Finally, hard work has paid off for Sanya Malhotra. The talented actress, known for her quiet intensity and effortless authenticity, has added another shining moment to her career as Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery clinched the National Award for Best Hindi Film at the 71st National Film Awards.
As the news broke, Sanya took to Instagram with a heartfelt note — not one of celebration, but of reflection. She shared a memory from the film’s early days, writing, “During the prep for Kathal I remember Yasho and I driving to Ghatigaon, meeting the people who inspired him to write this story. It changed something in me.”
She continued, recounting a vivid moment that stayed with her: “I still remember sitting in that car, holding onto the weight of what it meant to play Mahima. I was overwhelmed, humbled and so deeply grateful.”
For Sanya, Kathal wasn’t just another role — it was a responsibility. And now, the film's powerful storytelling has been recognised at the highest level.
Released on Netflix in 2023, Kathal is a genre-bending satirical comedy-drama that tells the seemingly absurd yet deeply reflective story of a small-town police officer, Mahima Basor, played with grace and grit by Malhotra. The plot? A mysterious case involving missing jackfruits from a local MLA’s residence — but beneath its humor, the film sharply critiques systemic apathy, caste dynamics, and bureaucratic farce.
Kathal was directed by Yashowardhan Mishra, who co-wrote the story with his father, renowned writer Ashok Mishra. Together, they crafted a screenplay that’s both funny and fearless. The film was produced by Guneet Monga and Achin Jain under the banner of Sikhya Entertainment, in collaboration with Balaji Motion Pictures. Monga, already an Academy Award winner for The Elephant Whisperers, continues to be one of the most important voices championing Indian indie cinema on the global stage.
In her post, Sanya added: “I used to believe that with every film, my job was simple — keep my head down, serve the story, serve the audience, and give my heart to the work. I still believe that. But today, I’m allowing myself a pause. A moment to feel joy, pride, and gratitude…”
That pause — that moment — is well-earned. From a girl who first gained attention as Babita in Dangal, to becoming one of the most respected performers of her generation, Malhotra’s journey has been defined by patience, persistence, and power-packed performances.
Kathal's National Award is not just a win for the team — it’s a triumph for stories that speak of deeper truths while entertaining. It signals a growing appetite for films that challenge systems with a smile, and for performances like Sanya’s that don’t shout but resonate.
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