The 72nd National Film Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in Indian cinema for the year 2024, with notable recognition for Tamil films such as ‘Raayan’ and ‘Amaran.’
The 72nd National Film Awards, which honor excellence in Indian cinema, announced their winners on July 18, 2026. The awards focus on films that received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during the previous calendar year, 2024. This year’s ceremony prominently featured Tamil cinema, showcasing a range of talents from the industry and acknowledging significant contributions from filmmakers, actors, and technicians.
Top Honors for ‘Raayan’
Among the standout winners was Raayan, directed by actor Dhanush, which secured the award for Best Tamil Film. Produced by Sun Pictures, this neo-noir revenge drama is set in Chennai and boasts a talented cast, including SJ Suryah, Sundeep Kishan, Dushara Vijayan, and Kalidas Jayaram. Dhanush’s direction has been met with critical acclaim, demonstrating his versatility not only as an actor but also as a filmmaker. In addition to the Best Film award, Dhanush received a Special Mention for his performance in his period action film Captain Miller, further showcasing his dual talents in both acting and directing.
Recognition for ‘Amaran’
Another significant winner of the evening was Amaran, which emerged as one of the most commercially successful films of 2024. Directed by Rajkumar Periasamy, the film garnered multiple awards, including Best Direction for Periasamy and Best Editing for R Kalaivannan. The narrative centers around Major Mukund Varadarajan, portrayed by Sivakarthikeyan, a real-life hero of the Indian Army’s Rajput Regiment who was martyred during a counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir. The film’s portrayal of heroism and sacrifice resonated with audiences and critics alike, contributing to its success. Amaran also secured a National Film Award for music composer GV Prakash Kumar, marking his third such honor, which he shares with Hindi composer Shaswat Sachdeva, who won for Article 370.
Notable Omissions
Despite the accolades received by Raayan and Amaran, several Tamil films that were anticipated to perform well at the awards did not secure top honors. Films like Meiyazhagan, Vaazhai, Kottukkaali, Thangalaan, and Maharaja were expected to be strong contenders but ultimately missed out on major awards. Meiyazhagan, widely regarded as one of the best Tamil films of the decade, received a Special Mention for sound designer Suren G, underscoring its technical achievements rather than broader recognition in major categories.
Furthermore, Maharaja received accolades for Best Action Choreography, awarded to action choreographer Anal Arasu. The film also saw Sachana Namidass recognized as Best Actor in a Supporting Role for her impactful performance as Jothi, sharing the award with Kannada actor Ropashree Varkady, who won for her role in Mithya. This sharing of awards highlights the competitive nature of the awards and the breadth of talent present across Indian cinema.
Acknowledgment of Non-Feature Films
In the non-feature film categories, TS Hari Hara Sudhan was honored with the award for Best Sound Design for the film Blue. This recognition underscores the diversity of talent and creativity present in Indian cinema, extending beyond feature films. The acknowledgment of non-feature works emphasizes the importance of various filmmaking forms, including documentaries and short films, which often tackle different narratives and themes that are significant to Indian society.
Significance of the Awards
The National Film Awards serve as a barometer for excellence in feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema across various Indian languages. Established to recognize outstanding artistic achievements, the awards aim to promote national, social, and environmental values through cinema. This year’s emphasis on diverse categories reflects the evolving landscape of Indian filmmaking and the importance of recognizing talents from different regions and backgrounds.
As Indian cinema continues to grow in global prominence, the National Film Awards remain a crucial platform for acknowledging the contributions of filmmakers, actors, and technicians. The 72nd edition of these awards, with its focus on Tamil cinema, reinforces the region’s significant role in shaping the narrative of Indian filmmaking in recent years. With Tamil films increasingly resonating with audiences not only in India but also internationally, the recognition at such prestigious awards is vital for furthering the careers of those involved and for the growth of the industry as a whole.
The celebration of Tamil cinema at the National Film Awards not only highlights the quality of storytelling and production in the region but also showcases the cultural richness and diversity inherent in Indian cinema. As the industry continues to evolve, the impact of these awards will likely be felt for years to come, influencing future filmmakers and inspiring new generations of talent.
