The 73rd National Film Awards were announced this week, and Bollywood is buzzing! Vidya Balan's 'Sherni' bagged the Best Film (Social Issues) award, proving that impactful storytelling continues to resonate deeply. Meanwhile, Taapsee Pannu starrer 'Thappad' walked away with the award for Best Film on Other Social Issues. The ceremony, held in New Delhi, celebrated the best of Indian cinema from 2021, a year that saw many films release after pandemic-related delays.

The awards recognized talent across various regional film industries as well. Suriya's 'Soorarai Pottru' swept the board, winning Best Actor (Suriya), Best Actress (Aparna Balamurali), and Best Film. The film, which is available on Amazon Prime Video, has been a consistent crowd-pleaser since its release. Ajay Devgn also shared the Best Actor award with Suriya for his performance in 'Tanhaji: The Unsung Hero'.

'Sherni' Wins Big: A Victory for Women-Led Narratives

Directed by Amit Masurkar, 'Sherni' tackles important themes of wildlife conservation and human-animal conflict, all through the lens of a strong female protagonist. Vidya Balan's portrayal of a forest officer earned her widespread acclaim, and the National Award is a testament to the film's powerful message. Speaking to News Reporter Live, film critic Taran Adarsh said, "'Sherni' is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. It's a well-deserved win for the entire team." You can catch 'Sherni' on Amazon Prime Video.

Taapsee Pannu's 'Thappad' Continues to Strike a Chord

'Thappad', directed by Anubhav Sinha, sparked a national conversation about domestic violence and marital relationships. Taapsee Pannu's performance was lauded for its sensitivity and nuance. The film's success lies in its ability to address a complex issue with honesty and empathy. "'Thappad' dared to question societal norms, and that's why it connected with so many people," reportersays film trade analyst Komal Nahta. The film is available on Netflix India.

Box Office Impact and OTT Release Strategies

While 'Tanhaji' had a massive theatrical release, grossing over ₹367 crore worldwide, 'Sherni' and 'Thappad' opted for direct-to-OTT releases. This highlights the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where digital platforms are playing an increasingly important role. Both films garnered significant viewership on their respective platforms, proving that strong content can find an audience regardless of release format.

The National Film Awards also recognized other notable films like 'Toolsidas Junior' (Best Children’s Film) and 'Saina' (Best Supporting Actress - Esha Gupta). As of today, March 21, 2026, the discussions around the winners are still trending on social media. The awards have once again highlighted the diversity and richness of Indian cinema.

If you enjoyed 'Sherni' and 'Thappad', be sure to check out other socially relevant films like 'Pink' and 'Article 15'. For more Bollywood news and updates, stay tuned to News Reporter Live!