72nd National Film Awards: Randeep Hooda Wins Best Debut Director for ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’
Actor Randeep Hooda has achieved a monumental milestone at the 72nd National Film Awards, clinching the prestigious Best Debut Director award for his biographical drama Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. Hooda, who dynamically spearheaded the 2024 project as its director, co-writer, co-producer, and lead actor, expressed profound emotion following the announcement, admitting he is “still trying to process” the honor.
A Challenging but Rewarding Creative Journey
Reflecting on the rigorous filmmaking process and the ultimate validation from the National Awards jury, Hooda shared his gratitude:
“Being announced as the winner of the National Award for Best Debut Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar is a moment I’m still trying to process. This film asked more of me than anything I’ve ever done. The journey of this film was filled with challenges at every juncture, but I’m glad we saw it through and overcame each of those. And despite that, somehow we kept finding the strength to move forward.”
The filmmaker emphasized that the intense physical and mental hardships endured by the crew faded in comparison to the historical weight of the subject matter:
“As an actor, co-writer and first-time director, I gave this film everything I had because I felt an immense responsibility towards telling Veer Savarkar’s story with sincerity and honesty. Whatever we endured while making this film is insignificant compared to the life he lived and the sacrifices he made.”
Hooda dedicated the accolade to his collaborative team, adding, “This recognition belongs to all of us, and I hope it inspires more people, especially the younger generation, to discover and reflect on Veer Savarkar’s legacy.”
About the Film: ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’
The Hindi-language biographical drama debuted in cinema halls on March 22, 2024. Co-written alongside Utkarsh Naithani, the screenplay meticulously traces the evolutionary journey of freedom fighter and political ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, capturing his formative early years and his controversial, high-stakes role in India’s freedom struggle.
The biopic received widespread praise for its technical depth and acting standards. Hooda garnered particular acclaim for his extreme, headline-making physical transformation to authentically portray Savarkar during his imprisonment.
By securing the Best Debut Director trophy, the National Film Awards have formally recognized Hooda’s seamless transition behind the lens, cementing Swatantrya Veer Savarkar as a defining triumph in his multifaceted cinematic career.
