‘12th Fail’ Triumphs at 71st National Film Awards: A Landmark Year for Indian Cinema
Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail wins Best Feature Film at the 71st National Film Awards. Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, and Rani Mukerji among top honorees in a record-setting year.
A Groundbreaking Year for Indian Cinema
In a remarkable celebration of cinematic excellence, the 71st National Film Awards honored the best of Indian cinema for the year 2023. Announced on August 1 by filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, chair of the awards jury, the ceremony spotlighted powerful storytelling, debut brilliance, and genre-defying artistry.
Leading the honors was 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, which was adjudged Best Feature Film, marking a resounding endorsement of its honest narrative about resilience, failure, and redemption. With actor Vikrant Massey also sharing Best Actor honors for the same film, 12th Fail firmly etched its name in cinematic history.
The Rise of 12th Fail: From Quiet Drama to National Acclaim
Directed by veteran filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, 12th Fail is a gritty, emotionally stirring tale inspired by real-life stories of UPSC aspirants. The film resonated with audiences and critics alike, not only for its grounded realism but also for its unfiltered portrayal of India’s youth fighting against systemic odds.
Vikrant Massey’s performance was widely praised as one of the year’s finest, earning him the Best Actor award alongside Shah Rukh Khan, who received his first-ever National Award for Jawan, a socially charged action drama.
Celebrating Acting Excellence: Firsts and Fan Favorites
The acting categories reflected a harmonious blend of legendary stars and emerging talent:
- Best Actress went to Rani Mukerji for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, where she played a mother caught in an international legal battle.
- The Best Supporting Actor award was jointly shared by Vijayaraghavan (Pookkaalam, Malayalam) and M.S. Bhaskar (Parking, Tamil).
- Best Supporting Actress honors went to Urvashi for Ullozhukku (Malayalam) and Janki Bodiwala for Vash (Gujarati).
These wins underscore the linguistic and regional diversity that the National Film Awards continue to champion.
Spotlight on Direction and Screenplay
Filmmaker Sudipto Sen won Best Director for The Kerala Story, a controversial but visually compelling film that also secured the Best Cinematography award.
The Best Screenplay award was shared between Sai Rajesh Neelam for Baby (Telugu) and Ramkumar Balakrishnan for Parking (Tamil), underlining the strength of regional storytelling.
Technical & Musical Brilliance Recognized
Technical categories spotlighted the finest craftsmanship in Indian cinema:
- Best Sound Design: Animal
- Best Editing: Pookkaalam
- Best Production Design: 2018 (Malayalam)
- Best Costume Design and Makeup: Sam Bahadur
In the music categories:
- G.V. Prakash Kumar won Best Music Director (Songs) for Vaathi (Tamil).
- Harshavardhan Rameshwar won Best Background Score for Animal.
- Shilpa Rao was recognized as Best Female Playback Singer for “Chaliya” in Jawan, and PVN S Rohit was awarded Best Male Playback Singer for Baby.
Regional Cinema Takes Center Stage
Each major Indian language saw strong representation:
- Best Assamese Film: Rongatapu 1982
- Best Malayalam Film: Ullozhukku
- Best Tamil Film: Parking
- Best Telugu Film: Bhagavanth Kesari
- Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery
- Best Gujarati Film: Vash
- Best Marathi Film: Shyamchi Aai
These awards reaffirm the vibrancy of regional industries that continue to thrive with compelling stories and creative innovation.
Non-Feature Films: Documentaries and Voices of Change
In the non-feature category, Flowering Man won Best Non-Feature Film, and The First Film earned Best Direction for Piyush Thakur.
Other standouts included:
- The Silent Epidemic (Best Film Promoting Social & Environmental Values)
- Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know… (Best Script)
- Mau: The Spirit Dreams of Cheraw (Best Debut Director)
These works reflect India’s growing documentary scene and its power to provoke thought and spark dialogue.
Public Reaction & Industry Response
The wins were met with widespread applause on social media. Shah Rukh Khan’s historic Best Actor win was celebrated by fans across the globe. Vikrant Massey’s double recognition for 12th Fail was hailed as a validation of content-driven cinema.
Critics noted the increasing prominence of smaller, message-driven films over box-office blockbusters. “This year proves that storytelling triumphs over spectacle,” said film critic Anupama Chopra.
What This Means for the Industry
This year’s National Awards signal a shift toward authenticity, bold themes, and inclusive narratives. As streaming platforms continue to change viewership habits, the rise of regional cinema and content-rich films reflects a maturing audience ready to embrace layered storytelling.
Filmmakers now have greater encouragement to push creative boundaries, explore socio-political themes, and represent diverse cultures on screen.
Conclusion: A Year of Firsts and Future Promises
The 71st National Film Awards will be remembered not just for honoring legends like Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji, but also for spotlighting new voices, regional gems, and the evolving face of Indian cinema.
With 12th Fail leading the charge, 2023 has been a watershed year—where cinematic merit triumphed over market metrics, and stories with heart found their rightful place in the national spotlight.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the official announcements from the 71st National Film Awards jury and is intended for informational and journalistic purposes only.