Cinematic excellence crowned: Aattam, Kantara and Ponniyin Selvan lead charge!

The 70th National Film Awards, held at the illustrious National Media Center in New Delhi, unfolded as a night to remember, a grand tribute to the brilliance and diversity of Indian cinema in 2022. Amidst the glittering lights and a tapestry of cinematic artistry, the Malayalam-language drama Aattam ascended to the pinnacle, clinching the coveted Best Feature Film award, a reflection onto the power of storytelling that transcends language.
In a symphony of accolades, the name of Oscar-winner A.R. Rahman resonated like a timeless melody. The maestro once again for the seventh time enchanted the nation, winning the National Film Award for Best Music Director (Background Score) for his work in Mani Ratnam’s epic Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1. This Tamil masterpiece not only captivated audiences but also claimed four prestigious awards, leading the night’s honors and etching its name into the annals of cinematic history. Vikram, reflecting on the film’s triumph, poignantly wrote, “Blessed that PS1 is crowned with national recognition, propelled by the love of the audience. Tamil history, literature, culture and cinema marching triumphantly together from the past to the present!! Congratulations Mani Sir, @LycaProductions, @arrahman, and @dop_ravivarman #Nationalawards.”
The Telugu industry witnessed a triumphant surprise with Karthikeya 2, a mystery action-adventure with devotional undertones, helmed by Chandoo Mondeti. Emerging as a sleeper hit, the film’s success transcended linguistic boundaries, resonating deeply even in the Hindi belt. This cinematic gem, featuring Nikhil, Anupama Parameswaran, and Anupam Kher, was honored with the National Award for Best Regional Film (Telugu). An elated Nikhil expressed, “I’m thrilled that Karthikeya 2 won the national award,” his words echoing the joy of a journey fulfilled.
In the realm of Kannada cinema, Rishab Shetty stood tall, winning the Best Actor award for his spellbinding performance in Kantara. Overwhelmed and deeply moved, Shetty dedicated the honor to his roots, saying, “I am truly overwhelmed by the honor of this National Award for Kantara. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey—the incredible team of artists, technicians, and especially Hombale Films. The audiences have made this film what it is, and their support fills me with a deep sense of responsibility. I am committed to working even harder to bring an even better film to our viewers. With utmost respect, I dedicate this award to our Kannada audience, the Daiva Nartakas, and Appu sir. I thank the divine as we have reached this moment through the blessings of the Daivas.”
The night shimmered with shared glories as the Best Actress award was jointly bestowed upon Nithya Menen for Thiruchitrambalam and Manasi Parekh for The Kutch Express, celebrating the dynamic range and depth of female performances in Indian cinema. Sooraj Barjatya’s directorial triumph, Uunchai, earned him the Best Director award, a fitting tribute to his heartwarming narrative that touched the soul of the nation.
Kantara did not just win hearts but also accolades, as it was named the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Hombale Films, the powerhouse behind Kantara and KGF Chapter 2, basked in the glory of four awards, cementing their legacy in the annals of Kannada cinema. Prashanth Neel, the visionary behind KGF Chapter 2, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am truly honored by this National Award for KGF Chapter 2. My deepest gratitude goes to Yash for his extraordinary performance and to the entire team and crew for their relentless dedication. A heartfelt thank you to our audience for their unwavering support and to the media for their vital role in this journey. Congratulations to Rishab Shetty and Hombale Films for their well-deserved recognition with Kantara. This achievement is a shining moment for Kannada cinema, and I’m grateful to everyone who made this possible.”
The cinematic tapestry of the night was further enriched by Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva, which dazzled with three National Film Awards. Mukerji, brimming with gratitude, shared, “It’s a special day for us. I am deeply grateful for the recognition Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva has received at the National Awards. The music of the film holds a special place in all our hearts. Pritam Da’s compositions, coupled with Amitabh’s lyrics and Arijit’s voice, are something I feel so proud and grateful for. From the music to the visual effects, we poured a lot of love into making this film, and I thank the entire team for this fantastic collaborative effort, which continues to give us so much love.”
As the night drew to a close, the National Film Awards stood as a testament to the rich and diverse landscape of Indian cinema. Films like Saudi Velakka CC.225/2009, awarded Best Malayalam Film and Karthikeya 2, honored as Best Telugu Film, highlighted the vast spectrum of stories that continue to captivate and inspire audiences across the nation. Each award, each speech, was a reminder of the profound impact that cinema has on our collective imagination, a symbol of creativity that will continue to shine brightly in the years to come.