Vicky Kaushal expressed immense pride as Sam Bahadur, a biopic on India’s first Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, won three National Film Awards at the 71st edition. The Meghna Gulzar-directed film earned accolades for Best Feature Film on National, Social and Environmental Issues, Best Makeup, and Best Costume Design. Vicky, who played the lead role, congratulated the team on social media, calling the win a moment of pride. Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, who portrayed Indira Gandhi, also celebrated the achievement, calling it a deeply meaningful recognition of their hard work and patriotic storytelling.

Kolkata-based filmmaker Arjunn Dutta has won the National Award for Best Bengali Feature Film for Deep Fridge, a poignant drama starring Abir Chatterjee and Tanushree Chakraborty. Dutta dedicated the award to his late mother, who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease during the film’s production and passed away before its completion. He shared an emotional note saying, “This award is for you, Ma. It’s not mine.” The film explores emotional distance within relationships and premiered at IFFI 2023. Dutta called the win a morale booster for the indie film community and a proud moment for Bengali cinema, hoping it inspires young filmmakers to tell personal, socially resonant stories.

Shah Rukh Khan, recovering from an on-set injury, expressed heartfelt gratitude after winning his first-ever National Film Award for Best Actor for Jawan. In a video message, Khan said the award is “a reminder that what I do matters,” and pledged to continue serving cinema with passion. He thanked the jury, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and directors Atlee, Rajkumar Hirani, and Siddharth Anand. Khan also acknowledged his team, family, and fans, promising to return to screens soon. Sharing the award with Vikrant Massey (12th Fail), Khan appeared with his arm in a sling, humorously noting he could only offer fans “half a hug” this time.

The Kerala Story, directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Shah, won Best Director and Best Cinematography at the 71st National Film Awards despite intense controversy. The film, which portrays the radicalization and recruitment of Kerala women by ISIS, was banned in West Bengal and faced protests in Tamil Nadu, while receiving tax-free status in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh. Jury chair Ashutosh Gowariker defended the awards, praising the film’s stark, realistic cinematography and Sen’s clarity in handling a difficult subject. Gowariker emphasized that the jury unanimously recognized the film’s technical and narrative merits, regardless of its polarizing reception and political overtones. (PC: Airtel Xstream)

The 71st National Film Awards have officially honored Vikrant Massey with the Best Actor award for his powerful performance in 12th Fail, a film directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Massey shares the prestigious title with Shah Rukh Khan, who won for Jawan. The announcement was made at a press conference in New Delhi after weeks of jury deliberation. Massey had long aspired to win a National Award, calling it the highest honor for an Indian actor. His emotional reaction reflects the significance of the win, which he dedicated to marginalized communities. The awards also recognized Rani Mukerji as Best Actress for Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway, marking her first National Award. (PC: IMDB)

Shah Rukh Khan has won his first-ever National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in the blockbuster Jawan, marking a historic milestone in his 33-year career. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting confirmed the honor, which Khan shares with Vikrant Massey. Jawan, directed by Atlee, showcased Khan in dual roles and was praised for its gripping narrative and social messaging. The film became one of the highest-grossing Indian movies of 2023. Khan’s win is seen as long overdue, given his acclaimed performances in Swades, Chak De! India, and My Name is Khan. Fans and industry peers are celebrating this landmark recognition for the Bollywood icon. (PC: Instagram)

Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela has claimed that her Christian Dior bag, containing jewellery worth ₹70 lakh, was stolen from the baggage belt at London Gatwick Airport while she was in the UK to attend Wimbledon. The bag was reportedly checked in from Mumbai on Emirates. Despite tagging Emirates and the Gatwick Airport Police, she says she received no meaningful support. Expressing her frustration on Instagram, she shared photos of the baggage tag, flight ticket, and the missing bag, raising concerns about airport security protocols. (PC: Instagram)

Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan is under fire for shooting parts of his upcoming film The Odyssey in Dakhla, a city in Western Sahara occupied by Morocco for nearly 50 years and considered a non-self-governing territory by the UN . FiSahara, the Western Sahara International Film Festival held in refugee camps, condemned the choice, warning the production may legitimize Moroccan occupation and whitewash Sahrawi repression . Activists and the Polisario Front argue the film ignores human rights abuses and restricts freedom of expression under occupation . Neither Nolan nor his team have publicly responded so far. (PC: India Today)

In a sweeping crackdown, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has banned 25 OTT platforms and websites including ALTT, ULLU, and Desiflix for streaming obscene and sexually explicit content. The move follows repeated violations of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986. Despite prior warnings, these platforms continued to publish objectionable material, prompting the government to direct ISPs to block access nationwide. The decision was made in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, MeitY, and child rights bodies. The ban aims to protect minors and uphold digital decency standards. Content from shows like House Arrest had previously triggered legal scrutiny and public outrage. (PC: India Today & News 18)

Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and global rock icon, has died aged 76. Tributes poured in from across the music world, with Metallica calling him a “hero and friend,” and Elton John calling him a “true legend.” “There will never be another Ozzy,” said Kiss's Gene Simmons. His final performance, just weeks ago in Birmingham, marked an emotional farewell. Fellow artists like Foo Fighters, AC/DC, and Billy Corgan celebrated his legacy, calling him the heart of heavy metal. Fans mourned globally, laying flowers in Birmingham and at his Hollywood star. Osbourne leaves behind wife Sharon and six children. (PC: BBC)