Small-budget films lead the pack for National Film Awards 2023

Although the winners of the 2023 National Film Awards were expected to be announced months ago, political transitions delayed the process. Sources now suggest that the awards will finally be handed out in May, with small-budget films emerging as strong contenders across several major categories.

Earlier speculations had placed "'Mujib: The Making of a Nation as the frontrunner', but it has since disappeared from discussion. Instead, crowdfunded and small-budget productions like "Saatao" and "Adim" have gained traction.

According to Ajker Patrika, an anonymous source said, Shabnam and Javed may jointly receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, while "Saatao" is a likely winner for Best Film, with "Adim" also under serious consideration. "Saatao's" director Khandaker Sumon is reportedly leading the Best Director category, followed by Raihan Rafi ("Surongo") and Juboraj Shamim ("Adim").

In the Best Actor race, Afran Nisho ("Surongo") appears to be slightly ahead of Shakib Khan ("Priyotoma"), both of whom delivered standout performances during the 2023 Eid-ul-Azha film season. For Best Actress, "Surongo" star Tama Mirza is leading, while Ainun Putul ("Saatao") and Sohagi ("Adim") are also in contention.

In the Supporting Actor category, Shiba Shanu and Imtiaz Barshon ("Ora 7 Jon") are strong contenders, while Rashed Mamun Apu is being considered for his villainous roles in "Prohelika" and "Surongo".

Read more

Remembering actor Wasim: The icon who ruled the golden era of period films

In the Music category, "Priyotoma" is leading across the board. The song "Eshwar" has likely earned Shomeshwar Oli (lyrics), Prince Mahmud (composition), and Riyad (vocals) a place on the shortlist. Singers Balam and Konal are also in contention for their performances in the title track of "Priyotoma".

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will present the awards across 28 categories, following evaluations and scoring submitted by the jury.