Vicky Kaushal is filled with joy as Sam Bahadur, the biographical war drama in which he played the titular role, has been honored at the 71st National Film Awards. The film, directed by Meghna Gulzar, received the award for Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values. The 71st National Film Awards ceremony took place on September 23, 2025, in New Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan, where President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards.
Sam Bahadur chronicles the life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, India's first field marshal, and his remarkable military career spanning over four decades. Manekshaw is renowned for leading India to victory in the 1971 war with Pakistan. The film not only celebrates Indian military history but also highlights values that resonate with the nation's identity.
Vicky Kaushal expressed his excitement on social media, sharing a video of Meghna Gulzar receiving the award. He captioned his post with heart emojis, acknowledging the film's achievement at the National Awards. In addition to Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values, Sam Bahadur also won awards for Best Costume Design and Best Makeup.
Meghna Gulzar dedicated the award to her parents, Gulzar and Rakhee, acknowledging their inspirational influence. The film, produced by Ronnie Screwvala under the banner of RSVP Movies, also stars Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Neeraj Kabi, Edward Sonnenblick, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub.
The 71st National Film Awards recognized excellence across various categories. 12th Fail won Best Feature Film, while Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani secured the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment award. Shah Rukh Khan (for Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (for 12th Fail) shared the Best Actor award, and Sudipto Sen won Best Director for The Kerala Story.
Vicky Kaushal was last seen in Chhaava, an epic historical action film based on the life of Sambhaji, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire. Sam Bahadur, which was released on December 1, 2023, is available on Zee5.
