Political drama Article 370 emerged as the biggest winner at the 72nd National Film Awards, securing the prestigious Best Feature Film honour while its lead actor Yami Gautam Dhar was named Best Actress.
The Best Actor award was shared by Malayalam cinema veteran Mammootty for his performance in Bramayugam and Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan for the sports biographical drama Chandu Champion. The awards, announced in New Delhi on July 18, 2026, recognised Indian films certified during 2024.
Actor-filmmaker Randeep Hooda also won the Best Debut Film of a Director award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, marking a major achievement for his first directorial venture.

Key Facts

Detail	Info
Edition	72nd National Film Awards
Award year	For films of 2024
Announced	18 July 2026
Jury chairperson	Jayaraj (Malayalam filmmaker), heading an 11-member central jury
Best Feature Film	Article 370
Director of Article 370	Aditya Suhas Jambhale

Major Award Winners

(Note: Best Actor was shared between two winners — common exam trap.)

Political drama inspired by the government’s decision to abrogate the special status accorded to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Yami Gautam plays an intelligence officer involved in a covert operation connected to the lead-up to the abrogation.
Released in February 2024, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, and drew political attention for its portrayal of the constitutional change.
Jury’s citation: the film centres on the mission to fully integrate Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian union, emphasising a unified, indivisible nation and highlighting the fight against local corruption and a conflict economy.

Jury praised her performance as a nuanced portrayal of a law enforcement agent’s pursuit of truth and justice, marked by sensitivity, courage, and compassion, calling it a performance with lasting impact.

Recognised for his role in Bramayugam, a Malayalam black-and-white horror film directed by Rahul Sadasivan.

Won for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar — his directorial debut, in which he also played the lead role of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
Film traces Savarkar’s life: his years as a revolutionary in London, his imprisonment in the Cellular Jail, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and his later political career.
Jury’s citation: the film showcases Savarkar’s early life, influences, and contributions to the freedom movement, praising Hooda’s extraordinary commitment and command over the craft.