The 71st National Film Awards are generating buzz, with reports suggesting that Vikrant Massey is a strong contender for Best Actor for his performance in "12th Fail," and Rani Mukerji is a likely candidate for Best Actress for her role in "Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway". According to a report in Bollywood Hungama, the awards might be announced within the next 48 hours.

Massey's performance in "12th Fail," where he portrayed IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, has garnered immense appreciation from audiences and critics alike. The film tells the inspiring story of an underdog who overcomes challenges to crack the UPSC exams, resonating with many due to its honesty and emotional depth. According to one source, Massey is the "sure-shot winner" for best actor. Urmila Matondkar and businessman Anand Mahindra have previously expressed that Massey's performance deserves a National Award. Massey himself has stated that he is happy to be considered among the best, acknowledging other strong performances from the past year.

Rani Mukerji is reportedly a strong contender for Best Actress for her role in "Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway," where she plays a mother fighting a legal battle in a foreign country. While some reports suggest she is the likely winner, others indicate that two actresses from the South Indian film industry are also in the running. If Mukerji wins, this would be her first National Award, marking a significant milestone in her career spanning over 25 years. She has delivered memorable performances in films like "Black," "No One Killed Jessica," and "Mardaani".

The National Film Awards, honoring films released in 2023, have been delayed due to the pandemic. While the official announcement date remains under wraps, anticipation is high. Besides Vikrant Massey for Best Actor, Vidhu Vinod Chopra's "12th Fail" is also expected to win in several other categories, including Best Film and Best Director.