61st National Film Awards: 'Ship of Theseus', 'Jolly LLB' win top honours

New Delhi: Subhash Kapoor-directed 'Joll LLB' was on Wednesday named the best Hindi film while Anand Gandhi-directed 'Ship of Theseus' was adjudged best feature film. Hansal Mehta was named for best direction for the movie 'Shahid'.

A still from 'Jolly LLB'. Pic/Santa Banta

'Ship Of Theseus' is the story about an unusual photographer, an erudite Jain monk and a young stock broker told through different segments which finally unite them through a strange circumstance.

According to the jury, the film "depicts issues of intuitive brilliance, metaphysical belief and intricate morality in a world full of contradictions".

'Shahid', starring Rajkummar Rao as the real life slain human rights activist and lawyer Shahid Azmi in the backdrop of communal violence unleashed in Mumbai, tells the story of an impoverished Muslim struggling to come to terms with injustice, inequality and rise above his circumstances.

"It is an inspiring testament to the human spirit," according to the jury members.

Hansal Mehta's direction in the "remarkably handled" film "Shahid" has been lauded. Rajkummar Rao also shares the best actor award for 'Shahid' alongwith Suraj Venajaramoodu for Malayalam movie 'Perariyathavar'.

'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' was declared the best popular film providing wholesome entertainment. Starring Farhan Akhtar in the lead role, the film not only won critics' appreciation but the audience loved it too, making it a huge box office success.

Seasoned Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah criticised 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' as a fake film. However, audiences lapped the film and the story of former athlete Milkha Singh aka Flying Sikh did a whopping business of over Rs.100 crore.

Director Nishtha Jain's 'Gulabi Gang' was adjudged the best film on social issues. 'Gulabi Gang' is recognised for its powerful depiction of a crusader taking viewers deeper into the continuing struggles of the rural Indian women.