President Droupadi Murmu Presents 71st National Film Awards, Honours Mohanlal with Dadasaheb Phalke Award

New Delhi, September 23, 2025: President of India Droupadi Murmu today conferred the 71st National Film Awards in a ceremony held in the capital, celebrating excellence in Indian cinema across multiple categories. The prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023 was presented to acclaimed actor Mohanlal, recognized for his remarkable range and iconic performances.

In her address, the President congratulated all the winners and praised Mohanlal for embodying the title of “Complete Actor,” noting his ability to portray both delicate and intense emotions with equal brilliance.

Highlighting the growing impact of women-centric films, the President acknowledged stories that depict mothers shaping values, women challenging social stereotypes, and courageous voices confronting patriarchal norms. She lauded filmmakers who bring such sensitive and empowering narratives to the forefront.

President Murmu emphasized that Indian cinema, the world’s largest film industry, mirrors the diversity of the world’s largest democracy. “Our films are both local and national,” she said, pointing to the rich variety of languages and regional contexts represented in Indian cinema.

Stressing cinema’s role beyond entertainment, the President described it as a powerful medium for social awareness. “Popularity may be a good thing for a film, but being in the public interest, especially for the younger generation, is even better,” she observed. She urged filmmakers to create impactful works that not only gain global recognition but also inspire and educate society.