Randeep Hooda Wins Best Debut Director at 72nd National Film Awards

Randeep Hooda has been honoured with the Best Debut Film of a Director award at the 72nd National Film Awards for his biographical drama Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to Hooda, who made his directorial debut with the film.

The ceremony took place at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, near the Statue of Unity. This edition marked the first time the National Film Awards were held outside New Delhi.

Released in 2024, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar portrays the life of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The film also features Ankita Lokhande and Amit Sial in key roles.

Savarkar was born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur. In 1911, he was sentenced to two consecutive life terms — amounting to 50 years — at the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known as 'Kala Pani', for resisting British policies. He died on February 26, 1966.

Reacting to the award announcement in July, Hooda described the project as the most demanding of his career. "Being announced as the winner of the National Award for Best Debut Director for Swatantryaveer Savarkar is a moment I'm still trying to process," he said in a press statement. "This film asked more of me than anything I've ever done."

He noted that the journey was filled with challenges at every stage, but expressed gratitude that the team persevered. "As an actor, co-writer and first-time director, I gave this film everything I had because I felt an immense responsibility towards telling Veer Savarkar's story with sincerity and honesty," he said.

Hooda added that the difficulties faced during production were insignificant compared to the life Savarkar lived and the sacrifices he made. He dedicated the recognition to his team and expressed hope that it would encourage more people, especially the younger generation, to explore Savarkar's legacy.

Among other winners, Srikanth was named Best Hindi Film, Raayan won Best Tamil Film, Feminichi Fathima was named Best Malayalam Film, and Committee Kurrollu won Best Telugu Film.