70th National Film Awards 2024 Live Updates: Rishab Shetty, Kantara, Sooraj Barjatya and Brahmastra take home some BIG wins – The Times of India

The 70th National Film Awards ceremony, held at the National Media Center in New Delhi, celebrated the exceptional achievements in Indian cinema over the past year. The awards, which honor excellence in various aspects of filmmaking, brought together some of the most talented figures in the industry to recognize their contributions to Indian cinema. One of the standout winners of the event was Rishab Shetty, who was honored with the Best Actor award for his compelling performance in the Kannada film Kantara. This film, a gripping tale set in a rural backdrop, showcased Shetty’s impressive acting range and cemented his place as one of the most versatile actors in contemporary Indian cinema. Kantara has been widely praised for its storytelling and Shetty’s direction in the movie also played a significant role in its acclaim.

The Best Actress award was shared between Nithya Menen and Mansi Parekh. Menen was recognized for her nuanced role in Thiruchitrambalam, a Tamil film that explores the intricacies of human relationships and emotions. Parekh earned her accolade for her performance in The Kutch Express, a film that highlights the socio-cultural landscape of Gujarat. Their joint win underscores the diverse talent in Indian cinema and the variety of roles women are excelling in.

The Best Feature Film award went to the Malayalam film Aattam, which has been lauded for its innovative narrative and strong directorial vision. The film’s success highlights the rich storytelling tradition in Malayalam cinema and its ability to engage audiences with its unique approach.

In the Best Director category, Sooraj Barjatya was awarded for Uunchai, a film celebrated for its heartwarming narrative and strong ensemble cast. Barjatya’s direction brought out the best in his actors and delivered a film that resonated deeply with audiences.

Among other notable winners, Ponniyin Selvan I stood out with AR Rahman winning the Best Music Director (Background Music) award for his impeccable score. The film also earned accolades for Ravi Varman (Best Cinematographer) and Anand Krishnamurthy (Best Sound Design). KGF 2 and Brahmastra: Part 1 – Shiva were also recognised, reflecting the broad range of Indian cinema’s achievements.

Arijit Singh received the Best Male Playback Singer award for his melodious rendition of ‘Kesariya’ from Brahmastra, further showcasing his exceptional vocal talent. The awards ceremony, announced by Rahul Rawail, Nila Madhab Panda, and Gangadhar Mudalair, highlighted the outstanding contributions of artists across various categories, celebrating the rich and diverse landscape of Indian filmmaking.