Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery just bagged the National Award for Best Hindi Feature Film—and it’s a moment that has the entire team brimming with pride. The film, a rare blend of satire, social relevance, and quirky storytelling, stood out in a crowded year of content. But what makes this win even more special is the deeply emotional response it triggered from its cast and crew.
Sanya Malhotra Shares Her Gratitude
Leading the celebration is Sanya Malhotra, who played Mahima in the film—a role that earned her widespread appreciation. Reacting to the win, Sanya shared, “I’m deeply honored that Kathal has been awarded the National Award. This film has meant so much to me. Huge gratitude to Guneet, Achin, and the team for trusting me with such a unique character. It was satire, but it had heart, and I’m thrilled it resonated the way it did.”
Sanya’s grounded, heartfelt performance was one of the strongest pillars of the film. It wasn’t just another comedy or mystery—it carried layers, subtle commentary, and an emotional undercurrent that found its mark with audiences across the board.
Director and Producers React
Director Yashowardhan Mishra, who made his debut with Kathal, was visibly moved. “This recognition is huge,” he said. “As a first-time director, you dream of telling stories that matter—and being recognised for it by the National Awards jury is incredibly affirming. I’m thankful to the brilliant team who believed in this story from day one.”
That team includes some big names—Guneet Monga Kapoor, Achin Jain, and Ektaa R Kapoor—each of whom played a vital role in making Kathal happen. Guneet, the powerhouse behind Sikhya Entertainment, described the win as a victory for stories rooted in the heartland. “Every time a story from the soil of India is honoured like this, it’s a celebration of all the unheard voices out there,” she shared.
Achin Jain added, “Kathal wasn’t just about a quirky mystery—it was about truth, accountability, and the strange ways the system works. And yes, it had jackfruits, but it also had fire. We’re proud of what it represents.”
Ektaa R Kapoor, co-producer under Balaji Telefilms, echoed those sentiments. She said, “We believed in this project because it said something different. It had humour, yes, but it also had soul. I’m grateful to the jury and to everyone who helped shape this journey—Netflix, our crew, and of course, our fantastic cast.”
Netflix India Celebrates the Win
And speaking of Netflix, Monika Shergill, VP of Content at Netflix India, called the recognition a landmark moment. “Kathal is proof that bold, original storytelling can thrive. We’re proud to have backed a project that takes creative risks and connects so deeply with viewers.”
Set in rural Madhya Pradesh, Kathal wasn’t just about solving a bizarre fruit-related case—it was a sharply written, socially charged mirror to bureaucracy and how little things often say a lot about bigger systems. The film earned praise not just for its clever writing but for its rootedness and authenticity.
A Win for Heartfelt, Honest Storytelling
The screenplay, co-written by Yashowardhan and veteran Ashok Mishra, managed to weave humour, absurdity, and emotion into a tight narrative. It didn’t preach—it entertained, questioned, and laughed at the same time. That’s no small feat.
And the win isn’t just a nod to cinematic craft—it’s an endorsement of films that take the unconventional route. In a time when loud spectacles often steal the limelight, a humble, grounded story like Kathal shining at the National Awards is a reminder: content still counts.
For everyone involved in Kathal, the win feels personal. It’s not just an award—it’s a reward for taking risks, telling untold stories, and doing it with authenticity. Whether it’s Sanya Malhotra’s subtle expressions, the sharp direction, or the seamless team effort behind the camera, this film truly earned its jackfruit moment.
As audiences and creators celebrate the win, one thing is clear—Kathal was never just about a fruit. It was always about the story, the message, and the people behind it who made it all come alive.
