National Film Awards (India): 2017

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These films were released in 2016. The awards were announced in April 2017.

States

MOST FILM FRIENDLY STATE AWARD, 2016 State of Uttar Pradesh For implementing a unique film policy, taking into account that the film medium is not only about entertainment but is also a very important vehicle of employment, social awareness and cultural development. The State’s Film Policy includes various measures to create a suitable environment, which not only invites shooting of films on a large scale in the State but also promotes other activities, which are related to various aspects of film production at the ground level, including financial incentives for filmmakers.

Special Mention State of Jharkhand To foster the film Industry and their endeavour to give incentives to filmmakers from across India. In addition to the above, the Film Policy also provides growth opportunities to the local filmmaking talent from within the State.

Writing on cinema

Best Writing on Cinema Best Film Critic Swarna Kamal and Rs 75000/- to the Critic: G. Dhananjayan G Dhananjayan’s in-depth analysis on a wide range of topics such as film genres, brands, new strategies in movie watching, taxation impact and ticket pricing. His thought provoking essays raise relevant issues affecting the movie watcher as well as the filmmaker and suggests practical solutions.

Special Mention A Fly in the Curry Only Certificate : K.P. Jayashankar - Anjali Monteiro K.P. Jayashankar - Anjali Monteiro explore independent documentary films in India and revisit the relationships between film-makers and their narratives. The book sets new standards in form and context in cinema studies.

Best Book on Cinema Lata : Sur Gatha Swarna Kamal and Rs 75000/- to the Author: Yatindra Mishra Swarna Kamal and Rs 75000/- to the Publisher: Vani Prakashan Yatindra Mishra’s encyclopaedic presentation encompasses her life, seven decade career and its’ impact on Indian cinema. Divided into three sections, the book offers rare insights on the icon, her music and reflects a changing nation.

NON-FEATURE FILMS

SPECIAL MENTION CHEMBAI - DESCOPERIRE A MEA UNEI LEGENDE DIRECTOR: SOUMYA SADANANDAN CERTIFICATE This film brings to focus the person of Chembai as musician as well as a human being with vigour and vitality.

SPECIAL MENTION SIKAR ARU SITKAR DIRECTOR: RAMEN BORAH AND SIBANU BORAH CERTIFICATE An important film that uses raw visual imagery to highlight the brutality of poaching.

SPECIAL MENTION THE EYES OF DARKNESS DIRECTOR: AMITABH PARASHAR CERTIFICATE An important film that sheds light on the denial of justice to victims of a heinous crime.

BEST NARRATION/ VOICE OVER MAKINO NARRATOR/ VOICE OVER ARTIST: SETSU MAKINO TOGAWA RAJAT KAMAL & 50,000/- to the Narrator/ Voice Over Artist A simply narrated daughter’s ode to a father makes this voice-over intensely personal, poignant and poetic.

BEST MUSIC LEECHES MUSIC DIRECTOR: TANUJ TIKU RAJAT KAMAL & 50,000/- to Music Director Music becomes a character of its own in subtly heightening the drama and the tragedy of the central character.

BEST EDITING GUDH EDITOR: JISHU SEN RAJAT KAMAL & 50,000/- to Editor Seamlessly weaves the inner worlds of a young boy’s innocence with the harsh realities of the journey he is embarking on.

BEST AUDIOGRAPHY IN RETURN JUST A BOOK AUDIOGRAPHER: AJITH ABRAHAM GEORGE RAJAT KAMAL & 50,000/- to the Audiographer Live recording has been done in a detailed and in-depth manner bringing alive the entire ambience.

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY (RAJAT KAMAL & 50,000/-)

KALPVRIKSHA CAMERAPERSON: ALPESH NAGAR

ADNYAT CAMERAPERSON ISHAL SANGWAI

BEST DIRECTION AABA AIKTAAY NAA? DIRECTOR: : ADITYA SUHAS JAMBHALE SWARNA KAMAL & 1,50,000/- to the Director A poignant story of a seemingly happy family that erupts in an unpredictable climax, held together by strong cinematic craftsmanship.

BEST FILM ON FAMILY VALUES LITTLE MAGICIAN PRODUCER: SYED SULTAN AHMED DIRECTOR: NEHA SHARMA RAJAT KAMAL & 50,000/- each to the Producer & Director An innocent film that is a reminder that the only magic that keeps a family together is love.

BEST SHORT FICTION FILM AABA PRODUCER: RAJ KUMAR GUPTA DIRECTOR: AMAR KAUSHIK RAJAT KAMAL & 50,000/- each to the Producer & Director Cinematic excellence comes to life in this intimate story where the filmmaker shows that silence can also be used as a powerful language of expression.

SPECIAL JURY AWARD THE CINEMA TRAVELLERS PRODUCER: SHIRLEY ABRAHAM DIRECTOR: SHIRLEY ABRAHAM RAJAT KAMAL & 50,000/- each to the Producer & Director A sensitive and lyrical ode to the magic of celluloid and a poetic tribute to the last of India’s travelling cinemas.

BEST ANIMATION FILM HUM CHITRA BANATE HAI PRODUCER: IDC, IIT, MUMBAI DIRECTOR: NINA SABNANI ANIMATOR: PIYUSH VERMA AND SHYAM SUNDAR CHATTERJEE RAJAT KAMAL & 50,000/- each to the Producer, Director & Animator A playfully warm story that brings to life India’s traditional art by incorporating it innovatively in the animation itself.

BEST INVESTIGATIVE FILM PLACEBO PRODUCER: ARCHANA PHADKE DIRECTOR: ABHAY KUMAR RAJAT KAMAL & 50,000/- each to the Producer & Director An important and intelligently crafted film that investigates the malaise plaguing one of India’s premiere educational institutions, showing us a mirror of our times.

BEST EXPLORATION/ ADVENTURE FILM (TO INCLUDE SPORTS) MATITLE KUSTI PRODUCER: MADHAVI REDDY DIRECTOR: : PRANTIK VIVEK DESHMUKH RAJAT KAMAL & 50,000/- each to the Producer & Director An important film that throws light on a dying sporting tradition, told in a cinematically intimate manner.

BEST EDUCATIONAL FILM THE WATERFALL PRODUCER: SYED SULTAN AHMED DIRECTOR: : LIPIKA SINGH DARAI RAJAT KAMAL & 50,000/- each to the Producer & Director A strong film that looks at issues of development and displacement through the eyes of an endearing protagonist.

BEST FILM ON SOCIAL ISSUES RAJAT KAMAL & 50,000/- each

I AM JEEJA DIRECTOR: SWATI CHAKRABORTY PRODUCER: RAJIV MEHROTRA Jeeja’s will and zest for life, despite her personal struggles, makes this simply told story a beautiful ode to life.

SANATH DIRECTOR: VASANTH.S.SAI PRODUCER: PRIYA ARUN An inspiring story of a victim of medical negligence who becomes invalid for life. Uneducated and facing economic difficulties, he opens educational institutions where thousands can learn and become successful in life.

BEST ENVIRONMENT FILM INCLUDING AGRICULTURE THE TIGER WHO CROSSED THE LINE PRODUCER: KRISHNENDU BOSE DIRECTOR: KRISHNENDU BOSE RAJAT KAMAL & 50,000/- each to the Producer & Director* A beautifully designed film that raises critical questions on the future of India’s national animal.

BEST ARTS /CULTURAL FILM (RAJAT KAMAL & 50,000/-)

IN THE SHADOW OF TIME PRODUCER: INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL CENTER FOR ARTS DIRECTOR: SHANKHAJEET DE In the era of animation, an important film that documents a dying art-form which is haunting, touching and kept alive through the sheer will of a community of poor puppeteers.

THE LORD OF THE UNIVERSE PRODUCER SHIBU PRUSTY DIRECTOR: SHIBU PRUSTY This enlightening and informative film brings alive an amazing and complex ritual and takes us into the only place in the world where God comes alive as a human being.

BEST BIOGRAPHICAL/ HISTORICAL RECONSTRUCTION ZIKR US PARIVASH KA : BEGUM AKHTAR PRODUCER: SANGEET NATAK AKADEMI DIRECTOR: NIRMAL CHANDER RAJAT KAMAL & 50,000/- each to the Producer & Director This film uses archival recordings, recreations and interviews to take us on a touching musical journey with a lady who broke open social barriers, becoming one of India’s most legendary musical maestros.

BEST DEBUT FILM OF A DIRECTOR SOZ...A BALLAD OF MALADIES PRODUCER: RAJIV MEHROTRA, PSBT DIRECTOR: TUSHAR MADHAV RAJAT KAMAL & 75,000/- each to the Producer & Director A brave and refreshing approach to look at complex political issues weaved beautifully through music and poetry.

BEST NON FEATURE FILM FIREFLIES IN THE ABYSS PRODUCER: CHANDRASHEKHAR REDDY DIRECTOR: CHANDRASHEKHAR REDDY SWARNA KAMAL & 1,50,000/- each to the Producer & Director An intimately told story of a young boy’s quest for his dreams, vividly depicted in the claustrophobic environment of illegal coal mines.

BEST ONLOCATION SOUND RECORDIST REMEMBERING KURDI On Location Sound Recordist: Chistopher Burchell Stunning location recording that brings to life the vivid soundscape of a coastal village, evoking memories of the past.

FEATURE FILMS

Best Feature Films in non- Schedule VIII languages

Best Feature Film in each of the languages other than those specified in Schedule VIII of the Constitution

BEST MORAN FILM Haanduk Producer: Mayamara Production Director: Jaicheng Jai Dohutia Rajat Kamal and 1,00,000/- each to the Producer and Director The film tries to capture the essence of waiting with the problem of insurgency as a backdrop.

BEST TULU FILM Madipu Producer: Aastha Production Director: Chetan Mundadi Rajat Kamal and 1,00,000/- each to the Producer and Director For highlighting the hollowness of orthodoxical traditions.

Best Feature Films in Schedule VIII languages

Best Feature Film in each of the languages specified in the Schedule VIII of the Constitution

BEST ASSAMESE FILM Maj Rati Keteki Producer: Udara Films Director : Santwana Bardoloi Rajat Kamal and 1,00,000/- each to the Producer and Director It showcases how past affects the present if not by choice then by chance.

BEST BENGALI FILM Bisorjon Producer: M/s Opera Director : Kaushik Ganguly Rajat Kamal and 1,00,000/- each to the Producer and Director A visual poem which effortlessly liquidates geographical boundaries with an eraser made of love and hope.

BEST GUJARATI FILM Wrong Side Raju Producer: Cineman Productions Ltd. Director: Mikhil Musale Rajat Kamal and 1,00,000/- each to the Producer and Director For highlighting the ethos of moral dilemma.

BEST HINDI FILM Neerja Producer: Fox Star Studios India Pvt. Ltd. Director : Ram Madhvani Rajat Kamal and 1,00,000/- each to the Producer and Director A sensitive story of a valiant battle brought alive with cinematic brilliance.

BEST KANNADA FILM Reservation Producer: Thotadamane Director : Nikhil Manjoo Rajat Kamal and 1,00,000/- each to the Producer and Director A brave attempt to showcase the harsh reality prevalent in our society.

BEST KONKANI FILM K Sera Sera – Ghodpachen Ghoddtelem Producer: de Goan StudioStudio Director: Rajiv Shinde Rajat Kamal and 1,00,000/- each to the Producer and Director Two different stories which simultaneously bring out the inevitability of life.

BEST MALAYALAM FILM Maheshinte Prathikaaram Producer: Dream Mill Cinemas and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. Director: Dileesh Pothan Rajat Kamal and 1,00,000/- each to the Producer and Director A roller coaster ride with tailor made characters.

BEST MARATHI FILM Dashakriya Producer: Rangneel Creations Director: Sandeep Bhalachandra Patil Rajat Kamal and 1,00,000/- each to the Producer and Director For depicting an age old tradition and exposing its darker side.

BEST TAMIL FILM Joker Producer: Dream Warrior Pictures Director: Raju Murugan Rajat Kamal and 1,00,000/- each to the Producer and Director A tragic and poetic narrative of an individual’s struggle for a basic need in day to day life, with an adequate dressing of sarcasm.

BEST TELUGU FILM Peli Chuplu Producer: Dharamapatha Creations Director: Tharun Bhascker Rajat Kamal and 1,00,000/- each to the Producer and Director Desires and aspirations of the younger generation on a lighter note. zxc

Technical awards

BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS Shivaay (Hindi) Naveen Paul Rajat Kamal and 50,000/- The film has a judicious mix of unbelievable yet entertaining action scenes.

BEST Action Direction (Stunt Choreography) Pulimurugam (Malayalam) Peter Hein The action director incorporates various genres of fighting styles to achieve his effect in the film.

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY Janatha Garrage (Telugu) Raju Sundaram Rajat Kamal and 50,000/- Visually appealing and with a definite flourish and finish to the dance moves.

BEST MAKE-UP ARTIST Allama (Kannada) NK Ramakrishna Rajat Kamal and 50,000/- The film gives a sense of ‘a historical figure’ and ‘time’ through the art and craft of make-up.

BEST COSTUME DESIGNER Cycle (Marathi) Sachin Lovalekar Rajat Kamal and 50,000/- The film is able to achieve a rustic and simple sense of rural life through its costumes.

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN 24 (Tamil) Subrata Chakraborthy, Shreyas Khedekar & Amit Ray Rajat Kamal and 50,000/- (CASH COMPONENT TO BE SHARED) The total production value of the film is more than it’s’ art effects, locations, gadgets etc. whereby giving it an organic whole.

BEST EDITING Ventilator (Marathi) Rameshwar Rajat Kamal and 50,000/- Never a dull moment through ‘organic’ as well as ‘plastic’ juggling of short- lengths.

BEST AUDIOGRAPHY Rajat Kamal and 50,000/-

i) Sound Designer Kaadu Pookkunna Neram (Malayalam) Jayadevan Chakka Dath For bringing out the ‘feel’ of the forest and tribal hamlet through various natural as well as other elements.

ii) Re-recordist of the final mixed track Ventilator (Marathi) Alok De The film brings out a delicate balance between various spoken words and silence.

BEST SCREENPLAY Rajat Kamal and 50,000/- each

i) Screenplay Writer (Original): Maheshinte Prathikooram (Malayalam) Syam Pushkaran The screenplay interweaves the various idiosyncrasy of a small town near Idukki river.

ii) Screenplay Writer (Adapted) : Dashakriya (Marathi) Sanjay Krishnaji Patil The film brings out a semblance of ‘time’ and ‘place’ specified in the novel by Baba Bhand.

iii) Dialogues : Peli Chuplu (Telugu) Tarun Bhascker The film has incorporated a Modern, Witty and ‘on-your-face’ dialogue that too with the local flavor.

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY 24 (Tamil) S. Thirunavukarasu Rajat Kamal and 50,000/- each For understating the basic requirements of popular ‘movie watching experience’ and enhancing it manifold.

Music awards

BEST LYRICS Rajat Kamal and 50,000

Film: Dharma Durai (Tamil) Song: Entha Pakkam Vairamuthu It elucidates the philosophy of hope and happiness.

Film: Praktan (Bengali) Song: Tumi Jaake Bhalo Basho Anupam Roy Extolling the pathos of the situation gelling beautifully with the philosophy of ‘letting go’.

BEST MUSIC DIRECTION Songs and Background Score Allama (Kannada) Bapu Padmanabha Rajat Kamal and 50,000/- For adding soul to the film through Carnatic ragas.

BEST FEMALE PLAYBACK SINGER Film: Praktan (Bengali) Song : Tumi Jaake Bhalo Basho Iman Chakraborty Rajat Kamal and 50,000/- For conveying the emotion of ‘letting go’ in the most mellifluous and soothing manner.

BEST MALE PLAYBACK SINGER Film: Joker (Tamil) Song : Jasmine E Sundharayyar Rajat Kamal and 50,000/- A rustic flamboyant voice yearning for his lady love.

Acting awards

SPECIAL MENTION Adil Hussain Mukti Bhawan (Hindi) & Maj Rati Keteki (Assamese) CERTIFICATE Two different films, two different characters, one same actor. One wordBrilliant.

SPECIAL MENTION Neerja (Hindi) Sonam Kapoor CERTIFICATE A convincing performance of a real life icon.

SPECIAL JURY AWARD Mohan Lal Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol, Janatha Garrage and Pullimurugan, Rajat Kamal and 2,00,000/- For his mastery in dealing with characters of various shades with unparallel acting brilliance.

BEST CHILD ARTIST Rajat Kamal and 50,000/-

a). Kunju Daivam (Malayalam) Adish Praveen He wears purity and innocence on his sleeves.

b) Sahaj Pather Gappo (Bengali) Nur Islam and Samiul Alam The eternal and unique way of approaching life through their extraordinary performances.

c) Railway Children (Kannada) Manohara. K A childlike impulsiveness coated with the desire of attaining adulthood.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Dangal (Hindi) Zaira Wasim Rajat Kamal and 50,000/- She portrays a female sports person’s battle with the society with utmost maturity.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Dashakriya (Marathi) Manoj Joshi Rajat Kamal and 50,000/- For an accomplish portrayal of the character.

BEST ACTRESS Minnaminungu – the Firefly (Malayalam) Surabhi C.M Rajat Kamal and 50,000/- Showcasing her brilliance in portraying pain and ecstasy of a mother in a deplorable social condition.

BEST ACTOR Rustom (Hindi) Akshay Kumar Rajat Kamal and 50,000/- A perfect portrayal of a character caught in personal and social turmoil.

Best films (category-wise)

SPECIAL MENTION Kadvi Hawa (Hindi) Producer: Eleeanora Images Private Ltd. And Director: Nila Madhab Panda CERTIFICATE For highlighting the farmer’s struggle against the changing environmental conditions.

SPECIAL MENTION Mukti Bhawan (Hindi) Producer: Red Carper Moving Pictures And Director: Shubhashish Bhutiani CERTIFICATE A film which talks about death with the spirit of hope.

BEST DIRECTION Ventilator (Marathi) Director: Rajesh Mapuskar Swarna Kamal and 2,50,000/- A huge canvas, an ensemble cast and a different subject all dealt with utmost supremacy.

BEST ANIMATION FILM Mahayodha Rama (Hindi) Director: Rohit Vaid Producer: Contiloe Pictures Pvt. Ltd. Animator: Deepak S.V Swarna Kamal and Rs. 1,00,000/- to Producer, (Swarna Kamal and Rs. 1,00,000/- to Director and Swarna Kamal and Rs. 1,00,000/- to Animator/Animation Director/Designer/Supervisor An epic drama brought alive with technical excellence.

BEST CHILDREN’S FILM Dhanak (Hindi) Director: Nagesh Kukunoor Producer: Drishyam Films Swarna Kamal and 1,50,000/- each to the Producer and Director In appreciation of exploring a child’s world devoid of malice.

BEST FILM ON ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION/ PRESERVATION Loktak Lairembee (Manipuri) Director & Producer: Haoban Paban Kumar Rajat Kamal and 1,50,000/- each to the Producer and Director The film brings out the nuances of an environmental issue in a heart wrenching and touching manner.

BEST FILM ON SOCIAL ISSUES Pink (Hindi) Director: Anniruddha Roy Chowdhury Producer: Rashmi Sharma Films Rajat Kamal and 1,50,000/- each to the Producer and Director A gender neutral perspective of a social problem, which definitely needs to be addressed.

NARGIS DUTT AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE FILM ON NATIONAL INTEGRATION Dikchow Banat Palaax (Assamese) Director: Sanjib Sabha Pandit Producer: Canvascope Rajat Kamal and 1,50,000/- each to the Producer and Director The film brings out oneness of our feelings amidst differences.

BEST POPULAR FILM PROVIDING WHOLESOME ENTERTAINMENT Sathamanam Bhavathi (Telugu) Director: Satish Vagesna Producer: V.Venkata Ramana Reddy Swarna Kamal and 2,00,000/- each to the Producer and Director In appreciation of providing a feeling of jubilation by respecting family values in an unexplored manner.

INDIRA GANDHI AWARD FOR BEST DEBUT FILM OF A DIRECTOR Alifa (Bengali) Director: Deep Choudhury Producer: Amaan Ahmed Swarna Kamal and 1,25, 000/- each to the Producer and Director It brings out the nuances of a very complex socioenvironmental problem.

BEST FEATURE FILM Kasaav (Marathi) Director: Sumitra Bhave & Sunil Sukthankar Producer: Sumittra Bhave, Sunil Sukthankar & Mohan Aghase Swarna Kamal and 2,50,000/- each to the Producer and Director In appreciation of the perfect blending of an environmental behaviour and a personal one in a poignantly beautiful cinematic way.

See also

National Film Awards (India): 2014<>National Film Awards (India): 2015<>National Film Awards (India): 2016<>National Film Awards (India): 2017<>