The National Film Award for Best Feature Film is one of the categories in the National Film Awards presented annually by the National Film Development Corporation of India, the organisation set up by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in India. It is one of several awards presented for feature films and awarded with the Golden Lotus (Swarna Kamal). The award is announced for films produced in a year across the country, in all Indian languages. As of 2024[update], the award comprises a Swarna Kamal, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹3,00,000 and is presented to the producer and the director of the film.
The National Film Awards were established in 1954 to "encourage production of the films of a high aesthetic and technical standard and educational and culture value" and also planned to include awards for regional films.[1] The awards were instituted as "State Awards for Films" but were renamed to "National Film Awards" at the 15th National Film Awards in 1967.[2] As of 2024[update], the award is one of six Swarna Kamal awards presented for the feature films. The award-winning film is included at the annual International Film Festival of India. Only the films made in any Indian language and silent films which are either shot on 35 mm, in a wider gauge, or digital format but released on a film or Video/Digital format and certified by the Central Board of Film Certification as a feature film or featurette are made eligible for the award.[3]
As of 2022 edition, 69 feature films have been awarded: Bengali (22), Malayalam (13), Hindi (12), Kannada (6), Marathi (5), Tamil (4), Assamese and Sanskrit (each 2), Beary, Gujarati and Telugu (each 1). At the 26th National Film Awards (1978), no feature film was awarded with the Best Feature film award as the jury headed by filmmaker Chetan Anand scrutinised eighty films but did not consider any film to be "worthy of merit" and "measured up to the standard of excellence set forth by the jury".[4] At the 59th National Film Awards, two feature films shared the award; Marathi film Deool (Temple) and Beary film Byari.[5] Most recently, the award is presented to the film Aattam, directed by Anand Ekarshi.
From 1953 till 1956,[1][24] the director of the film was awarded with the Gold medal which was later changed in 1957 to a cash prize of ₹ 5,000.[22] From 1967 till 1973,[2][25] a plaque was also awarded to the director and cash prize was revised to ₹ 10,000 in 1970.[20] At the 22nd National Film Awards (1974),[26] the award for the director was changed to Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus) and a cash prize of ₹ 15,000 which was later revised to ₹ 20,000 at the 25th National Film Awards (1977).[27] Since 28th National Film Awards (1980),[21] the director is awarded with the Swarna Kamal and a cash prize of ₹ 25,000 which was later revised to ₹50,000 at the 28th National Film Awards (1980),[21]₹2,50,000 at the 54th National Film Awards (2006),[23] and ₹3,00,000 at the 70th National Film Awards (2022).[28]
For lifting the creative cinema of that region to new levels of artistic excellence, for delicacy of treatment and subtle use of the film medium, for the shifting perspective through which the tragic solution is revealed, for projecting the painful, tremulous transition from innocence to experience, for searing intellectual honesty, for the fusion of all the elements into a form so distinctive as to declare it a masterpiece.
For brilliantly recreating the tragedy of the 1943 Bengal famine and focussing on the disturbing continuity of the conditions which created it, for the cinematic excellence of the film which explores human experience at the different levels and for the consummate artistry with which the complexity of the social-economic situation is fused into a poignant statement.
For the visual eloquence with which it portrays the travails of a daughter of a soil courageously fighting for a social justice in the face of all odds and for the remarkable ability of its young director who writes the screenplay, handles the camera, scores the music and directs the film in a poetic manner.
For an extremely sensitive probe into the anguish of a helpless individual caught in a bureaucratic web, depicted with great feeling and expertise as he waits for his pension, which arrives too late.
For its mastery of cinematic form and the totality of its film craft and for its authentic depiction of the Indian rural problem and for the life affirmating human dignity it portrays in the face of the most trying social circumstances.
For its portrayal of the steady destruction of rural folk traditions at the hands of a cheap and showy urban culture in the form a cinematically vibrant and heroic classical tragedy.
For striking a balance between the existing traditional values and the modern values that are infused subsequently, and for treating the subject with the highest standards or aesthetic excellence.
For a complex and impeccable rendition of fragmenting family relationships in urban India. The bond between a mother and daughter is extended to a defined space and time, and a drama immaculately constructed.
For the remarkable portrayal of the individual born on the eve of Independence. The film gives an insight into the socio-political evolution of the post-independent India through the individual with outstanding cinematic qualities and universal appeal.
For its challenging portrayal of one woman who carries the burden of traditional constraints and restrictions of society and learns to overcome them with courage, dignity, sacrifice. In the process, she speaks for the emancipation of women.
For its multi layered treatment of issues like caste system, patronage to the arts, Guru Shishya Parampara, and the identity crisis of a performing artiste.
For addressing the very contemporary issue of political rivalry and violence in our society in an unusually imaginative way. The language of the film goes beyond conventional narrative for appeal to calmness and good sense.
For the film combines integrity, creativity and aesthetics in its depiction of both the dilemmas and the spirit of a family who defy logic and weather to hold on to their roots.
For presenting a rare portrayal of Kanchi's silk weaver community, and the internal struggle of a weaver caught between his ideals and personal dreams. A vibrant story and technical excellence blend to create a total cinematic experience.
For a simple yet evocative articulation of humanist values that frees matters of faith from the constrictions of narrow parochialism. The concerns of Abu, son of Adam, are timeless and universal in their scope.
For its witty, satirical and penetrative account of the politics involved in the commercialization of religion in India. Through a wonderfully authentic depiction of village life, mentality and gesture, Deool has a social, religious and commercial sweep, even as it individualizes each of its characters and endows them with a language and space of their own. The film ironically shows the wholehearted acceptance of commodified and clamorous religiosity in a land plagued by all the serious problems the country faces today, and it does so with laughter that is only slightly tinged with cynicism.
For a powerful engagement with religious personal law handled with sensitivity and urgency. Through its female protagonist, writer director Suveeran, poignantly and dramatically conveys the trauma of a woman who has to deal with unjust religious strictures. The film calls for a review of the practices that continue to control the lives of many women in this country.
Powerful presentation of a true life story which highlights the urgent need of a social support system for sportspersons especially in rural India. Sleek and sensitive handling of a not- too-common subject with remarkable aplomb. The movie leaves the viewer with a realization of the decadent value system prevalent in the society. Yet there is a beacon of hope!
A quietly powerful film of an unusual photographer, an erudite Jain monk and a young stock broker told through different segments which finally unites them through a strange circumstance. In the process the film depicts issues of intuitive brilliance, metaphysical belief and intricate morality in a world full of contradictions.
Court is a powerful and stark depiction of the mundaneness of judicial procedure revealed brilliantly by the film's form, forcing us to reflect on the heartwrenching insensitivity of institutional structures.
A grand portrayal of the life of sixteenth century historic icon Kunjali Marakkar and a dramatic depiction of multicultural phenomena of the times, human relations, patriotism and valour.
^ abc"15th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 2,9. Archived(PDF) from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2011.
^ abc"18th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 2. Archived(PDF) from the original on 26 February 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
^ abc"5th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 2,4. Archived(PDF) from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
^ abc"54th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 8–9. Archived(PDF) from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
^ ab"4th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 2. Archived(PDF) from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2011.
^ abc"21st National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 2,32. Archived(PDF) from the original on 4 April 2012. Retrieved 29 September 2011.
^ abc"22nd National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 2,33. Archived(PDF) from the original on 4 April 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
^ ab"25th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 2,44. Archived(PDF) from the original on 19 January 2017. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
^"13th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 1,6. Archived(PDF) from the original on 8 October 2015. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
^"16th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 2. Archived(PDF) from the original on 17 May 2015. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
^"17th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 2,6. Archived(PDF) from the original on 26 February 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
^"29th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 4. Archived(PDF) from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
^"30th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 6. Archived(PDF) from the original on 24 April 2012. Retrieved 4 October 2011.
^"31st National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 6. Archived(PDF) from the original on 24 April 2012. Retrieved 9 December 2011.
^"32nd National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 7. Archived(PDF) from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
^"33rd National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 8–9. Archived(PDF) from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
^"34th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 10–11. Archived(PDF) from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
^"35th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 12–13. Archived(PDF) from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
^"36th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 12–13. Archived(PDF) from the original on 4 November 2016. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
^"37th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 12–13. Archived(PDF) from the original on 2 October 2013. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
^"38th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 14–15. Archived(PDF) from the original on 15 December 2017. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
^"39th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 14–15. Archived(PDF) from the original on 15 December 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2012.
^"40th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 14–15. Archived(PDF) from the original on 9 March 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2012.
^"41st National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 12–13. Archived(PDF) from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2012.
^"42nd National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 6–7. Archived(PDF) from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
^"43rd National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 6–7. Archived(PDF) from the original on 24 April 2012. Retrieved 6 March 2012.
^"44th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 6–7. Archived(PDF) from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
^"45th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 6–7. Archived(PDF) from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
^"46th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 6–7. Archived(PDF) from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
^"48th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 22–23. Archived(PDF) from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
^"49th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 18–19. Archived(PDF) from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
^"50th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 18–19. Archived(PDF) from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
^"51st National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 10–11. Archived(PDF) from the original on 7 January 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
^"52nd National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 10–11. Archived(PDF) from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
^"53rd National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 10–11. Archived(PDF) from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
^"55th National Film Awards"(PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. pp. 14–15. Archived(PDF) from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
^"62nd National Film Awards"(PDF) (Press release). Directorate of Film Festivals. 24 March 2015. Archived(PDF) from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
^"63rd National Film Awards"(PDF) (Press release). Directorate of Film Festivals. 28 March 2016. Archived(PDF) from the original on 7 October 2016. Retrieved 28 March 2016.