Archive · 19 Jul 2026
Five Acclaimed Films Overlooked at 72nd National Film Awards
The 72nd National Film Awards were announced, and many people were surprised that five very good movies were not given any awards.
These movies are All We Imagine As Light, Laapataa Ladies, Amar Singh Chamkila, Manjummel Boys, and Kishkindha Kaandam.
All We Imagine As Light won big awards at Cannes and was loved by critics all over the world.
Laapataa Ladies was India's choice for the Oscars and was loved for its funny and smart story.
Amar Singh Chamkila is a movie about a famous singer and was praised for its music and acting.
Manjummel Boys is a Malayalam movie about a group of friends in a scary situation, and it won many awards in Kerala.
Kishkindha Kaandam is a mystery movie that people liked for its smart story and good acting.
Many people think these movies should have won awards, but they didn't, and that's why everyone is talking about it.
All We Imagine As Light won the Grand Prix at Cannes and was praised by international critics but received no National Awards.
Laapataa Ladies, India's Oscar submission, was loved for its social commentary and performances but was completely shut out.
Amar Singh Chamkila, a musical biopic, was praised for Diljit Dosanjh's performance and A.R. Rahman's music but walked away empty-handed.
Manjummel Boys, a high-grossing Malayalam film, won multiple Kerala State Film Awards but was overlooked at the Nationals.
Kishkindha Kaandam, a mystery thriller, was praised for its screenplay and performances but did not receive any National Awards.
- Who
- Five acclaimed films: All We Imagine As Light, Laapataa Ladies, Amar Singh Chamkila, Manjummel Boys, Kishkindha Kaandam
- What
- Overlooked at the 72nd National Film Awards despite critical acclaim and international recognition
- When
- The 72nd National Film Awards were announced on Saturday
- Where
- India
- Why
- The reasons for their omission are not specified, but their absence has sparked debate among cinephiles
- All We Imagine As Light
- Won Grand Prix at Cannes, Best International Film by multiple critics' groups, featured in Barack Obama's favorites
- Laapataa Ladies
- India's official entry for the 97th Academy Awards, praised for social commentary and performances
- Amar Singh Chamkila
- Musical biopic on Punjab's legendary folk singer, praised for Diljit Dosanjh's performance and A.R. Rahman's music
- Manjummel Boys
- Highest-grossing Malayalam film, swept Kerala State Film Awards, praised for survival drama and technical excellence
- Kishkindha Kaandam
- Mystery thriller praised for layered screenplay, atmospheric storytelling, and mature performances