The 70th National Film Awards brought many surprises, with Vinay Fort’s movie Aattam unexpectedly taking home the title of Best Film in India for 2022. The film’s win stunned even its creators, who were unaware of the impact their work had made on the national jury. The awards celebrated a diverse array of talents, highlighting remarkable performances and outstanding films across various Indian languages.
Unanticipated Triumph for ‘Aattam’
When the jury announced Aattam as the Best Feature Film, it was a moment of disbelief for everyone involved. The film, which had not been heavily promoted, managed to captivate the jury with its unique narrative and powerful execution. This unexpected recognition brought the film into the limelight, showcasing the strength of its storytelling and the creative vision behind it. Anand Ekarshi, who penned the screenplay, also received accolades for his exceptional work, further solidifying the film’s impact.
Rishab Shetty’s Dominance: Best Actor and Most Popular Film
Rishab Shetty’s performance in Kantara earned him the prestigious Best Actor award. His portrayal in the film was widely praised, making him a standout choice for this honor. Additionally, Kantara was recognized as the Most Popular Film of 2022, reflecting its widespread appeal and the strong connection it established with audiences across the country. The film’s success highlights the growing influence of regional cinema in India, with Kannada films like Kantara and KGF 2 gaining national prominence.
Celebrating Female Excellence: Nithya Menen and Devi Varma
Nithya Menen’s role in Thiruchitrambalam won her the Best Actress award, sharing the spotlight with Manasi Parekh from Kutch Express. Nithya’s nuanced performance was a testament to her versatility and depth as an actress. Meanwhile, Devi Varma, who played the role of Aisha in Saudi Vellakka, made a stunning debut, earning widespread acclaim. Her portrayal of an elderly woman caught in a long legal battle resonated deeply with audiences, leading to her winning the Kerala State Film Award for Best Character Actress.
Saudi Vellakka: A Legal Drama that Resonates
Saudi Vellakka, directed by Tharun Moorthy, was another highlight of the awards, winning the title of Best Malayalam Film. Based on a true story, the film explores the emotional and financial toll of a prolonged legal battle on a family. The narrative centers on Aisha, an elderly woman who impulsively strikes a young boy in her village, leading to a decade-long court case that profoundly affects her family. The film’s realistic portrayal of the legal system’s slow pace and its impact on ordinary lives struck a chord with viewers and critics alike.
Where to Watch Saudi Vellakka: A Must-Watch Drama
Saudi Vellakka is currently streaming on Sony LIV, available in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Marathi. The film has received praise for its compelling storyline and strong performances, with Devi Varma’s debut being particularly noted. Despite being a relatively small film, Saudi Vellakka managed to fill multiplexes even on the day of its OTT release, reflecting its strong word-of-mouth appeal.
Other Notable Winners: Recognizing Excellence in Indian Cinema
The 70th National Film Awards also honored several other remarkable films and talents:
- Best Director: Suraj R. Barjatya for Uunchai
- Best Debut Director: Pramod Kumar for Phoja
- Best Screenplay: Anand Ekarshi for Aattam
- Best Telugu Film: Karthikeya 2
- Best Tamil Film: Ponniyin Selvan Part 1
- Best Kannada Film: KGF 2
- Best Hindi Film: Gulmohar
- Best Child Actor: Sreepath for Malikappuram
- Best Supporting Actress: Neena Gupta for Uunchai
- Best Supporting Actor: Pawan Raj Malhotra for Fauja
Technical and Artistic Achievements: A Showcase of Talent
The awards also highlighted the incredible talent behind the scenes, recognizing achievements in various technical and artistic categories:
- Best Stunts: Anbariv brothers for KGF 2
- Best Choreography: Jani and Satish for Tiruchitrambalam
- Best Lyricist: Naushad Sadar Khan for Fauja
- Best Music Director: Pritam for Brahmastra
- Best Background Score: A.R. Rahman for Ponniyin Selvan Part 1
- Best Production Design: Anand Adhyaya for Aparajito
- Best Editing: Mahesh Bhuvanend for Aattam
- Best Sound Design: Anand Krishnamurthy for Ponniyin Selvan Part 1
- Best Cinematography: Ravi Varman for Ponniyin Selvan Part 1
- Best Costume Design: Nikhil Joshi
- Best Singer (Female): Bombay Jayashri for Saudi Vellakka
- Best Singer (Male): Arijit Singh for Brahmastra
A Celebration of Indian Cinema’s Diversity and Creativity
The 70th National Film Awards highlighted the rich diversity and creativity within Indian cinema, celebrating films from various regions and languages. The unexpected wins, particularly for Aattam and Saudi Vellakka, underscored the importance of strong storytelling and innovative filmmaking. As Indian cinema continues to evolve, these awards serve as a reminder of the immense talent that exists across the country, capable of captivating both national and international audiences.
