National Film Awards: Who Took Home the Golden Lotus?

The 73rd National Film Awards ceremony concluded last night in New Delhi, celebrating the best of Indian cinema from 2025. From Bollywood blockbusters to regional gems, the competition was fierce, but some truly exceptional films and performances shone through. Let's dive into the winners and the buzz surrounding the awards.

Best Film: A Regional Cinema Triumph

In a surprising but well-deserved victory, the Best Film award went to 'Kathaa Sangam,' a Marathi anthology film exploring diverse human relationships. This marks a significant win for regional cinema, proving that compelling storytelling transcends language barriers. The film, directed by a collective of independent filmmakers, has been praised for its nuanced performances and insightful narratives. 'Kathaa Sangam' beat out strong contenders from Bollywood, including the historical epic 'The Mughal' and the social drama 'Equality Street.'

Speaking to News Reporter Live after the ceremony, director Rohan Deshmukh said, "We are incredibly humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award. This is a victory for independent cinema and a testament to the power of regional stories."

Bollywood Stars Shine Bright at National Film Awards

While 'Kathaa Sangam' took home the top prize, Bollywood A-listers also had their moment in the spotlight. Ranbir Kapoor clinched the Best Actor award for his powerful portrayal of a conflicted businessman in 'The Labyrinth.' Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone was awarded Best Actress for her role as a determined athlete battling societal odds in 'Rise Above.' Both performances were critically acclaimed, and their wins were largely expected.

"This award means the world to me," Deepika shared in her acceptance speech. "'Rise Above' is a story that needs to be told, and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to bring it to life."

Other Notable Wins: Music, Direction, and More

A.R. Rahman continued his reign as the king of Bollywood music, winning Best Music Direction for the soulful soundtrack of 'The Mughal.' The film also bagged awards for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design, solidifying its status as a visual and auditory masterpiece. Veteran director, Shyam Benegal, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his immense contribution to Indian cinema over the decades.

reportersays, the jury panel faced immense pressure in selecting awardees from a pool of very competitive candidates. The nominations reflected the diversity and richness of Indian filmmaking.

Where to Watch the Winning Films

Eager to catch up on the award-winning films? 'Kathaa Sangam' is currently streaming on Entertainment News Flix, while 'The Labyrinth' and 'Rise Above' are available on Amazon Prime Video. Keep an eye out for 'The Mughal,' which is expected to hit Netflix India later this month. The awards ceremony itself will be available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar from tomorrow.

Meanwhile, for those who like live action, the Live Cricket scores for the ongoing T20 series are definitely something worth watching.