By Mayank Jain:Â
The National Film Awards have finally been announced, bringing tears of joy to some. Others experienced the happiness of finally being recognized for many good movies which got lost in the glamour and charm of the ‘entertainment’ genre movies that are manufactured in the country a dime a dozen.
Best Feature Film: Ship of Theseus
Ship of Theseus can be best described as an experiential journey on the process of reuniting. Based on the Ship of Theseus paradox that has been eternally a cause of debate, the story is told through three different characters including a blind photographer, a Jain monk and a young stock broker. The film is high on erudite content that makes people think after every sequence and the cinematography is beautiful as well.
Best Direction: Shahid
Shahid is a real life story of a lawyer called Shahid Azmi who was slain in the backdrop of communal violence in Mumbai. He was a human rights activist as well. The story is a testimony to the human spirit and quest for the truth with a Muslim protagonist who struggles to find his place in the world marred with communalities and discrimination. The movie is must watch for the beauty of the story that it portrays.
Rajkumar Rao who plays Shahid in the movie has also bagged the Best Actor award.
Best Popular Film: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
A biopic based on the life of India’s celebrated athlete, Milkha Singh, turned out to be an entertaining journey which people are going to remember for a long time. Farhan Akhtar’s portrayal couldn’t get more perfect, and the songs added to the entertainment quotient of the movie.
Best Supporting Actor: Saurabh Shukla (Jolly LLB)
Saurabh Shukla has perfectly played the role of a judge who discovers his conscience during a high profile case. Arshad Warsi’s performance was impeccable in the movie. Also, there have been many good performances in other movies including Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s role in The Lunchbox.
Best Film On Social Issues: Gulabi Gang
Based in Bundelkhand, the film traces the journey of Sampat Pal Devi and her fellow comrades who take up the fight against social issues and corruption and crusade for a better society through organized social action. The story revolves around the empowerment of the poorest of the poor and weaker sections of the society.
The national awards also brought to light many unsung heroes but left out on the more popular films like Madras Café and Lunchbox which were well deserving. Over all, the awards concluded with a rather happy note and hope for a better cinema from the country in the days to come. Here is the complete list of national award winners with relevant details.