70th National Film Awards
The 70th National Film Awards have celebrated a diverse array of cinematic achievements for films released in 2022. The award for Best Feature Film went to “Aattam,” a Malayalam film that captivated audiences with its compelling narrative and exceptional craftsmanship. The film stood out for its storytelling and technical excellence, reflecting the rich tradition of Malayalam cinema.
Category | Winner |
---|---|
Best Feature Film | Aattam (Malayalam) |
Best Feature Film providing wholesome entertainment | Kantara |
National Integration Film | Kutch Express |
Best Actor | Rishab Shetty (Kantara) |
Best Actress | Nithya Menen (Thiruchitrambalam) & Manasi Parekh (Kutch Express) |
Best Director | Sooraj Barjatya (Uunchai) |
Best Tamil Film | Ponniyin Selvan 1 |
Best Telugu Film | Karthikeya 2 |
Best Kannada Film | KGF 2 |
Best Hindi Film | Gulmohar |
Best Malayalam Film | Soudi Velakka |
Best Action Direction | KGF 2 |
Best Choreography | Jani Master (Thiruchitrambalam) |
Best Male Playback Singer | Arijit Singh (Kesariya) |
Best Female Playback Singer | Bombay Jayashri (Saudi) |
Best Music Director (Songs) | Pritam |
Best Background Score | AR Rahman (PS1) |
Best Sound Design | Anand K (PS1) |
Best Cinematography | Ravi Varman (PS1) |
Best VFX | Brahmastra |
Best Editing | Mahesh B (Aattam) |
Best Screenplay | Anand E (Aattam) |
Special Jury Award | Manoj Bajpayee & Sanjay |
In the category of Best Feature Film providing wholesome entertainment, “Kantara” was honored. This film’s success was attributed to its engaging storyline and ability to entertain a wide range of audiences while delivering a meaningful message. Its win highlighted the growing prominence of films that blend entertainment with deeper themes.
The award for Best Actor was claimed by Rishab Shetty for his outstanding performance in “Kantara.” His portrayal brought depth and nuance to the character, earning him recognition as one of the leading actors in contemporary Indian cinema. On the other hand, the Best Actress award was shared by Nithya Menen for her role in “Thiruchitrambalam” and Manasi Parekh for her performance in “Kutch Express,” both of whom delivered remarkable performances that resonated with viewers.

Best Director honors went to Sooraj Barjatya for “Uunchai.” Barjatya’s direction was praised for its ability to balance emotional depth with a strong narrative structure. The film’s success underlines Barjatya’s enduring influence and mastery in crafting stories that appeal to a broad audience.
Among the regional awards, “Ponniyin Selvan 1” was recognized as the Best Tamil Film, while “Karthikeya 2” took home the award for Best Telugu Film. The Best Kannada Film accolade was awarded to “KGF 2,” showcasing the film’s massive impact in the Kannada film industry. Each of these films highlighted the vibrant and diverse storytelling present in Indian regional cinema.
Other notable awards included Best Music Director (Songs) for Pritam, Best Background Score for AR Rahman, and Best Sound Design for Anand K, all contributing significantly to the auditory experiences of their respective films. Additionally, “Brahmastra” was honored with Best VFX for its visual effects, and “Aattam” also secured awards for Best Editing and Best Screenplay, demonstrating the film’s comprehensive excellence. The Special Jury Award was given to Manoj Bajpayee and Sanjay, recognizing their exceptional contributions to Indian cinema.