Double Triumph for Anant V Joshi as ‘Kathal’ and ‘12th Fail’ Sweep Big at National Awards

It’s a landmark moment in Anant V Joshi’s career as two of his most impactful films — Kathal and 12th Fail — receive the highest honours at the National Film Awards. Kathal has been awarded Best Hindi Film, while 12th Fail takes home the coveted title of Best Feature Film.

Anant’s Versatility Shines Across Genres with Grit

Both films, vastly different in genre but united in purpose and realism, have underlined Anant’s remarkable ability to bring authenticity and depth to diverse characters — whether it’s the small-town havaldar navigating quirky cases or the spirited young man from Chambal chasing dreams against all odds.

Reacting to the national recognition, Anant shared: “It’s a matter of immense pride to be a part of Kathal and 12th Fail — and to see both being honoured as the Best Films at the National Awards. I’m extremely grateful to Guneet Monga, Achin Jain, and Ekta Kapoor for Kathal and to Vidhu Vinod Chopra for 12th Fail, for backing such powerful stories. What makes this moment even more special is that both films are inspired by true events.

I’ve received immense love for the characters I portrayed in these films, and being recognised with such a prestigious award is truly motivating. I hope to continue choosing stories that resonate with a larger consciousness while entertaining audiences. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such inspiring cinematic worlds that have been celebrated today.”

With National Awards to his name and back-to-back acclaimed performances, Anant V Joshi has firmly positioned himself as a performer of substance — someone who champions content-rich narratives while winning over the audience and the industry alike.