By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Article 370 emerged as the biggest winner at the 72nd National Film Awards for 2024, clinching the coveted Best Feature Film award, while Yami Gautam was honoured with the Best Actress in a Leading Role award for her powerful performance in the film.
The winners of the prestigious National Film Awards, which recognise excellence in Indian cinema across feature films, non-feature films and writings on cinema, were announced on Saturday.
Veteran actor Mammootty and Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor in a Leading Role award. Mammootty was recognised for his acclaimed performance in Bramayugam, while Kartik Aaryan received the honour for Chandu Champion.
In the non-feature category, Bhangaar was adjudged the Best Non-Feature Film, while Ram-Nami won the award for Best Documentary, highlighting compelling storytelling beyond mainstream cinema.
Actor-filmmaker Randeep Hooda added another feather to his cap by winning the Best Debut Director award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, his directorial debut based on the life of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
Several commercially successful films also received recognition at this year’s awards, underlining the growing convergence of critical acclaim and box-office success in Indian cinema. Among the notable winners were Kalki 2898 AD, Amaran, Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Stree 2, each earning honours in different categories.
The National Film Awards, considered India’s highest recognition in cinema, celebrate outstanding achievements in filmmaking across languages and genres. The 72nd edition reflected the diversity of Indian cinema, honouring films ranging from socially relevant dramas and historical biopics to documentaries, regional cinema and major commercial entertainers.
The awards acknowledged excellence in acting, direction, technical craftsmanship and storytelling, reaffirming the richness and evolving landscape of Indian filmmaking.