Balaji Telefilms Bags Prestigious National Film Award for Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery

Balaji Telefilms, one of India’s foremost content powerhouses, has added another glorious feather to its cap. The production house has been honoured with a National Film Award for its unconventional and much-acclaimed film Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery in the Best Hindi Feature Film category at the 71st National Film Awards.

Kathal Wins National Award: Sanya Malhotra Shines Bright

Kathal, a satirical yet socially resonant narrative starring Sanya Malhotra in a career-defining role, broke genre boundaries with its brilliant storytelling, compelling performances, and incisive commentary on the absurdities of bureaucracy and gender roles. Directed by Yashowardhan Mishra and co-produced by Balaji Telefilms and Sikhya Entertainment, the film has not only won over audiences across the country but has now also been celebrated by the highest cinematic authority in India with a National Film Award. Spearheaded by Shobha Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor, Kathal reflects Balaji Telefilms’ evolving creative vision—one that champions rooted, meaningful narratives with a strong cultural pulse. The project was brought to life in collaboration with Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain of Sikhya Entertainment, both widely recognised for their commitment to content-driven cinema that provokes thought, inspires dialogue, and leaves a lasting impact.

Speaking on the historic win, Ekta Kapoor, Joint Managing Director of Balaji Telefilms, said, “This is a moment of immense pride and emotional fulfillment. Kathal was a bold choice—quirky, rooted, and real—and it beautifully reflects the kind of disruptive, meaningful stories we want to champion at Balaji. I share this honour with our incredibly talented cast, crew, and our visionary co-producers at Sikhya. Here's to storytelling that dares, disrupts, and delivers.”

This win is especially significant for Balaji Telefilms, traditionally known for its mass entertainment legacy across television and digital platforms. With Kathal, the studio has signaled a conscious shift towards nuanced, high-impact cinema that doesn’t just entertain but also ignites conversation.

Shobha Kapoor, Producer and MD, added, “It’s deeply gratifying to see content-driven cinema get its due. Kathal is a reminder that even the most unlikely stories—if told with sincerity and substance—can leave a lasting mark. We thank the jury and the audiences for their love.”
About Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery

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Set in a small town, Kathal follows the quirky tale of a young police officer (played by Sanya Malhotra) assigned an unusual case—the disappearance of two prized jackfruits from an MLA’s garden. What ensues is a gentle touch of humor yet hard-hitting journey through the layers of class, power, and gender dynamics in rural India.

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