The 69th National Film Awards were announced this week, and Bollywood is buzzing! Vidya Balan starrer 'Sherni' bagged the award for Best Film on Environment Conservation, proving that impactful storytelling still reigns supreme. But the real fireworks came from down South, with Allu Arjun winning Best Actor for his fiery performance in 'Pushpa: The Rise'. The film also snagged Best Music Direction (Devi Sri Prasad), solidifying its pan-Indian appeal.
Bollywood's Big Wins at the National Film Awards
While 'Pushpa' dominated headlines, Bollywood wasn't left behind. Shershaah, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, won the Special Jury Award. Pankaj Tripathi received Best Supporting Actor for 'Mimi', a poignant film about surrogacy. Kriti Sanon shared the Best Actress award with Alia Bhatt (for Gangubai Kathiawadi), marking a significant milestone in her career. "I'm overwhelmed! This is a dream come true," Kriti exclaimed in a statement released shortly after the announcement. Reportersays, the awards reflect a growing appreciation for content-driven cinema alongside commercial successes.
Speaking to News Reporter Live, film critic Rajeev Masand said, "The National Film Awards are a crucial indicator of the direction Indian cinema is heading. The wins for 'Sherni' and 'Mimi' show that films tackling social issues are being recognized. Allu Arjun's win is a testament to the power of regional cinema transcending linguistic barriers."
'Pushpa's' Pan-India Impact: Allu Arjun's Reign
Allu Arjun's win is particularly noteworthy. 'Pushpa: The Rise', released in December 2021, became a box office phenomenon, grossing over ₹360 crore worldwide. Its infectious music, action sequences, and Allu Arjun's charismatic performance resonated with audiences across India. The film is currently available on Amazon Prime Video, where it continues to garner views and positive reviews.
Meanwhile, the Best Feature Film award went to 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect', directed by R. Madhavan. This biographical drama about ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan has been praised for its compelling narrative and strong performances. Madhavan also won Best Director.
OTT Platforms and the Rise of Regional Cinema
The National Film Awards also acknowledged the contribution of OTT platforms. Several films that premiered directly on streaming services received awards, highlighting the growing importance of these platforms in showcasing diverse stories. 'Sardar Udham', which premiered on Amazon Prime Video, won multiple awards, including Best Cinematography and Best Production Design.
As of today, March 29, 2026, the buzz around the National Film Awards continues. The awards ceremony is scheduled for later this year, and fans are eagerly anticipating the event. So, while you're basking in the glow of these wins, why not catch up on some of the award-winning films? 'Sherni' is available on Amazon Prime Video, and 'Mimi' can be streamed on Netflix India. For more Bollywood updates and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to News Reporter Live.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was the 69th National Film Awards ceremony held?
The 69th National Film Awards were announced this week, on March 29, 2026. The actual awards ceremony will be held later this year. The specific date is yet to be announced, but stay tuned to News Reporter Live for updates.
Where can I watch 'Sherni'?
'Sherni', the critically acclaimed film starring Vidya Balan, is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in India. You can watch it with your Amazon Prime subscription. The film won the National Award for Best Film on Environment Conservation.
Who won the Best Actor award at the National Film Awards?
Allu Arjun won the Best Actor award for his performance in 'Pushpa: The Rise'. His portrayal of Pushpa Raj was widely praised, and the film became a major box office success across India. This is a landmark achievement for Telugu cinema.