- Rishab Shetty wins Best Actor for Kantara at the 70th National Film Awards.
- Kantara also awarded Best Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
- Ponniyin Selvan 1 and KGF Chapter 2 among other big winners.
Rishab Shetty has been honored with the Best Actor award at the 70th National Film Awards for his remarkable performance in Kantara.
Ponniyin Selvan 1, directed by Mani Ratnam, emerged as a major winner in the Tamil category, capturing awards for Best Tamil Film, Best Music Direction for A. R. Rahman, and Best Cinematography for Ravi Varman.
South Indian Cinema Dominates 70th National Film Awards
The 70th National Film Awards have spotlighted the growing influence and creative prowess of South Indian cinema. Rishab Shetty’s outstanding portrayal in Kantara earned him the Best Actor award, marking a significant achievement in his career. The film’s recognition as the Best Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment further cements its status as a cultural phenomenon within the Kannada film industry.
KGF Chapter 2, another Kannada blockbuster produced by Hombale Films, received accolades for Best Kannada Film and Best Action Direction. The film’s success at the awards is a testament to its high-octane action sequences and its impact on both national and international audiences. The awards celebrated the film’s technical excellence, particularly the work of action directors Anbariv.
In Tamil cinema, Ponniyin Selvan 1 emerged as a standout film, winning multiple awards including Best Tamil Film and Best Music Direction for A. R. Rahman. The film’s visual splendor, captured by cinematographer Ravi Varman, and its intricate sound design by Anand Krishnamoorthi were also recognized, highlighting the technical brilliance behind this magnum opus.
The awards also saw Nithya Menen and Manasi Parekh sharing the Best Actress honor. Menen was recognized for her role in Thiruchitrabalam, while Parekh won for the Gujarati film Kutch Express. This shared recognition showcases the diversity of talent across regional Indian cinema, further broadening the scope of the National Film Awards.
The 70th National Film Awards have not only celebrated individual achievements but have also underscored the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where regional films are increasingly taking center stage. The success of films like Kantara, KGF Chapter 2, and Ponniyin Selvan 1 reflects the rich storytelling and technical mastery that continue to drive the industry forward.
“Cinema is the mirror of our society, reflecting its beauty, complexity, and contradictions.” – A. R. Rahman
