The 71st National Film Awards have been announced, and the Karan Johar-directed film, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (RRKPK), has emerged as a significant winner. The film garnered awards for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Choreography. The choreography award was given to Vaibhavi Merchant for the energetic dance sequences in the film, including the popular songs "What Jhumka?" and "Dhindhora Baje Re".
Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of actors Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, worked as an assistant director on Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. While there has been no direct statement from Ibrahim Ali Khan regarding the National Film Awards win specifically, the film's success is undoubtedly a proud moment for everyone involved. Given his role behind the scenes, it's reasonable to assume he shares in the gratitude expressed by the film's stars and production team.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, has been praised for its blend of traditional Bollywood elements with modern storytelling. The film was a commercial success, earning $42 million (₹355 crore INR) worldwide against a $19 million budget, and sparking cultural conversations in 2023. Critics, including Subhash K. Jha, hailed the film as the Best Hindi Film of 2023. Alia Bhatt also won Best Actress at the Filmfare Awards for her performance in the film. The film's success at the National Film Awards underscores the industry's growing recognition of mainstream films that incorporate strong emotional themes and social commentary.
Ibrahim Ali Khan's career is evolving. He had his first leading role in the Netflix romantic comedy Nadaaniyan (2025), where he played Arjun Mehta. Though the film received negative reviews, some critics noted Khan's potential. He also starred in Sarzameen, a Dharma Productions film released on JioHotstar.
The National Film Awards, administered by the Directorate of Film Festivals, recognize cinematic excellence across India's languages and technical crafts. Films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 and December 31, 2023, were eligible for consideration for this year's awards. The awards were announced at a press conference in New Delhi.
