69th National Awards, 69th National Film Awards Winners List
by Rubaditsha
Updated Aug 29, 2023
69th National Awards
The 69th National Film Awards, a highly anticipated event, is on the horizon. During this occasion, the National Film Development Corporation of India will take center stage to bestow the prestigious National Film Awards, recognizing and celebrating the most outstanding films of the Indian cinema landscape in the year 2021.
Originally scheduled for the 3rd of May, 2022, the ceremony encountered a postponement as a result of the pervasive disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This unforeseen delay necessitated more time for preparations and arrangements.
Marking a significant shift from its initial date, the laureates of the 69th National Film Awards were finally unveiled on the 24th of August, 2023. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting took the initiative to disclose the names of the awardees during a comprehensive press conference. This announcement stirred a wave of excitement and anticipation across the film industry and among enthusiasts.
This edition of the awards is expected to be particularly poignant, as it not only acknowledges artistic excellence but also symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity. The cinema landscape, like many other sectors, had been profoundly impacted by the pandemic-induced challenges.
Despite these hurdles, filmmakers, artists, and the entire Indian film fraternity showcased their determination and creativity, ultimately contributing to the vibrant array of films considered for these accolades.
As the stage is set for the 69th National Film Awards, the spotlight remains firmly on the remarkable films and individuals who have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema in 2021. The event stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the ability of cinema to unite, inspire, and captivate audiences, even in the most trying of times.
69th National Film Awards Winners List
Category
Winner
Best Feature Film
Rocketry
Best Director
Nikhil Mahajan, Godavari
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment
RRR
Nargis Dutt Award for Best Film on National Integration
The Kashmir Files
Best Actor
Allu Arjun, Pushpa
Best Actress
Alia Bhatt, Gangubai Kathiawadi and Kriti Sanon, Mimi
Best Supporting Actor
Pankaj Tripathi, Mimi
Best Supporting Actress
Pallavi Joshi, The Kashmir Files
Best Child Artist
Bhavin Rabari, Chhello Show
Best Screenplay (Original)
Shahi Kabir, Nayattu
Best Screenplay (Adapted)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali & Utkarshini Vashishtha, Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Dialogue Writer
Utkarshini Vashishtha & Prakash Kapadia, Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Music Director (Songs)
Devi Sri Prasad, Pushpa
Best Music Direction (Background Music)
MM Keeravaani, RRR
Best Male Playback Singer
Kaala Bhairava, RRR
Best Female Playback Singer
Shreya Ghoshal, Iravin Nizhal
Best Lyrics
Chandrabose, Konda Polam’s Dham Dham Dham
Best Hindi Film
Sardar Udham
Best Kannada Film
777 Charlie
Best Malayalam Film
Home
Best Gujarati Film
Chhello Show
Best Tamil Film
Kadaisi Vivasayi
Best Telugu Film
Uppena
Best Maithili Film
Samanantar
Best Mishing Film
Boomba Ride
Best Marathi Film
Ekda Kaay Zala
Best Bengali Film
Kalkokkho
Best Assamese Film
Anur
Best Meiteilon Film
Eikhoigi Yum
Best Odia Film
Pratikshya
Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director
Meppadiyan, Vishnu Mohan
Best Film on Social Issues
Anunaad – The Resonance
Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation
Aavasavyuham
Best Children’s Film
Gandhi and Co
Best Audiography (Location Sound Recordist)
Arun Asok & Sonu K P, Chavittu
Best Audiography (Sound Designer)
Aneesh Basu, Jhilli
Best Audiography (Re-recordist of the final mixed track)
Sinoy Joseph, Sardar Udham
Best Choreography
Prem Rakshith, RRR
Best Cinematography
Avik Mukhopadhayay, Sardar Udham
Best Costume Designer
Veera Kapur Ee, Sardar Udham
Best Special Effects
Srinivas Mohan, RRR
Best Production Design
Dmitrii Malich and Mansi Dhruv Mehta, Sardar Udham
Best Editing
Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Makeup
Preetisheel Singh, Gangubai Kathiawadi
Best Stunt Choreography
King Soloman, RRR
Special Jury Award
Shershaah, Vishnuvardhan
Special Mention
1. Late Shri Nallandi, Kadaisi Vivasayi
2. Aranya Gupta & Bithan Biswas, Jhilli3. Indrans, Home
4. Jahanara Begum, Anur
Best Non-feature film
Ek Tha Gaon
Best Direction (Non-feature film)
Bakul Matiyani, Smile Please
Best Debut Non-Feature Film of a Director
Paanchika, Ankit Kothari
Best Anthropological Film
Fire on Edge
Best Biographical Film
Rukhu Matir Dukhu Majhi and Beyond Blast
Best Arts Films
T.N. Krishnan Bow Strings to Divine
Best Science & Technology Films
Ethos of Darkness
Best Promotional Film
Endangered Heritage ‘Warli Art’
Best Environment Film (Non-feature film)
Munnam Valavu
Best Film on Social Issues (Non-feature film)
Mithu Di and Three Two One
Best Investigative Film
Looking For Challan
Best Exploration Film
Ayushman
Best Educational Film
Sirpigalin Sirpangal
Best Short Fiction Film
Dal Bhat
Best Animation Film
Kandittundu
Best Film on Family Values
Chand Saanse
Best Cinematography (Non-feature film)
Bittu Rawat, Pataal
Best Audiography (Re-recordist of the final mixed track) (Non-feature film)
Unni krishnan, Ek Tha Gaon
Best Production Sound Recordist (Location/Sync Sound) (Non-feature film)
Suruchi Sharma, Meen Raag
Best Editing (Non-feature film)
Abhro Banerjee, If Memory Serves Me Right
Best Music Direction (Non-feature film)
Ishaan Divecha, Succelent
Best Narration/Voice Over (Non-feature film)
Kulada Kumar Bhattacharjee, Hathibondhu
Special Mention (Non-feature film)
1. Aniruddha Jatkar, Baale Bangara
2. Srikanth Deva, Karuvarai
3. Sweta Kumar Das, The Healing Touch
4. Ram Kamal Mukherjee, Ek Duaa
Special Jury Award (Non-feature film)
Shekhar Bapu Rankhambe, Rekha
Best Book on Cinema
Music by Laxmikant Pyarelal: The Incredibly Melodious Journey by Rajiv Vijayakar
Best Film Critic
Purushothama Charyulu
Best Film Critic (Special Mention)
Subramanya Bandoor
National Awards: Non-Feature Films Category
Category
Winner
Special Mention
Baale Bangara (Aniruddha Jatkar)
Karuvarai (Srikanth Deva)
The Healing Touch (Sweta Kumar Das)
Ek Duaa (Ram Kamal Mukherjee)
Best Narration/Voice Over
Kulada Kumar Bhattacharjee (HatiBondhu)
Best Music Direction (Non-feature film)
Ishaan Divecha (Succulent)
Best Editing (Non-feature film)
Abhro Banerjee (If Memory Serves Me Right)
Best Production Sound Recordist (Location/Sync Sound) (Non-feature film)
Suruchi Sharma (Meen Raag)
Best Audiography (Re-recordist of the final mixed track) (Non-feature film)
Unni Krishnan (Ek Tha Gaon)
Best Cinematography (Non-feature film)
Bittu Rawat (Paatal-Tee)
Best Direction (Non-feature film)
Bakul Matiyani (Smile Please)
Best Film on Family Values
Chand Saanse
Best Short Fiction Film
Daal Bhat (Gujarati)
Special Jury Award (Non-feature film)
Rekha (Marathi Film)
Best Animation Film
Kandittundu (Malayalam)
Best Investigative Film
Looking For Challan (English)
Best Exploration/Adventurous Film
Ayushman (English, Kannada)
Best Educational Film
Sirpigalin Sirpangal (Tamil)
Best Film On Social Issues
Mithu Di (Marathi)
Three Two One (Marathi & Hindi)
Best Environmental Film
Munnam Valavu (Malayalam)
Best Promotional Film
Endangered Heritage 'Warli Art'
Best Science and Technology Film
Ethos Of Darkness
Best Arts/Cultural Film
T.N. Krishnan Bow Strings To Divine
Best Writing on Cinema
Best Book on Cinema: Music by Laxmikant Pyarelal: The Incredibly Melodious Journey by Rajiv Vijayakar
Best Film Critic: Purushothama Charyulu
Best Film Critic (Special Mention): Subramanya Bandoor
History of National Awards
The National Film Awards, an annual event, shine as a prestigious accolade within the realm of Indian cinema. Organized by the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, these awards serve as a tribute to films that embody not only artistic and technical brilliance but also hold social significance, highlighting the influential role of cinema as both an art form and a means of impact.
The genesis of the National Film Awards dates back to 1954 when they were initially known as "State Awards." During that period, the recognition was primarily bestowed upon the best films in various regional languages. In 1967, the scope expanded to include awards for actors and technicians contributing to the films.
Nargis became the first actress to win the Best Actress Award for her role in "Raat Aur Din," while Uttam Kumar clinched the Best Actor Award for his performances in "Antony Firingee" and "Chiriyakhana."
Since its inception in 1953, the National Film Awards have traversed a remarkable journey. Over time, the number of awards has grown significantly. Originally termed "State Awards," with two President's Gold Medals, two certificates of merit, and silver medals for a dozen regional films, the initial practice was to honor the National Best Film with the Regional Best Award. Subsequently, the categories and awards expanded further.
The establishment of distinct awards for artists and technicians occurred in 1968, focusing on films from 1967. Notably, Nargis Dutt and Uttam Kumar were the inaugural recipients of the Best Actress (then known as Urvashi) and Best Actor (then known as Bharat) Awards, respectively.
The awards are divided into three categories: Features, Non-Features, and Best Writing on Cinema.
The Features and Non-Features sections celebrate excellence across various cinematic aspects, while the "Best Writing on Cinema" category encourages the exploration and appreciation of cinema as an art form. This section promotes the dissemination of knowledge and critical analysis of cinema through books, articles, reviews, newspaper coverage, and studies.
The fundamental purpose of the National Film Awards is to foster the creation of films that display artistic, technical, and social excellence. These films contribute to the understanding and admiration of the diverse cultures within the nation, expressed through the cinematic medium. Additionally, the awards play a role in promoting national unity and integrity. The award recipients are chosen by a jury composed of eminent figures from the cinema, allied arts, and humanities domains.
69th National Awards: FAQs
The National Film Awards are annual honors in the Indian film industry, recognizing outstanding achievements in cinema. Organized by the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, they celebrate films with artistic, technical, and social significance.
The awards were initiated in 1954 as "State Awards." They evolved to include categories for actors and technicians in 1967, marking a significant expansion.
Initially called "State Awards," they originally included two President's Gold Medals, certificates of merit, and silver medals for regional films. Over time, awards for actors, technicians, and various categories were introduced.
The first actor to win the Best Actress Award was Nargis for "Raat Aur Din," while Uttam Kumar won the Best Actor Award for "Antony Firingee" and "Chiriyakhana" in 1967.
The awards are divided into three sections: Features, Non-Features, and Best Writing on Cinema. The Features and Non-Features sections honor cinematic achievements, while the writing category promotes literature about cinema.