Internet divided over Shah Rukh Khan's National Award win for Jawan

Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan. Pics/Instagram, Youtube

The 71st National Film Awards couldn't have gotten starrier than this. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan won his first National Award in his 33-year career for his double role in Jawan (2023). The actor shared the honour with Vikrant Massey, who won it for 12th Fail (2023). Bollywood entertainers seemed to dominate the awards as Rani Mukerji took home the Best Actress award for Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway (2023).

Vikrant Massey in 12th Fail

On the one hand, Khan's fans saw the win as overdue, considering his restrained act in Swades (2004) was overlooked by the National Film Awards jury 20 years ago. On the other hand, some social media users called the Jawan win "laughable" and "a joke".

Rani Mukerji won the Best Actress award for ‘Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway'

The Best Director award went to Sudipto Sen for The Kerala Story (2023) - a win that will presumably be debated over the next few days. The movie, which centred on the alleged coerced religious conversion of Malayali women, was widely criticised. An elated Sen called the win "validating". He told mid-day, "I would've been even happier if the film had also taken the top honour, but this recognition validates everything we set out to express through The Kerala Story."

Deepak Kingrani

With Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani winning the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, co-writer Ishita Moitra told mid-day, "It's Karan Johar's [filmmaker] hard work and love that shines in this film." The film also won Vaibhavi Merchant the Best Choreography award. She learnt about the win when we called her. "This is overwhelming. You've broken the news to me," said a surprised Merchant.

Deepak Kingrani, who bagged the Best Dialogue award for Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, said, "This win is important as [it gives us] courage to write and producers to pump money in such films."

Winners' circle

Best Feature Film: ‘12th Fail'
Best Feature Film For Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values: ‘Sam Bahadur'
Best Tamil Film: ‘Parking'
Best Telugu Film: ‘Bhagavanth Kesari'
Best Marathi Film: ‘Shyamchi Aai'
Best Malayalam Film: ‘Ullozhukku'
Best Hindi Film: ‘Kathal'
Best Gujarati Film: ‘Vash'
Best Bengali Film: ‘Deep Fridge'