Bhubaneswar: Odisha cinema earned national recognition as ‘Lahari’ was named Best Odia Film at the 72nd National Film Awards, announced on Saturday.
Produced by Jhilik Motion Pictures and directed by Amartya Bhattacharyya, the film received the Rajat Kamal Award, with the producer and director sharing a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh each.
The honour marked a significant achievement for the Odia film industry at this year’s National Film Awards, which celebrate excellence in feature films, non-feature films and writings on cinema across the country.
Among the top honours, Article 370 was adjudged the Best Feature Film, while Bhangaar won the Best Non-Feature Film award. Ram-Nami was recognised as the Best Documentary, according to an official statement.
Yami Gautam received the Best Actress in a Leading Role award for her performance in Article 370. The Best Actor in a Leading Role award was jointly presented to Mammootty for Bramayugam and Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion.
Actor Randeep Hooda was named Best Debut Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, adding another milestone to his career.
Several commercially successful films also figured among the winners. Kalki 2898 AD, Amaran, Pushpa: The Rule Part-02, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Stree 2 received honours in various categories, reflecting the diversity of Indian cinema.
The awards were announced by Jayaraj, Chairperson of the Feature Film Jury, Aseem Sinha, Chairperson of the Non-Feature Film Jury, and A. Chandrasekhar, Chairperson of the Best Writing on Cinema Jury, in the presence of Dr. Ajay Nagabhushan M.N., Joint Secretary (Films), and Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Director General of the Press Information Bureau.
The 72nd National Film Awards recognise outstanding achievements in Indian cinema during 2024, honouring excellence across feature films, non-feature films and writings on cinema.
