The 67th National Film Awards ceremony was attended by several celebrities such as Rajinikanth, Dhanush, Kangana Ranaut and others. (Photo: Doordarshan National/YouTube)The 67th National Film awards were presented by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday morning. While actor Rajinikanth was conferred with 51st Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Manoj Bajpayee, Kangana Ranaut and Dhanush won acting honours. Priyadarshan’s Malayalam period epic Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea won the Best Feature Film while Chhichhore, starring the late Sushant Singh Rajput, was presented the Best Hindi Film award. The 67th National Film awards were announced in March 2021 but honoured the best in cinema in 2019. The awards were postponed due to the pandemic.
Lovers of films and TV also had some bad news. Actor James Michael Tyler, widely for his recurring role as Gunther on Friends, has died. He was 59. He died Sunday at home in Los Angeles from prostate cancer, said his manager, Toni Benson. Tyler was first diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2018. “The world knew him as Gunther (the seventh ‘Friend’), from the hit series ‘Friends,’ but Michael’s loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and loving husband,” Benson wrote in a tribute.
Salman Khan’s Antim trailer will also release on Monday evening. The film has earlier released a teaser and posters where the actor is seen dressed as a Sikh man. The film also features Salman’s brother-in-law, actor Aayush Sharma. The event will see Salman addressing the media.
The film Maachis also completes 25 years of its release. The Gulzar drama on Punjab insurgency starred Chandrachur Singh and Jimmy Sheirgill.
Rajinikanth gave a moving speech after being conferred with Dadasaheb Phalke award. The actor took over the stage and said, "I dedicate this award to my mentor, guru K Balachander sir. I remember him with great gratitude and my brother Sathyanarayana Rao Gaekwad, who is like my father, brought me up teaching great values and injecting spirituality in me. My friend from Karnataka, bus transport driver, my colleague, Raj Bahadur. When I was a bus conductor, he was the one who identified the acting talent in me and encouraged me to join cinema. All my producers, directors, technicians who worked with me and co-artists, distributors, executors, media, press, and all my fans. And, Tamil people, without them I am nobody. I thank the Tamil people who have given me my life. Jai Hind!"
Rajinikanth's journey video also consisted of special messages from Mohanlal, Khusbu, Amitabh Bachchan and music director AR Rahman and some of his directors and producers. Big B referred to Rajinikanth as 'Beyond the extraordinary.' Rajinikanth dedicated his award to 'mentor and guru' K Balachander.
Rajinikanth gets a standing ovation at the 67th National Film awards as he is honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke award.
Mohanlal-starrer Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham is conferred with Best Feature Film award at 67th National Film Awards ceremony.
At the 67th National Award ceremony, the attendees revisited Rajinikanth's journey in the film industry. The actor was honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke award.
Vamshi Paidipally and Dil Raju received honour for Maharshi. The film was bestowed with Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Choreography.
Manoj Bajpayee shared the Best Actor award with Dhanush. Manoj won Rajat Kamal for Bhonsle.
Dhanush received Best Actor award for Asuran. The actor was awarded Rajat Kamal.
Kangana Ranaut is here to receive award for Manikarnika and Panga. This is her fourth National Award.
Tamil actor Vijay Sethupathi was honoured for Super Deluxe with Rajat Kamal.
Girish Gangadharan receives Best Cinematography for Jallikattu.
Vivek Agnihotri receives Best Screenplay award for The Tashkent Files. Kaushik Ganguly also received Rajat Kamal for Jyeshthoputro.
B Praak was honoured with Rajat Kamal for Kesari's song "Teri Mitti."
D. Imman was honoured with Rajat Kamal for Best Music Direction for Viswasam.
Anurag Singh Thakur says the Indian government is trying to bridge the gap between famous and big celebrities and newcomers who have talent but not opportunity. “We will give them a platform where these youngsters will be able to meet established and famous names. This is what we are working towards,” the Union Minister for I&B said.
Best Tulu Film: Pingara
Best Paniya Film: Kenjira
Best Mishing Film: Anu Ruwad
Best Khasi Film: Lewduh
Best Haryanvi Film: Chhoriyan Chhoron Se Kam Nahi Hoti
Best Chattisgarhi Film: Bhulan The Maze
Best Telugu Film: Jersey
Best Tamil Film: Asuran
Best Punjabi Film: Rab Da Radio 2
Best Odiya Film: Sala Budhar Badla and Kalira Atita
Best Manipuri Film: Eigi Kona
Best Malayalam Film: Kalla Nottam
Best Marathi Film: Bardo
Best Konkani Film: Kaajro
Best Kannada Film: Akshi
Best Hindi Film: Chhichhore
Best Bengali Film: Gumnaami
Best Assamese Film: Ronuwa- Who Never Surrender
Chhichore received Best Hindi Film award. Director Nitesh Tiwari was honoured at the event for the 2019 release.
Sala Budhar Badla and Kalira Atita honoured with Rajat Kamal awards.
Kalla Nottam received the Best Malayalam film honour during the 67th National Film Awards ceremony.
Director Vetrimaaran received award for his Tamil film Asuran, which starred Dhanush in the lead role.