The coveted National Awards are announced every year in the month of May. But due to the pandemic, the announcement was delayed indefinitely for 2020. And now finally the results are out. Here’s your complete guide on the 67th National Film Awards. There is the winner’s list and my analysis on how deserving those wins were.

MOVIES

Best Feature Film: Marakkar: Arabikadalinde Simham

The film which was slated to be released in March 2020 has bagged the 67^th National Award for Best Feature Film. The release of the film has been shifted to the summer of 2021 due to the nationwide lockdown imposed to control the spread of Coronavirus. The film was one of the most anticipated films of 2020. Marakkar: Arabikadalinde Simham has a stellar cast and some of the finest technicians working on the film. The film also witnesses the massive comeback of the Priyadarshan-Mohanlal duo. The National Award has added to the hype of the film and I can’t wait to watch it in the theatres!

Best Children’s Film: Kastoori (Hindi)

Kastoori is a Hindi language film that is directed by Vinod Uttreshwar Kamble.

DIRECTION

Best Direction: Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan( Bahattar Hoorain)

Bahattar Hoorain is a Hindi language dark comedy movie that sheds light on violent extremism.

Best Debut of a Film Director: Mathukutty Xavier (Helen)

The Malayalam Movie Helen was one of a kind. It is a survival thriller drama where a young girl gets trapped in the freezer of a cafeteria where she also happens to work. The film is chilling and palpable. Mathukutty Xavier also co-wrote the script of Helen. It is inspiring to see upcoming talents getting appreciated for their impeccable talent.

ACTORS

Best Actor:

1. Dhanush for Asuran

Tamil actor Dhanush is not new to the National Awards. He has a total of four National Awards to his credit (two of which are for Best Actor). The Best Actor award he received for Asuran is indeed a deserving one. He played a 50-year-old man Sivasaami who has a dark past. Directed by Vetrimaaran, Asuran is an action thriller movie that touches upon various social issues like caste and class bias.

2. Manoj Bajpayee for Bhonsle

Like his co-recipient, Manoj Bajpayee too is not new to winning the coveted award. He has received a total of three National Awards to date. His film Bhonsle was lauded for its making and performance in several film festivals.

Best Actress: Kangana Ranaut for Panga and Manikarnika – The Queen of Jhansi

No matter how annoying she may project herself on social media, there is no doubt that she is one hell of an actor. However, I personally did not find her performance in the mentioned movie worth a National Award. Is this award in any way linked to her political alignment? We can never really say.

Best Supporting Actor: Vijay Sethupathy for Super Deluxe

The most deserving of all! Vijay Sethupathy’s stunning performance in Super Deluxe was lauded by the entire nation. He was simply stunning. He is the definition of perfection.

Best Supporting Actress: Pallavi Joshi for The Tashkent Files

Pallavi Joshi has been acting since she was a child and has earned herself a reputation in Marathi Movies.

Best child actor: Naga Vishal for KD (Tamil)

Naga Vishal was appreciated for his for as Kutty in Tamil film KD and went on to several awards including this one.

MUSIC

Best Playback singer (Male): B Prak for ‘Teri Mitti’ from Kesari

One of the Bollywood songs that we listened to on loop would be “Teri Mitti” from the film Kesari. Well, the singer of this melodious song has been awarded the best male playback singer at the 67th National Awards.

Best Playback Singer (Female): Savani Ravindra (Bardo Marathi film)

If you are a follower of Marathi movies and songs then you must have definitely listened to the beautiful song ‘Raan Patela’ from the movie Bardo. Savani, who sang the song has been awarded this year’s National Award for Best Female Playback Singer.

Best Music Direction: D. Imman ( Viswasam, Tamil)

The songs from Ajith starrer Viswasam are still popular. So yes, this one is a much-deserved win.

OTHER NOTABLE AWARDS

Best Background Score: Prabuddha Banerjee (Jyeshthoputro)

Best Editing: Naveen Noli for Jersey

Best Cinematography: Girish Gangadharan for Jallikettu

Best Production Design: Sunil Nigwekar and Nilesh Wagh for Anandi Gopal (Marathi)

Best Special Effects: Siddharth Priyadarshan for Marakkar : Arabikadalinde Simham (Malayalam)

Special Jury Award: Parthiban for Avane Srimannarayan (Tamil)

Special Mentions:

• Sajin Babu for Biriyani (Malayalam)

• Benjamin Diamary for Jonaki Porua (Assamese)

• Lata Kare for Lata Bhagwan Kare (Marathi)

• Abhijeeth Mohan Warang for Picasso (Marathi)

Image Courtesy: YouTube