71st National Film Awards 2025: Ekta Kapoor, Guneet Monga, Vidhu Vinod Chopra Grace Grand Ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
Catch all the highlights from the 71st National Film Awards 2023 as Bollywood powerhouses Ekta Kapoor, Guneet Monga, and Vidhu Vinod Chopra arrive in style at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
New Delhi witnessed a glittering display of artistic achievement at the 71st National Film Awards as leading filmmakers Ektaa Kapoor, Guneet Monga, and Vidhu Vinod Chopra arrived at Vigyan Bhawan in grandeur. The event was not just a ceremony—it was a celebration of bold storytelling, fresh perspectives, and the rising voice of socially conscious cinema in India.
At the heart of the evening was Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery, the satirical social drama that went on to win the Best Hindi Feature Film award. Produced by Guneet Monga under Sikhya Entertainment, along with Ektaa Kapoor, Balaji Telefilms, and Netflix, among others, Kathal’s victory symbolises a new wave of Indian films: rooted in local stories, socially relevant, yet universally resonant.
As the red carpet rolled out, several stalwarts of the industry made their way into Vigyan Bhawan. Among them:
Ektaa Kapoor: A name synonymous with mainstream television and OTT hits, known for her role in changing the landscape of Indian entertainment. Her presence at the ceremony underscored the growing legitimacy and prestige of OTT and alternative narratives.
Guneet Monga: An independent producer whose portfolio consistently bridges the gap between commercial success and meaningful content. Her work with Sikhya Entertainment has often spotlighted underrepresented stories and voices.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra: Veteran filmmaker and producer, whose body of work spans decades. His presence adds gravitas and reminds audiences of the legacy that newer filmmakers are building upon.
Though the most talked‑about moment was Kathal’s win, the arrival of these figures itself made headlines. It showcased the convergence of established film industry veterans with emerging creators—all sharing the stage. The buzz wasn’t just about awards; it was about representation, innovation, and narrative risks being rewarded.
“Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery” is not just another film. It is being hailed as a “deliciously sharp satire” by jury members, and rightfully so. The plot revolves around the disappearance of two prime jackfruits from a politician’s garden, and the investigation led by a cop from a marginalized background. Through this quirky premise, the film weaves in commentary on power dynamics, caste, rural bureaucracy, class, and the absurdities of social hierarchies.
The film’s strength lies in its rootedness: it was shot entirely in Madhya Pradesh, bringing the textures and rhythms of everyday life outside urban India into sharp relief. This authenticity gives the satire real punch—it’s not just poking fun from a distance; it’s immersed in the world it critiques.
Sanya Malhotra, in the lead as Mahima, shines. Her performance is being praised for its warmth, nuance, and honesty. She is the kind of protagonist who is strong not because she is larger than life, but because she is real, relatable, and grounded.
The win meant a lot to both producers, and their quotes reflect their gratitude, humility, and ambition.
Guneet Monga said she was “grateful beyond words” for this recognition, emphasising that when a story from the heart of India is honoured, it’s a win for every voice that deserves to be heard. She thanked director Yashowardhan Mishra, co‑writer Ashok Mishra, the cast, the production team, her co‑producers, and platform partners like Netflix etc.
Ektaa Kapoor called the moment “magical”, saying that for Balaji Telefilms and everyone involved, this win was unforgettable. She expressed how important it was for her to support authentic stories, quirky narratives, and voices that might otherwise be overlooked. For her, Kathal’s win is proof that bold, original storytelling finds its audience—and its recognition.
These reactions not only celebrate the win, but also set a tone: this is about more than trophy‑chasing. It’s about changing the terms of what kinds of stories are validated in Indian cinema.
Recognition of Alternative Narratives
Kathal’s win signals growing respect for films that don’t necessarily follow the tried‑and‑tested formula. The film shows that satire, socially relevant storytelling, local settings, and even a touch of absurdity can be critically acclaimed—and rewarded at the highest level.
Platform Collaboration is Working
One of the critical factors in Kathal’s success is the collaboration with Netflix. The film’s distribution as a Netflix Original means it reached not just national but international audiences. This is noted as the first Netflix original to win a National Film Award.
Empowerment of Marginalized Voices
The lead character being from a lower caste and a non‑metropolitan setting means stories from ingredients that are often ignored are now getting mainstream recognition. This could spark more films that draw from the vast diversity of India’s heartlands.
Boost for Indie & OTT Producers
Producers like Guneet Monga, Ektaa Kapoor, Achin Jain, Balaji Telefilms, and smaller houses like Sikhya Entertainment gain credibility. A win like this helps in securing funding, attracting talent, and expanding reach for future projects. It encourages risk‑taking.
Audience Expectations are Evolving
Viewers are more open to original, regionally rooted stories. Kathal’s popularity and critical acclaim suggest that there is appetite not just for gloss and spectacle, but for stories that matter, stories that engage with society, politics, identity in understated but powerful ways.
While much of the limelight went to Kathal and its producers, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s presence at Vigyan Bhawan carried symbolic weight.
Chopra, as a seasoned filmmaker, represents the continuum of Indian cinema—from days of mainstream blockbusters to the current era where off‑beat films are sharing the stage. His attendance suggests both endorsement and mentorship: established voices recognising the next generation.
His participation also serves as a bridge between different eras of filmmaking: genre, scale, themes, and audience. It highlights that success doesn’t only come from big budgets but from strong stories.
With Kathal’s win, several future directions seem likely:
More Stories from Small Towns & Rural India: Given Kathal’s rootedness in Madhya Pradesh and its success, more films set off the beaten path may find encouragement.
Hybrid Releases and OTT as Launchpads: Films that might not get a big theatrical release can find their audiences through OTT platforms. The model of partner‑platforms backing films is increasingly validated.
Satire & Social Commentary: Audiences seem ready for films that are playful, ironic, critical—but not preachy. Satire, when done well, can open up dialogue. Kathal seems to have struck the right balance.
Diversity in Production Collaboration: With co‑producers, multiple production houses, OTT platforms, and regional resources involved, the filmmaking ecosystem is expanding. This provides more opportunities for experimentation.
