Akshay Kumar in a still from Rustom
Highlights
- Akshay Kumar, Best Actor, won his first National Award
- Sonam kapoor won Special Mention Award for Neerja
- Zaira Wasim won Best Supporting Actress Award for Dangal
New Delhi:
The National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi today and Akshay Kumar has won his first National Award for Best Actor for his work in the 2016 film
Rustom.
Rustom, based on the real life Nanavati case that led to the scrapping of the jury in India's legal system, starred Akshay as a naval officer accused of murdering his wife's lover. The 49-year-old star's omission from the Filmfare Awards Best Actor category prompted outrage recently - his National Award win is likely to pacify his fans.
Rustom released to middling reviews last year but Akshay Kumar's performance was singled out for critical praise.
In a video message, Akshay Kumar said "thank you is a very small word right now" and that he is "humbled by this honour."
National Film Awards jury chief head Priyadarshan said that Akshay Kumar's competition for Best Actor was Mohanlal, who received the Jury award. "Three films of Mohanlal and two of Akshay,
Airlift and
Rustom, and we felt Akshay showed a range from playing a real life character and doing a tailor-made role," Priyadarshan said.
Rakesh Mapuskar won Best Director for the Marathi film
Ventilator, produced by Priyanka Chopra.
Kasav, also in Marathi, won Best Feature Film.
Actress Sonam Kapoor received a special mention for her film
Neerja, which was named Best Hindi Film.
Dangal's Zaira Wasim won Best Supporting Actress. Actor Adil Hussain received special mention for his film
Muktii Bhawan, which released today. Malayalam star Mohanlal received the Jury award. Ajay Devgn's
Shivaay won the award for Best Special Effects.
Pink, starring Amitabh Bachchan, won Best Film on Social Issues.
Bisarjan won Best Bengali Film,
Dashakriya was named Best Marathi Film, and
Reservation won Best Kannada Film.
Joker won Best Tamil Film and
Wrong Side Raju was named Best Gujarati Film.
Nagesh Kukunoor's
Dhanak won Best Children's Film.
The Tiger Who Crossed The Line won Best Environmental Film.
Uttar Pradesh was named the 'Most Film Friendly State.' Special mention in this category went to Jharkhand.
Iman Chakraborty won Best Female Playback Singer.
Here are all the winners:
Swarna KamalBest Feature Film: Kasav (Marathi)
Best Debut Film of A Director: Khalifa (Bengali)
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Sathamanam Bhavati (Telugu)
Best Children's Film: Dhanak (Hindi)
Best Direction: Rajesh Mapuskar For
VentilatorRajat KamalBest Actor: Akshay Kumar For
RustomBest Actress: Surabhi Lakshmi For
MinnaminungeBest Supporting Actor: Manoj Joshi For
DashkriyaBest Supporting Actress: Zaira Wasim For
DangalBest Child Artist: Manohara For
Railway ChildrenBest Male Playback Singer: Sundara Iyer For
JokerBest Female Playback Singer: Emaan Chakraborty For
PraktanBest Cinematography: TirruBest Screenplay (Original): Syam Pushkaran For
Maheshinte PrathikaaramBest Screenplay (Adapted): Sanjay Krishnaji Patel For
DashakriyaBest Film on Other Social Issues: PinkBest Film on Environment/Conservation/Preservation: The Tiger Who Crossed The LineBest Editing: Rameshwar S. Bhagat For
VentilatorBest Art Direction: 24Best Costume Design: SachinBest Music Direction (Songs): Bapu Padmanabha/Bapu Flute Allama
Best Lyrics: Vairamuthu For
Dharma Durai song
Vantha Entha PakkamBest Special Effects: ShivaayRegional AwardsBest Bengali Film: BisarjanBest Gujarati Film: Wrong Side RajuBest Hindi Film: NeerjaBest Kannada Film: ReservationBest Malayalam Film:Maheshinte PrathikaaramBest Marathi Film: DashakriyaBest Tamil Film: JokerBest Telugu Film: Pelli Choopulu