Yami Gautam received her first National Film Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for the 2024 political thriller Article 370 at the 72nd National Film Awards held on September 22, 2026, at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat. Her husband, filmmaker Aditya Dhar, who co-produced and co-wrote the film, was by her side throughout the ceremony. The film also won Best Feature Film and Best Music Direction (Songs) for Shashwat Sachdev, making it one of the biggest winners of the evening.
The ceremony marked the first time the National Film Awards were held outside New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the honours at the Statue of Unity venue.
Yami Gautam Calls the Award the Biggest Validation for an Artist
Speaking on the red carpet before the ceremony, Yami Gautam described the recognition as the highest honour an artist can receive from the country. “It feels great. This is the biggest validation for any artist that you can receive and it’s the highest honour by your country. I don’t think I’ll be able to express how I’m feeling right now. I’m still trying to soak it in,” she said.
The actress also shared that despite her years in the industry, the win made her feel like a newcomer. “I’m just smiling, but inside I’m still feeling like the energy of a newcomer for whom everything is so new and big and so special,” she added.
Yami spoke about how Article 370 gave her the kind of work she had wanted to do for a long time. “For a film like Article 370, which gave me so much as an artist, bahut saalo ki challenges, patience, they trickle down to one moment and for me that was Article 370,” she said.
In a note shared after the win, she wrote, “Receiving the National Award for Article 370 is an honour I will cherish for the rest of my life. For fourteen years, I have simply tried to stay true to my craft, work with honesty and let my performances speak for themselves.”
Aditya Dhar Celebrates the Win with a Message on Instagram
Aditya Dhar shared a statement on Instagram describing the three National Awards for Article 370 as a landmark moment. “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,” he wrote.
Dhar explained that the team never set out to chase awards. “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. To see that journey resonate with audiences across the country and now be recognised with the highest honour in Indian cinema, is truly overwhelming,” he said.
He thanked the jury and audiences, writing, “My deepest gratitude to the esteemed Jury for this incredible recognition and to every single person who watched, supported, debated and believed in Article 370. Your love gave this film a life far beyond the screen.”
Dhar also acknowledged director Aditya Suhas Jambhale, actors Yami Gautam Dhar and Priyamani, composer Shashwat Sachdev, and the entire cast and crew, along with B62 Studios and Jio Studios.
Aditya Dhar Keeps the Focus on Article 370 at the Ceremony
On the red carpet, Aditya Dhar was asked about his action franchise Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh. He chose to keep the spotlight on Article 370 instead. “We are here for Article 370. We’ll discuss Dhurandhar, hopefully, if we come next year also. But today, it’s all about Article 370,” he said.
Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan and Sanjay Dutt. The two-film franchise saw its first part release on December 5, 2025, followed by the sequel on March 19, 2026. The combined gross of both films has been reported at around Rs 3,000 crore.
Priyamani Praises Yami Gautam’s Talent and the Film’s Success
Priyamani, who played a key role alongside Yami Gautam in Article 370, shared her thoughts on the film’s multiple wins. “I’m very fortunate to be a part of such an important film. I’m so glad it won multiple National Awards including Best Film,” she said. She also expressed happiness for her co-star, saying she “saw her talent in person.”
Full List of Major Winners at the 72nd National Film Awards
The 72nd National Film Awards honoured films released in 2024, with winners selected by an 11-member jury headed by filmmaker Jayaraj. Here are the top winners:
- Best Feature Film: Article 370
- Best Actress: Yami Gautam (Article 370)
- Best Actor: Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) and Mammootty (Bramayugam)
- Best Direction: Rajkumar Periasamy (Amaran)
- Best Hindi Film: Srikanth
- Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kalki 2898 AD
- Best Debut Director: Randeep Hooda (Swatantrya Veer Savarkar)
- Best Music Direction (Songs): Shashwat Sachdev (Article 370)
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Anant Nag
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About Article 370 and Its Journey to the National Awards
Article 370 is a 2024 political action thriller directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, who co-wrote the film with Aditya Dhar, Monal Thaakar and Arjun Dhawan. The film stars Yami Gautam as NIA officer Zooni Haksar and Priyamani as a PMO official, alongside Skand Thakur, Ashwini Kaul, Vaibhav Tatwawadi, Arun Govil and Kiran Karmarkar.
The film is based on the 2019 revocation of the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution of India. Released worldwide on February 23, 2024, on a budget of Rs 20 crore, the film earned Rs 110 crore at the box office.
Article 370 received three National Film Awards in total: Best Feature Film, Best Actress for Yami Gautam, and Best Music Direction (Songs) for Shashwat Sachdev.
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