Director Tushar Hiranandani's biographical drama 'Srikanth' won the National Film Award for Best Hindi Film at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, with Hiranandani dedicating the recognition to visually-impaired industrialist Srikanth Bolla, whose extraordinary life story forms the heart of the film. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at the official ceremony held in Kevadia, Gujarat.

Director's Tribute to the Real-Life Hero

Reacting to the honour, Hiranandani said in a statement: 'Srikanth Bolla's life is not just a story of overcoming challenges, but of having the courage to dream beyond what the world believes is possible. As a filmmaker, I feel deeply grateful that we had the opportunity to bring his journey to the screen. Receiving the National Film Award from the Hon'ble President of India is a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life. This honour is a tribute to Srikanth Bolla and to the belief, perseverance and spirit that his story represents.'

Producer Bhushan Kumar on the Win

Producer Bhushan Kumar, who joined Hiranandani on stage to receive the award, called the moment 'incredibly proud and humbling.' Kumar said: 'When we chose to tell Srikanth Bolla's story, we were deeply moved by his determination, resilience and refusal to let circumstances define his dreams. Tushar Hiranandani brought immense sensitivity and conviction to the telling of this story, while Rajkummar Rao, Jyotika, Alaya F and Sharad Kelkar brought their characters to life with remarkable sincerity. To see the film receive this honour makes this moment truly special.'

Kumar added that the recognition 'belongs to the entire team who believed in the story and gave their best to bring Srikanth Bolla's extraordinary journey to audiences.'

About the Film and Its Subject

'Srikanth' is a biographical drama based on the life of Srikanth Bolla, the visually-impaired entrepreneur and founder of Bollant Industries, who defied social and systemic barriers to build a successful enterprise. The film received widespread critical attention for its portrayal of Bolla's resilience and its nuanced handling of disability, ambition, and social change. Rajkummar Rao played the title role, widely praised for his commitment to the character.

Significance of the Recognition

The National Film Awards are India's most prestigious government-conferred film honours, adjudicated by a jury appointed by the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Winning the Best Hindi Film award at the 72nd edition places 'Srikanth' among a select group of biopics that have found both critical and official recognition — a category that has grown significantly in Hindi cinema over the past decade. Notably, biographical films centred on real achievers from non-film backgrounds have been gaining traction at the National Awards, reflecting a broader shift in what Indian cinema celebrates.

With the 72nd National Film Awards spotlight firmly on 'Srikanth', the recognition is expected to fuel renewed interest in Srikanth Bolla's story and boost the film's visibility on streaming platforms.