Article 370 wins big at the National Film Awards, taking home Best Feature Film and two more honours

MUMBAI: Jio Studios and B62 Studios have every reason to celebrate. Their acclaimed political thriller Article 370 has been honoured with the Best Feature Film award at the 72nd National Film Awards, one of the highest recognitions in Indian cinema. Starring Yami Gautam Dhar and directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, the film captivated audiences and critics alike with its gripping narrative, powerful performances and nuanced portrayal of one of the most significant chapters in contemporary Indian history. The film also earned Yami Gautam Dhar the Best Actress award for her commanding performance, and Shashwat Sachdev the Best Music Direction award for his evocative score, a clean sweep across storytelling, performance and music.

Produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar, the recognition reaffirms Article 370’s standing as a compelling cinematic achievement, one that blended entertainment with thought-provoking storytelling and resonated with audiences across India and globally.

Jyoti Deshpande, president of Jio Studios, called the wins “an incredibly emotional moment,” saying: “I feel deeply grateful, humbled, and proud of every person who poured their heart into this film. We never began this journey with awards in mind. We simply believed this was a story that deserved to be told, with honesty, courage, and conviction.” She extended her gratitude to director Aditya Suhas Jambhale for his “clarity of vision,” to Yami Gautam Dhar for the “honesty and emotional depth” she brought to the role, and to Shashwat Sachdev, whose music, she said, “became the heartbeat of the film.” She added: “At Jio Studios, we have always believed that meaningful stories have the power to move people, provoke thought, and leave a lasting impact. This honour reaffirms that belief and inspires us to keep backing storytellers who dare to tell stories with purpose and authenticity.”

Aditya Dhar, producer at B62 Studios, echoed the sentiment: “Winning three National Awards for Article 370 is a moment that is difficult to put into words. It is humbling, deeply emotional and one that fills my heart with immense gratitude. When we set out to make this film, we weren’t chasing accolades. We were driven by a conviction, to tell a story with honesty, courage and sincerity.” He thanked Jambhale for a vision that “shaped every frame,” praised Yami Gautam Dhar and Priyamani for bringing “such depth, strength and authenticity” to their performances, and credited Jio Studios and Deshpande for “standing by this film with unwavering faith and championing meaningful cinema.”

Director Aditya Suhas Jambhale, picking up his third National Award, called it “the highest honour a filmmaker can hope for,” adding: “This film was never about finding easy answers; it was about engaging with a defining chapter of our nation’s history with sincerity, empathy, and cinematic conviction.” He thanked his producers “for believing in this vision without compromise,” his lead actors “for leading the film with remarkable conviction and grace,” and his writing collaborators Monal Thaakar and Arjun Dhawan, along with Aditya Dhar, for their creative partnership. He closed with a message to the wider industry: “Awards are never the destination—they are a reminder of the power of honest storytelling. I accept this recognition with immense gratitude and hope it inspires many more filmmakers to continue telling fearless stories that truly matter.”

Article 370 was widely praised on release for its authentic storytelling, technical excellence and emotionally engaging performances, making it one of the most celebrated films of 2024. These three National Awards stand as a testament to Jio Studios’ and B62 Studios’ continued commitment to backing meaningful, high-quality cinema that sparks conversation while entertaining audiences. The partnership’s momentum has only grown since: their Dhurandhar duology has crossed Rs 3,000 crore worldwide, with Dhurandhar: The Revenge leading the charge as the first Indian film franchise to hit that milestone — a fitting backdrop to a night that firmly belonged to Article 370.