Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery Wins Best Hindi Feature at National Film Awards 2025
Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery, starring Sanya Malhotra, has been awarded Best Hindi Feature Film at the 71st National Film Awards, announced on August 1, 2025. The film, directed by Yashwardhan Mishra, was applauded for its quirky storytelling, impactful performances, and a strong underlying social message.
This light-hearted satire begins with an odd case of two missing jackfruits from an MLA’s garden in the fictional town of Moba. But as Inspector Mahima Basor, played by Sanya Malhotra, investigates the incident, the narrative slowly uncovers deeper issues such as caste-based discrimination, police apathy, and human trafficking.
Sanya’s performance has been widely praised by critics for its emotional depth and comic timing. The film cleverly uses humour to tackle serious societal problems and stands as a fresh take on socially relevant cinema.
Streaming on Netflix, Kathal has emerged as a symbol of meaningful content in Hindi cinema. Its recognition at the National Film Awards reflects a growing appreciation for content-driven storytelling over mainstream formulas.
The awards were announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of State Dr. L Murugan, and I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju present at the declaration. The ceremony was also live-streamed on official government channels, making the celebration accessible to viewers across the country.
