The announcement is special as it acknowledges the work of the artists and filmmakers in 2021 when the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic that had wreaked havoc across the globe. After a significant shutdown, very few movies in 2021 tried to revive the theatrical run while pulling cinephiles back to the big screen.
- Allu Arjun wins National Award for Best Actor for his blockbuster movie Pushpa: The Rise.
- Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon won National Award for Best Actress for their respective films Gangubai Kathiawadi and Mimi.
- Pallavi Joshi won Best Supporting Actress award for The Kashmir Files.
Pankaj Tripathi on his National Award Win - Best Supporting Actor for Mimi
"This is unfortunately a period of loss and grieving for me. If Babuji was around, he would have been really happy for me. HE WAS VERY PROUD AND PLEASED when I first got the National Award mention. This National Award I dedicate to him and his spirit. I’m who I am today because of him. I’m at a loss of words due to this time but I’m happy and grateful to the team. Kriti also has won the Best Actress, so a huge congratulations to her."
Kriti Sanon's reaction to winning the National Film Award
“I am too excited, almost emotional. I cannot believe that this happened. I am still syncing it in, pinching myself. It is a big moment for me and for my entire family. In fact, Mimi has been a very very special film and the most prestigious award, the National Award for it. I just cannot thank the jury enough for believing that my performance deserved an award and I have no words. I am speechless. I am too overwhelmed,” Kriti Sanon.
The Kashmir Files' win
'The Kashmir Files' was one of the few films to turn around Bollywood's fate in 2022. The Kashmir Files' won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration category in the 69th National Film Awards. Soon after, Vivek Agnihotri sent a message for the audience. He said, "I am in America and got the news in the morning that The Kashmir Files has won the 69th National Award. It is one of the most prestigious awards of our country. I have always said that The Kashmir Files is not only my film but it's a film for all the Kashmiris, who have been the victim of terrorism in the Valley. It's the voice of plight of Kashmiris who faced terrorism and it's medium through which their pain was shared with the whole country. I dedicate this award to all the victims of terrorism."
