My Honest Take on the National Film Awards: Truly Deserving Winners for 2023 Based on Craft and Excellence

In contrast to the winners of the 71st National Film Awards (announced in 2025 for films released in 2023), such as Shah Rukh Khan for his action-hero role in Jawan (Best Actor), Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail (Best Actor), Rani Mukerji for Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway (Best Actress), and Kathal for Best Hindi Film, the 2023 cinematic landscape offered performances and films across India’s diverse industries that demonstrated unparalleled craft, emotional depth, and artistic innovation. While the awarded winners showcased merit, the National Film Awards sometimes favor populist appeal or emotionally charged narratives over transformative performances and groundbreaking storytelling.

My honest take is that the following artists and films from 2023, drawn from Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and other regional cinemas, truly deserved recognition for their exceptional contributions to craft, art, and socio-cultural impact.

The National Film Awards, established in 1954 and organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), celebrate Indian cinema’s aesthetic, technical, and cultural excellence through a merit-based, jury-driven process. For 2023 releases (certified by the CBFC between January 1 and December 31, 2023), the awards should honor those who pushed artistic boundaries and delivered authentic, impactful storytelling.

Below is my curated list of deserving winners across lead and supporting acting categories and feature films, spanning Bollywood and regional industries, with a focus on why their craft surpasses the often populist selections of the 71st National Film Awards.

Best Actor (Leading Role)

1. Nawazuddin Siddiqui (Haddi, Hindi): Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s transformative performance as a transgender woman in Haddi (2023) was a masterclass in emotional and physical commitment. His portrayal of Harika, navigating a gritty world of crime and identity, blended vulnerability, resilience, and quiet rage. Unlike Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan, which leaned on star power and action spectacle, or Vikrant Massey’s relatable but less boundary-pushing role in 12th Fail, Nawazuddin’s performance tackled a marginalized narrative with raw authenticity. His vocal modulation, body language, and emotional depth created a character that was both specific and universal, making him a standout for Best Actor.

2. Tovino Thomas (2018: Everyone Is a Hero, Malayalam): Tovino Thomas anchored 2018: Everyone Is a Hero (2023), a disaster drama based on the Kerala floods, with a performance that balanced heroism and vulnerability. His portrayal of a common man rising to extraordinary challenges was marked by raw emotion and physicality, outshining the more stylized heroism of Jawan. Tovino’s ability to embody the collective spirit of resilience makes him a worthy contender for Best Actor.

Best Actress (Leading Role)

Jyothika (Kaathal – The Core, Tamil): In Kaathal – The Core (2023), Jyothika delivered a heartrending performance as Omana, a woman grappling with her husband’s hidden identity in a socially charged drama. Her subtle portrayal conveying pain, acceptance, and strength through minimal dialogue outshone Rani Mukerji’s melodramatic intensity in Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway. Jyothika’s performance grounded a bold narrative on queerness and family, making her a top candidate for Best Actress for her emotional authenticity and cultural impact.

Best Supporting Actor

Dheekshith Shetty (Dasara, Telugu): Dheekshith Shetty’s performance as Suri in Dasara (2023) was a standout. As the loyal friend to Nani’s lead character, Dharani, Shetty brought emotional depth and authenticity to a narrative of friendship and revenge, particularly in scenes of camaraderie and tragedy.

Best Supporting Actress

1. Shabana Azmi (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Hindi): Shabana Azmi’s portrayal of a progressive matriarch in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) was a standout, lending emotional heft to a commercial entertainer. Her graceful performance, bridging generational narratives, outshone supporting roles like Urvashi’s in Ullozhukku. Azmi’s ability to shine in an ensemble cast deserves recognition for its craft.

2. Parvathy Thiruvothu (Ullozhukku, Malayalam): While Ullozhukku won awards, Parvathy Thiruvothu’s supporting role as a grieving daughter-in-law was a quiet powerhouse. Her nuanced portrayal of suppressed emotions and family dynamics added layers to the film’s narrative, making her a worthy candidate for Best Supporting Actress

Best Feature Film

1. 2018: Everyone Is a Hero (Dir. Jude Anthany Joseph, Malayalam): This disaster drama (2023) chronicling the Kerala floods was a cinematic triumph, blending visceral storytelling with emotional depth. Jude Anthany Joseph’s direction, paired with a strong ensemble, crafted a universal tale of resilience. Unlike Kathal’s satirical focus, 2018’s epic scope and cultural significance make it a top contender for Best Feature Film.

2. Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (Dir. Lijo Jose Pellissery, Malayalam): This surreal drama (2023) explored identity and community through a dreamlike narrative. Lijo Jose Pellissery’s innovative direction and Mammootty’s transformative performance crafted a cinematic gem that transcended regional boundaries. Its artistic audacity merits national recognition.

Lastly..

The 2023 cinematic year was a testament to India’s vibrant film industry, from Bollywood’s social dramas to Tamil and Telugu blockbusters, and Malayalam’s artistic triumphs. My honest take on the 71st National Film Awards is that Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Jyothika, and films like 2018: Everyone Is a Hero, and Kaathal – The Core represent the pinnacle of craft and excellence. These artists and films pushed boundaries, challenged conventions, and captured India’s diverse pulse, deserving the national spotlight over crowd-pleasing blockbusters. By honoring them, the awards can reaffirm their commitment to true cinematic artistry.