The 73rd National Film Awards were announced today, and it was Anurag Kashyap's hard-hitting social drama 'Gulaal' that emerged as the big winner, bagging Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor for the powerhouse performance by Rajat Barmecha. The ceremony, held in New Delhi, celebrated the best of Indian cinema from the past year, acknowledging talent across various languages and categories.

“I’m overwhelmed! This is a dream come true,” exclaimed Barmecha, visibly emotional while accepting his award. “'Gulaal' was a project close to my heart, and I’m grateful to Anurag sir for believing in me.” The film, which tackles themes of caste discrimination and political corruption in Rajasthan, received widespread critical acclaim for its raw storytelling and powerful performances. The film originally premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2025 to rave reviews, before securing distribution in India.

Regional Cinema Shines at the National Film Awards

While 'Gulaal' dominated the headlines, the awards also highlighted the growing prominence of regional cinema. Marathi film 'Gavran' won Best Regional Film, while Tamil actor Andrea Jeremiah took home the Best Actress award for her role in the critically acclaimed 'Aramm 2'. This year’s awards clearly demonstrates that compelling stories are being told across all languages. 'Gavran' explores the life of farmers in drought-stricken Maharashtra and has been lauded for its realistic portrayal of their struggles.

Speaking to News Reporter Live after the ceremony, veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal said, “It’s heartening to see regional cinema getting its due. These films often reflect the realities of our society in a way that mainstream Bollywood sometimes misses.” Benegal, a recipient of multiple National Film Awards himself, added that the future of Indian cinema lies in embracing diversity and encouraging filmmakers from all parts of the country.

OTT Platforms Make Their Mark

The rise of OTT platforms was also acknowledged, with the web series 'Mumbai Mafia' winning Best Web Series. Directed by Rensil D'Silva, the gritty crime drama, which premiered on Netflix India last year, was praised for its gripping narrative and stellar performances by its ensemble cast. The show beat out stiff competition from Amazon Prime's 'The Family Man 3' and Disney+ Hotstar's 'Aarya: Diamond Cut'.

The 'Mumbai Mafia' win is a clear sign of the changing landscape of entertainment in India. With more and more viewers turning to streaming platforms for their daily dose of entertainment, OTT platforms are investing heavily in original content, providing filmmakers with new avenues to showcase their talent. reportersays, this recognition at the National Film Awards solidifies the position of OTT platforms as a legitimate and important part of the Indian film industry.

Other Notable Wins and Performances

Veteran composer A.R. Rahman won Best Music Director for his work on the biopic 'M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story 2', while playback singer Shreya Ghoshal bagged the Best Female Playback Singer award. The award for Best Supporting Actor went to Pankaj Tripathi for his role in 'Kaagaz 2', a sequel to the 2021 dark comedy.

The ceremony concluded with a special tribute to the late Dilip Kumar, with a montage of his iconic performances playing on the screen. The National Film Awards continue to be a prestigious platform for recognizing and celebrating the best of Indian cinema. As of March 28, 2026, the industry looks forward to another year of compelling storytelling and groundbreaking performances.

Looking for something to watch this weekend? Consider catching 'Gulaal' in theaters or wait for its expected OTT release on Amazon Prime Video in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, 'Mumbai Mafia' is available to stream now on Netflix India. And don't forget to check out Andrea Jeremiah’s powerful performance in 'Aramm 2', available on Disney+ Hotstar.