater Productions and directed by Tarun Murthy. The film was lauded for its unique narrative and strong performances.
Best Marathi Film
The Best Marathi Film award was given to “Balavi,” produced by Maya Saha and directed by Pares Mokashi. The film was noted for its heartwarming story and excellent direction.
Best Kannada Film
The Best Kannada Film award went to “KGF Chapter 2,” produced by Hombale Films and directed by Prashanth Neel. The film was celebrated for its action-packed storyline and massive box office success.
Best Hindi Film
The Best Hindi Film award was presented to “Gulmohar,” produced by Star India Private Limited and directed by Rahul Chittela. The film was recognized for its emotional depth and strong performances.
Best Bengali Film
The Best Bengali Film award went to “Kaberi Antardhan,” produced by Srijit Mukherji and directed by Kaushik Ganguly. The film was praised for its gripping narrative and strong character portrayals.
Best Assamese Film
The Best Assamese Film award was given to “Amath Put,” produced by Metro Nomal Motion Picture and directed by Kunal Mahanta. The film was recognized for its unique storytelling and cultural significance.
Technical Awards
Best Action Direction
The award for Best Action Direction was given to “KGF Chapter 2.” The film’s action sequences, choreographed by Anbariv, were highly praised for their intensity and execution.
Best Choreography
The Best Choreography award was presented to “Thiruchitrambalam,” a Tamil film choreographed by Jani Master and Satish Krishnan. The choreography was noted for its creativity and the way it complemented the film’s narrative.
Best Lyrics
The award for Best Lyrics went to Nausad Saadar Khan for the Haryanvi film “Phirja.” His lyrics were praised for their emotional depth and connection with the audience.
Acting Awards
Best Female Playback Singer
The award for Best Female Playback Singer was given to Bombay Jayashri for her song in the Malayalam film “Saudi Vellakka.” Her soulful rendition left a lasting impression on the audience.
Best Male Playback Singer
The award for Best Male Playback Singer was given to Siddharth Basrur for his song in “Brahmastra: Part 1.” His powerful vocals contributed significantly to the film’s success.
Best Child Artist
The award for Best Child Artist was presented to Poonam, who delivered a remarkable performance in the film “Malikappuram.” Her portrayal of the character left a lasting impact on the audience.
Best Supporting Actress
The award for
