It’s decision day for the 72nd edition, and if you’re a film fan, you have two questions: who is going to be crowned and where do I see it? The results come out today, July 3rd, and the inquisitive eyes are all on the Malayalam and acting categories. Here’s what you need to know before you log on.
How to watch the announcement
The Ministry has the stream covered on its own YouTube and X channels. You won’t have to go looking for a link or jump between sites to see the winners as they happen; anyone in India can be part of it in real time.
They haven’t put a hard start time on the table yet. But if you want to be in the right place at the right time, we are looking at a window of 3:00 to 4:00 PM IST for the press conference. Have your tabs open and let your phone do the rest.
Key timings and links
A few things to have in mind for the day:
– We’ll be on the official YouTube and X for the live feed
– Sometime in the 3:00-4:00 PM IST block
– No word from the ministry on an exact hour
Why this one has people talking
We are looking at films that the CBFC gave their stamp to in 2024 – some for the masses, some for the critics. An 11-person jury has been at work, with filmmaker Jayaraj in the chair (he was on the panel back in 2012).
If you listen to the pre-show talk, it’s all about the Malayalam entries. Bramayugam has made an impression, and there is a feeling that Manjummel Boys and Kishkindha Kaandam could very well be in the winner’s circle. It’s a good-natured rivalry, but the edge is there.
Not that the rest of the country is quiet. Cinephiles have been making a case for Hindi’s Article 370, Srikanth and Chandu Champion. Over in Tamil, Maharaja, Meiyazhagan and Amaran are the ones to watch, and Telugu fans have put forward Kalki 2898 AD, Lucky Baskhar and Devara: Part 1 as serious contenders.
Acting races to follow
Since the National Film Awards don’t do a pre-announcement of nominees, you never know. Still, some faces are coming up in the predictions and the grapevine.
Mammootty is the one to root for, sentimentally. Then you have the likes of Sivakarthikeyan, Vijay Sethupathi and Karthi with plenty of backing in their corners. And Sai Pallavi’s name is on just about every shortlist you’ll find online. We’ll see by nightfall if those hunches were right.
What to expect when the gavel comes down
There will be a flurry of responses as each category is called. People like to take to social media to make a fuss over a snub or to put a win on display. With such a mixed bag of films this year, the conversation should be lively.
A National Award carries a certain heft because of its pan-India appeal. It’s more than a trophy on the shelf; it can put a new spin on a movie’s story and put talent in front of the right people. So today is about more than just who has the last laugh.
And after that?
The minute it’s over, the official list will be up and the studios will be out in force with the good news. Winners will likely see a bump at the box office and some fresh eyes on them at festivals and on streaming services.
For those of you following along from the couch, the only thing you can be sure of is the reveal. The rest of it – the oddball winner, the nice words in the speeches – is for the stream to tell. Make yourself comfortable and have at it.
