In a momentous achievement for Indian cinema, Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery has won the Best Hindi Feature Film at the 71st National Film Awards. The comedy-crime satire, produced by Ekta Kapoor, Guneet Monga Kapoor, Achin Jain, and Shobha Kapoor, and directed by debutant Yashowardhan Mishra, captured both critical and audience attention in 2023 for its razor-sharp storytelling and rooted social commentary. Following the win, the team behind the film shared emotional and powerful statements that reflect the journey and impact of this Netflix-backed gem.
Sanya Malhotra, Ektaa R Kapoor and team react to Kathal winning Best Hindi Film at National Film Awards
Lead actor Sanya Malhotra, who delivered a widely lauded performance as Mahima, responded with deep gratitude. Sanya said, “I’m deeply honored that Kathal has been awarded the National Award for Best Hindi Film. This story has been very special to me, and I’m grateful to Guneet Monga and Achin Jain, and the entire team for trusting me with such a unique role. The film reflects important social realities with satire and heart, and I’m so glad it resonated with audiences. This recognition encourages me to continue choosing meaningful cinema. A heartfelt thank you to the jury and everyone who supported Kathal.”
Celebrating a remarkable debut, director Yashowardhan Mishra shared his joy. “I’m thankful to the jury for this great honour. It is incredibly reaffirming to be recognised for the work we do and the stories we choose to tell. I am grateful to have found collaborators in Guneet Monga Kapoor, Achin Jain, Balaji, Ekta Kapoor, and Netflix. I share this award with my wonderful cast and crew who shaped the film in myriad ways.”
Monika Shergill, Vice President – Content, Netflix India, praised the collaboration and creative risk. “We are incredibly honoured and grateful to celebrate Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery being awarded Best Hindi Feature Film at the 71st National Film Awards. The National Awards are a benchmark of creative excellence and cultural impact, and this win is a moment of immense pride for everyone who brought this extraordinary film to life”, added Monika.
Under debut director Yashowardhan Mishra’s distinctive vision, and co-written with the acclaimed Ashok Mishra, Kathal is powered by the creative brilliance of our long-time collaborators Balaji Telefilms and Sikhya Entertainment. The film delivers a razor-sharp, socially charged satire rooted in rural India, a story told with rare wit, authenticity, and insight. Sanya Malhotra’s heartfelt and layered performance anchors the film with emotional resonance.”
Guneet Monga Kapoor, Producer and CEO at Sikhya Entertainment, and Achin Jain also shared a powerful message on behalf of their team. She shared, “We are incredibly honoured to receive the Best Hindi Film award for Kathal at the 71st National Film Awards. Every time a story from the heart of India is honoured, it’s a win for every voice that deserves to be heard”. “A heartfelt congratulations to our brilliant director Yashowardhan Mishra and his co-writer Ashok Mishra for crafting a story that is sharp, original, and deeply human. Huge thanks to our producing partners Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor at Balaji Telefilms, and the entire Sikhya Entertainment team”, Jain said.
Immense gratitude to our trusted platform partner Netflix India, and the incredible Monika Shergill, Ruchika Kapoor Sheikh. Shout out to Pratiksha Rao and Ankita Singh who started this journey. And to Sanya Malhotra, who brought Mahima to life with such nuance, warmth, and unwavering strength!”
Celebrated producer Ekta Kapoor also expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m thankful to the jury for this great honour. It is incredibly reaffirming to be recognised for the work we do and the stories we choose to tell. I am grateful to have found collaborators in Guneet Monga, Achin Jain, Balaji, and Netflix. I share this award with my wonderful cast and crew who shaped the film in myriad ways.”
Shot entirely in the culturally rich heartland of Madhya Pradesh, Kathal stands as a testament to storytelling that blends humour with hard-hitting truths. Through satire and layered characters, the film explores how truth can often be stranger — and more important — than fiction. This National Award win is not just a feather in the cap of its makers but a rallying cry for every filmmaker striving to tell stories that matter.
More Pages: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery Box Office Collection , Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery Movie Review
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