Ektaa Kapoor 'Feels Honoured Beyond Words' As She Bags Best Hindi Feature For Film Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery

The 71st National Film Awards in Delhi brought together storytellers, actors, directors, and creators from across India, celebrating films and performances that captured audiences nationwide. Among the stars of the evening, Netflix’s Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery was honoured as the Best Hindi Film for its quirky, rooted storytelling and remarkable performances.Attending the prestigious ceremony were director Yashowardhan Mishra, producers Guneet Monga Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, and Monika Shergill from Netflix. The director received the award and medal from the Hon'ble President of India. With Kathal becoming the first Netflix Original to win a National Award, this milestone reflects Netflix’s commitment to telling authentic Indian stories that resonate

both locally and globally.

Producers Share Their Joy

Producers Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain of Sikhya Entertainment said: "Standing at the 71st National Film Awards today as Kathal is honoured has been nothing short of surreal. To see a story rooted in the heartland of India, in Madhya Pradesh, find its place on this stage is a moment we will always treasure. At the heart of this film lies the remarkable writing of Yashowardhan and Ashok Mishra and the sensitive direction by Yashowardhan, who together crafted a tale that delivers a subtle yet powerful reflection on society, capturing the humour, ironies, and truths of everyday life in small-town India. It was an absolute joy to collaborate with our leading force, Sanya Malhotra, alongside the inimitable Rajpal Yadav, Vijay Raaz, Brijendra Kala, and a stellar ensemble of actors and technicians who brought this story alive with such authenticity and heart. Our deepest gratitude to our supportive partners at Netflix India and Balaji Telefilms, and heartfelt thanks to our entire cast and crew who poured so much love into this film. This honour is a reminder of why we tell rooted, authentic stories, so that voices from every corner of India find their place in the spotlight."

Ektaa R Kapoor Celebrates the Win

Ektaa R Kapoor, Joint Managing Director, Balaji Telefilms, added: "Attending the National Awards and celebrating Kathal’s win is a magical moment for our entire team at Balaji. This story was created to shine a light on authentic, quirky Indian narratives, and today’s recognition makes the journey unforgettable. Thank you to the jury and audience for embracing this story, and to Netflix who took this story from the heartlands of India to a global audience, it inspires us to keep supporting bold, original storytelling."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by EktaaRkapoor (@ektarkapoor)

ALSO READ: 71st National Film Awards 2025: Ektaa Kapoor Calls Winning Best Hindi Feature Film For Netflix’s Kathal 'Great Honour'

Director and Co-Writer Yashowardhan Mishra Speaks

Yashowardhan Mishra said: "To be at the National Awards ceremony and hold this award for Kathal is both humbling and joyous. I share this honour with my co-writer Ashok Mishra, our stellar cast led by the extraordinary Sanya Malhotra, and our incredible partners at Sikhya Entertainment, Balaji Telefilms, and Netflix. This moment is a beautiful reminder that stories rooted in the everyday, told with heart and authenticity, have the power to resonate far and wide. I’m deeply grateful to the jury, our audiences, and everyone who believed in this film, this recognition makes the journey all the more meaningful."