‘This recognition encour – Firstpost

Star performer Sanya Malhotra has added another feather to her cap as her acclaimed film Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery won the Best Hindi Film at the National Film Awards this year. Known for her versatile performances and knack for choosing unique scripts, Sanya has once again found herself at the centre of projects celebrated for both content and craft.

Sanya Malhotra’s satirical comedy Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery, celebrated for its fresh storytelling, social relevance and quirky humour, saw her portray a determined police officer investigating the theft of two prized jackfruits. Expressing her gratitude after the big win, Sanya expressed: “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.”.

Adding to the celebrations, Sam Bahadur that Sanya Malhotra starred alongside Vicky Kaushal, walked away with multiple honours, including Best Makeup, Best Costume Design, and Best Feature Film for Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values. The biopic on India’s legendary Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was lauded for its authenticity and inspiring narrative of patriotism and leadership. The winning streak didn’t end there, Shah Rukh Khan starrer Jawan, a film that Sanya Malhotra was an integral part of, also earned top honour, further highlighting her association with impactful and commercially successful cinema.

Celebrating the win, Ekta Kapoor, the film’s producer, shared the news on Instagram story and wrote, “Thankuuuuuuuu ♥️♥️♥️♥️ JAI MATA DI @monika_shergill @netflix_ in @guneetmonga @achinjain20 @sanyamalhotra_”

Ekta also expressed her gratitude after the win, 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.”

Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain and said, “Every time a story from the heart of India is honoured, it’s a win for every voice that deserves to be heard. We are incredibly honoured to receive the Best Hindi Film award for Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery at the 71st National Film Awards. Grateful beyond words for this recognition. 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 team Sikhya Entertainment. Immense gratitude for 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. Kathal wouldn’t have been possible without the unconditional support of this incredible team, this journey wouldn’t have been possible without your belief and support. And to Sanya Malhotra, your performance as Mahima was both powerful and full of heart. You brought Mahima to life with such nuance, warmth, and unwavering strength, dil jeet liya! Thank you for leading this story with such grace, authenticity, and quiet power.”

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Set and shot entirely in the culturally rich state of Madhya Pradesh, Kathal is a satirical tale rooted in the everyday, a reminder that truth often hides in the most unexpected places. This win is for every storyteller who dares to look closer and tell stories that matter.

For Sanya Malhotra, being part of such critically and commercially celebrated projects is a testament to her growing stature as an actress who brings credibility and depth to every role. With Kathal showcasing her flair for comedy and strong character-driven performances, and films like Sam Bahadur and Jawan proving her versatility in ensemble narratives, Sanya has cemented her place among Bollywood’s most discerning and bankable stars.