The 71st National Film Awards, announced on August 1, 2025, saw Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani winning two major honours—Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Choreography for the song “Dhindhora Baje Re” by Vaibhavi Merchant. While celebrations poured in from the cast and crew, including heartfelt social media messages from Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, and Johar himself, a growing chorus of critics questioned whether such mainstream recognition undermines the awards’ credibility. source
On one hand, the production has been widely appreciated. Alia Bhatt described the win as “a moment of immense pride,” while Ranveer Singh emphasized the film’s status as a “comfort film” that resonates across demographics. Johar called the honour “exceptionally close to his heart,” expressing gratitude for the emotional and cultural impact the film continues to enjoy. source
Yet, many cinephiles and critics raised eyebrows. Reddit discussions pointed out that films from South Indian and independent cinema—often lauded for artistic merit and storytelling—were largely overlooked in major categories. One user commented bluntly:
“Even Rani didn’t win for Black despite stiff competition. Malayalam cinema had bangers, yet they gave this to Rocky. Serious?”
The debate centers on whether a glamorous, big‑budget mainstream film like Rocky Aur Rani… truly deserves a national honour traditionally aimed at cinematic depth. Critics argue that the jury’s choice echoes Bollywood’s commercial edge rather than nuanced storytelling. source
Despite the backlash, defenders counter that Rocky blends tradition and modernity with emotional sincerity and aesthetic finesse. It also made a significant cultural and financial impact—garnering over ₹350 crore worldwide on a ₹160 crore budget—and proved immensely popular with diverse audiences. In the “Popular Film” category, such success arguably aligns with the award’s intent.
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Karan Johar’s victory speech emphasized the film’s two‑year journey of love and resonance, suggesting the award reflects a sustained connection with audiences as much as critical acclaim. Alia Bhatt’s tribute to her choreographer reinforced the film’s creative and emotional investment.
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Nevertheless, broader questions remain: Is the National Award losing its gravitas by primarily recognizing commercial entertainers? Critics argue that this trend may marginalize art films and regional cinema achievements, those often more deserving of national recognition.
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Looking ahead, the conversation could lead to stronger category distinctions or a more transparent jury process. Regardless, the discourse underscores a pivotal moment: the 71st National Film Awards has sparked a reassessment of how excellence in Indian cinema is defined and awarded.
In short, while Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani undoubtedly impressed audiences and critics in many ways, its dual wins have ignited a vital debate: are National Awards celebrating the highest merit—or merely Bollywood’s shining lights?
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