Actor Rishab Shetty has won the Best Actor award for his outstanding performance in the blockbuster film Kantara at the 70th National Film Awards. The much-anticipated announcement was made on Friday in the national capital, recognizing the finest cinematic achievements of 2022.
Rishab Shetty‘s portrayal of a Kambala champion in Kantara, set in the fictional village of Dakshina Kannada, has been widely praised for its depth and authenticity. The film, which follows the intense confrontation between Shetty’s character and an upright Forest Range officer, also clinched the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, further solidifying its place as a cinematic triumph.
The 70th National Film Awards also celebrated the talents of Nithya Menen and Manasi Parekh, who shared the Best Actress honor. Nithya Menen was recognized for her role in the Tamil film Thiruchitrambalam, where she delivered a powerful performance that resonated with audiences. Manasi Parekh earned the accolade for her work in the Gujarati film Kutch Express, showcasing her versatility and emotional depth.
The awards, announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), featured a distinguished jury led by Rahul Rawail, Chairperson of the Feature Film Jury, along with Nila Madhab Panda, Chairperson of the Non-Feature Film Jury, and Gangadhar Mudalair, Chairperson of the Best Writing on Cinema Jury. Their collective expertise ensured that the best in Indian cinema for 2022 were duly recognized.
In addition to Kantara‘s success, the 70th National Film Awards honored other remarkable works. Gulmohar, starring Manoj Bajpayee, won the Best Hindi Film award and received a Special Mention. Directed by Rahul V. Chittella, the film explores the lives of the multi-generational Batra family as they prepare to move out of their 34-year-old family home, uncovering deep-seated secrets and insecurities along the way. The film also features veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, along with Simran and Suraj Sharma, in key roles.
Another highlight of the awards was the recognition of the Malayalam-language drama Aattam, which won the Best Feature Film award, marking it as a standout piece of cinema from the past year.
The 70th National Film Awards continue the tradition of celebrating excellence in Indian cinema, with this year’s winners joining a distinguished list of past recipients. Last year, the 69th National Film Awards honored talents like Allu Arjun, Alia Bhatt, Kriti Sanon, and Pankaj Tripathi, showcasing the diversity and richness of India’s film industry.
