At the 71st National Film Awards announced in New Delhi, Assamese filmmaker Utpal Datta received the prestigious Swarna Kamal and ₹1,00,000 for his outstanding contribution to cinema, while several regional films from Assam earned top honors.
Adityam Saikia’s Rongatapu 1982 was named Best Assamese Film, and Pai Tang (Step of Hope) won Best Tai Phake Film. Both films were awarded the Rajat Kamal and ₹2,00,000 each for the director and producer.
The awards were declared by Feature Film Jury Chairperson Ashutosh Gowariker and others, including Non-Feature Film Jury Chairperson P. Sheshadri and PIB Director General Ms. Mattu J. P. Singh. The announcement marked a significant recognition for Northeast India’s evolving film landscape.
Rongatapu 1982, produced by BRC Cine Production and directed by Adityam Saikia, explores a deeply rooted Assamese narrative, earning national acclaim for its authentic storytelling. Similarly, Pai Tang, a Tai Phake language film produced by Naba Kumar Bhuyan and directed by Prabal Khaund, was celebrated for highlighting a rarely represented community.
Another major win for the Northeast was Shilpika Bordoloi’s debut film Mau: The Spirit Dreams of Cheraw (Mizo), which secured the award for Best Debut Film of a Director, receiving the Swarna Kamal and a cash prize of ₹3,00,000.
In mainstream categories, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan won his first-ever National Film Award for Best Actor for Jawan, sharing the honor with Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail. Rani Mukerji also received her first National Award, winning Best Actress for Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway.
Veteran actors Vijayaraghavan and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar were jointly awarded Best Supporting Actor for their impactful performances.
The recognition of films and artists from Assam and the broader Northeast region underlines the growing diversity and richness of Indian cinema. The awards ceremony not only honored individual excellence but also spotlighted underrepresented languages and communities on the national stage.
