IANS/New Delhi
Bollywood film Jolly LLB was yesterday chosen the best Hindi film, while director Nishtha Jain's Gulabi Gang was adjudged the best film on social issues for the 61st National Film Awards here.
Gulabi Gang is recognised for its powerful depiction of a crusader taking viewers deeper into the continuing struggles of the rural Indian women.
Anand Gandhi's Ship Of Theseus was the best feature film, while Hansal Mehta was named best director for the movie Shahid.
Ship Of Theseus is the story about an unusual photographer, an erudite Jain monk and a young stock broker told through different segments which finally unite them through a strange circumstance.
According to the jury, the film "depicts issues of intuitive brilliance, metaphysical belief and intricate morality in a world full of contradictions."
Shahid, starring Rajkummar Rao as the real life slain human rights activist and lawyer Shahid Azmi in the backdrop of communal violence unleashed in Mumbai, tells the story of an impoverished Muslim struggling to come to terms with injustice, inequality and rise above his circumstances.
"It is an inspiring testament to the human spirit," according to the jury members.
Mehta's direction in the "remarkably handled" film Shahid has been lauded.
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra-directed biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag has been named the best film in the wholesome entertainment category.
Starring Farhan Akhtar in the lead role, the film not only won critics' appreciation but the audience loved it too, making it a huge box office success.
Seasoned actor Naseeruddin Shah criticised Bhaag Milkha Bhaag as a fake film. However, audiences lapped the film and the story of former athlete Milkha Singh aka Flying Sikh did a whopping business of over Rs1bn.
Tamil family drama Thanga Meengal, Telugu drama Na Bangaru Thalli, Kannada film Prakruthi and Malayalam drama 24 North Kaatham were among the southern movies that pocketed 17 awards.
The other southern films include Dharmam (Tamil), Kanyaka (Malayalam), December 1 (Kannada), Vallinam (Tamil), Thalaimuraigal (Tamil), Perariyathavara (Malayalam) and Swapaanam (Malayalam).
