Mumbai, Sep 23 (NationPress) Netflix’s drama Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery received the prestigious title of 'Best Hindi Film' at the 71st National Film Awards held in Delhi on Tuesday.

Director Yashowardhan Mishra, producer Guneet Monga Kapoor, producer Ektaa Kapoor, and Monika Shergill from Netflix were all present at the event. The award and medal were presented to the Director by the President of India during this significant occasion.

Featuring performances by Sanya Malhotra, Anant Joshi, Vijay Raaz, and Rajpal Yadav, Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery marks a milestone as the first Netflix Original to clinch a National Award.

Reflecting on the achievement, producer Ektaa Kapoor expressed, “Being part of the National Awards and celebrating Kathal's success is a magical moment for our entire Balaji team. This narrative was crafted to highlight genuine, quirky Indian tales, and today’s accolade makes our journey unforgettable.”

She continued, “I extend my gratitude to the jury and the audience for embracing this tale, as well as to Netflix for bringing it to a global stage. It motivates us to continue supporting bold, original storytelling.”

Director and co-writer Yashowardhan Mishra shared, “To be present at the National Awards and receive this award for Kathal is a humbling and joyous experience. I dedicate this recognition to my co-writer Ashok Mishra, our brilliant cast led by the remarkable Sanya Malhotra, and our wonderful partners at Sikhya Entertainment, Balaji Telefilms, and Netflix. This moment illustrates that stories grounded in reality, told with sincerity and authenticity, can truly resonate.”

“I am profoundly thankful to the jury, our viewers, and everyone who supported this film. This honor adds significant meaning to our journey. This landmark achievement for Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery not only highlights the extraordinary talent behind the film but also reinforces Netflix’s dedication to promoting authentic narratives and championing the filmmakers and storytellers who bring unique voices to audiences in India and around the world, ensuring that compelling storytelling receives the recognition it deserves.”