72nd National Film Awards: Article 370 bags best feature film, Mammootty gets best actor award
The 72nd National Film Awards recognized 'Article 370' as the best feature film, while Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan shared the best actor award. Other notable winners included Rajkumar Periasamy for best director and Yami Gautam Dhar for best actress.
Why it matters
These awards reflect the current trends and critical reception within the Indian film industry, highlighting both mainstream and biographical cinema.
Bollywood film Article 370 , based on the events surrounding the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution in 2019, was named the best feature film at the 72 nd National Film Awards on Saturday (July 18, 2026).
Announcing the awards, chairman of the central jury Jayaraj said Telugu movie Kalki 2898 AD bagged the trophy for the best popular film.
Malayalam superstar Mammootty won his fourth National Film Award for best actor for his performance in Bramayugam , sharing the honour with Kartik Aaryan, who was recognised for Chandu Champion . Mammootty had previously won the best actor award for Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha and Mathilukal (1989), Ponthan Mada and Vidheyan (1994), and Dr. Ambedkar (1999). Yami Gautam Dhar was named best actress for her performance in Article 370 .
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