National Film Awards honor both commercial and critical hits

The 72nd National Film Awards were announced on July 18, and this year's winners include both commercially successful films and critically acclaimed projects.

This has sparked a conversation about whether the awards are now embracing commercial cinema alongside artistic merit.

Films like Chandu Champion and Article 370, which were big hits at the box office, won awards for their lead actors.

At the same time, films like Bramayugam, which were praised by critics, also received recognition.

This suggests that Indian cinema is evolving to value both entertainment and artistic quality.

The awards also highlight the growing ambition of Indian filmmakers, who are now competing on global standards with better storytelling, visual effects, and production values.

Streaming platforms have also played a role in expanding audience tastes and giving regional cinema more visibility.