Who won the Best Director award at the 71st National Film Awards held in 2025 (honoring 2023 films)?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (D) Sudipto Sen — The Kerala Story

Explanation:

• The 71st National Film Awards were announced in August 2025 to honor films released in the year 2023.

• Sudipto Sen won the Best Director (Best Direction) award for his controversial and commercially successful film, The Kerala Story.

• The award includes a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) and a cash prize of ₹3,00,000.

• The jury for the feature film category was headed by renowned filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker.

• The film The Kerala Story also won the award for Best Cinematography (Prasantanu Mohapatra) at the same ceremony.

Information Booster:

• The 71st National Film Awards were presented by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

• Legendary actor Mohanlal was honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023 for his lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.

• The award for Best Feature Film went to 12th Fail, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

• The Best Actor award was shared by Shah Rukh Khan (for Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (for 12th Fail).

• Rani Mukerji received the Best Actress award for her performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.

Additional Knowledge:Atlee — Jawan (Option A)

• While Atlee received widespread acclaim for directing the blockbuster Jawan, he did not win the Best Director award.

• The film, however, earned Shah Rukh Khan a Best Actor trophy and Shilpa Rao the Best Female Playback Singer award for the song "Chaleya."

Meghna Gulzar — Sam Bahadur (Option B)

• Meghna Gulzar directed Sam Bahadur, which was recognized as the Best Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values.

• The film also won awards for Best Costume Design and Best Make-up.

Karan Johar — Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (Option C)

• Karan Johar's film won the award for the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

• The movie also bagged the award for Best Choreography (Vaibhavi Merchant).