72nd National Film Awards 2026 are set to take place today, honouring the achievements in Indian cinema for 2024, with 92 winners receiving awards across various categories. This year, South Indian cinema dominated the winners list, showcasing the powerful stories and performances coming out from Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam cinema. Check the list of movies that bagged top honours at the 72nd National Film Awards 2026.
South Indian Films Winners At 72nd National Film Awards 2026
From Bramayugam to Mithya, check the list of South Indian films that dominated the 72nd National Film Awards 2026.
1. Captain Miller
The Tamil film, Captain Miller, becane a big hit upon its release. It has won two major awards: Special Mention for Dhanush in Acting and Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values.
2. Bramayugam
Bramayugam was lauded for its unique concept and intense performances. The movie won Best Actor in a Leading Role for Mammootty and Best Cinematography.
3. Maharaja
Maharaja is still making headlines two years after its release, as it will be remade in Hollywood and will also return with a sequel. The movie won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Sachana Namidass, who played Vijay Sethupathi’s daughter, and Best Stunt Choreography.
4. Mithya
This Kannada film won hearts upon its release and has now bagged major awards at the 72nd National Awards. The movie won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Roopashree Varkady, Best Child Artist for Athish S Shetty and Best Kannada Feature Film.
5. 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu
35 Chinna Katha Kaadu also won everyone’s hearts with its emotional and sweet performance. The movie won Best Child Artist for Arundev Pothula and Best Children's Film.
6. Onko Ki Kothin
All three children in Onko Ki Kothin, Riddhiman Banerjee, Tapomoy Deb, and Gitashree Chakraborty, have won the National Film Awards 2026.
7. Pushpa 2: The Rule
After creating a storm in theatres, Pushpa 2: The Rule has won two big awards at the National Film Awards 2026. The movie bagged Best Screenplay (Original) for Sukumar and Best Costume Design for Deepali Noor and Sheetal Sharma.
8. Swargandharva Sudhir Phadke
Marathi film Swargandharva Sudhir Phadke won Best Screenplay Adapted for Yogesh Deshpande.
9. Lucky Baskhar
Lucky Baskhar won the Best Screenplay for Venky Atluri. The Telugu movie became one of the most successful films of Dulquer Salmaan's career.
10. Amaran
Tamil film 'Amaran' also major awards in several categories including Best Direction, Best Editing and Best Music Direction.
11. Kalki 2898 AD
Kalki 2898 AD, one of the most successful Indian films of 2024, won the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Production Design.
12. Committee Kurrollu
Amid several big-budget films, Committee Kurrollu came as a surprise in 2024. It won the Best Telugu Feature Film and Best Make-up.
This is also the first time that the National Film Awards 2026 will be held in Gujarat and that too near the Statue of Unity. This is a new step by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and is described by the government as being in the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award will be given to veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag for his contribution to cinema.
Talking about other major awards, Article 370 won Best Feature Film and Randeep Hooda bagged Best Debut Film of a Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty will share Best Actor in a Leading Role, followed by Yami Gautam for Best Actress in a Leading Role, Sanjay Mishra for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
(Image Credits: Instagram)
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