The 72nd National Film Awards brought joy for several winners, but they also triggered fresh debates among movie lovers. While Kartik Aaryan won Best Actor for Chandu Champion and Srikanth was named Best Feature Film, many expected other acclaimed films to receive recognition as well.
One of the biggest surprises was Laapataa Ladies. Directed by Kiran Rao, the film won praise for its performances, screenplay and music. Despite being considered a strong contender by many, it did not receive a single National Award.
Amar Singh Chamkila, directed by Imtiaz Ali, also missed out on the honours. Diljit Dosanjh’s performance and A R Rahman’s music were widely appreciated by audiences and critics. Even so, the film failed to secure any award.
Malayalam films Manjummel Boys and Aavesham were also among the notable omissions. Manjummel Boys earned nationwide appreciation for its gripping storytelling and technical quality. Meanwhile, Fahadh Faasil’s performance as Ranga in Aavesham became one of the most talked-about performances of the year.
Other films that many believed deserved recognition included Kishkindha Kaandam and Premalu. While Kishkindha Kaandam was praised for its performances and storytelling, Premalu proved that a simple romantic comedy could achieve remarkable commercial and critical success.
Ajay Devgn’s performance as football coach Syed Abdul Rahim in Maidaan also became part of the discussion. Although the film won the Best Lyrics award, many fans felt Devgn’s sincere and emotional performance deserved individual recognition.
National Film Awards are ultimately decided by the jury’s judgement, and every selection reflects a particular perspective. However, the popularity and lasting impact of these films show that audience appreciation often goes beyond trophies. Their success and cultural influence continue to speak for themselves.
