Yami Gautam won the Best Actress award for her role in the film "Article 370" at the 72nd National Film Awards on Saturday [1].
The recognition marks a significant milestone for Gautam, as the National Film Awards are among India's most prestigious honors, overseen by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting [2].
The awards were determined by an 11-member jury [3]. This particular cycle focused on films and performances that were certified in 2024 [4]. Gautam's performance in "Article 370" was judged as the most outstanding of the year by the panel [5].
Following the announcement, Gautam said the achievement was the "beginning of a greater responsibility" [6]. The film also saw other successes at the ceremony, securing a total of three wins across the categories of best film, best actress, and music [7].
Director Aditya Dhar commented on the team's approach to the project and the subsequent accolades. Dhar said they "weren’t chasing accolades" during the production of the movie [7].
The 72nd National Film Awards also recognized other major talents in Indian cinema. Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty shared the Best Actor award, with Aaryan winning for his work in "Chandu Champion" [2], [8].
“"Beginning Of A Greater Responsibility"”
The victory for Yami Gautam and "Article 370" highlights a trend toward recognizing politically charged narratives and realistic portrayals of Indian governance within the national awards circuit. By awarding both the film and the lead performance, the jury has validated the commercial and critical intersection of cinema and current affairs.
