Filmfare Awards 2025: Laapataa Ladies Triumphs as Best Film, Alia Bhatt and Abhishek Bachchan Shine in Ahmedabad

The 70th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2025 with Gujarat Tourism took center stage at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad on October 11, 2025, bringing together Bollywood’s biggest stars for an evening celebrating cinematic excellence. Laapataa Ladies dominated the nominations with an impressive 24 nods and ultimately claimed the coveted Best Film trophy, while powerhouse performances from Alia Bhatt and Abhishek Bachchan earned them top acting honors, and Kartik Aaryan’s transformative turn in Chandu Champion secured him critical acclaim.

Laapataa Ladies: The Night’s Biggest Winner

Kiran Rao’s directorial masterpiece Laapataa Ladies emerged as the evening’s undisputed champion, sweeping multiple categories and cementing its place as one of 2024’s most impactful films. The heartwarming story of two brides accidentally swapped during a train journey resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, combining social commentary with entertainment in a way that quintessentially defines quality Hindi cinema.

Laapataa Ladies Major Wins

The film claimed Best Music for Ram Sampath, Best Lyrics for “Sajni,” and Best Supporting Actress for Chhaya Kadam’s memorable performance. Additionally, Nitanshi Goel and Pratibha Ranta received Critics’ Choice recognition for their authentic portrayals of the two brides, showcasing the film’s strength in elevating newcomer talent.

The film’s success represents a victory for content-driven cinema in an era often dominated by big-budget spectacles. Laapataa Ladies proved that compelling storytelling, rooted in Indian realities yet universal in appeal, can capture both critical appreciation and audience hearts.

Alia Bhatt: Best Actress for Powerful Performance

Alia Bhatt took home the Best Actress award for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, where she portrayed a modern, confident character with emotional complexity. Her performance balanced rom-com charm with dramatic depth, showcasing the versatility that has made her one of contemporary Bollywood’s finest actors.

In Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Alia played Rani Chatterjee, a bold Bengali news anchor navigating family expectations, cultural clashes, and modern romance. Her chemistry with co-star Ranveer Singh, combined with her ability to handle Karan Johar’s trademark emotional beats and comedic moments, created a memorable character that resonated across demographics.

The win marks another milestone in Alia’s award-studded career, following her previous Filmfare victories and National Award. At just 32, she continues establishing herself as the gold standard for female performances in Hindi cinema.

Abhishek Bachchan: Best Actor Recognition

Abhishek Bachchan emerged as the predicted winner for Best Actor for his role in I Want to Talk, a performance that showcased his depth as a performer. After years of being underestimated despite delivering consistent quality work, this recognition represents career validation for the talented actor.

In I Want to Talk, Abhishek portrayed a character facing life-altering circumstances with nuance and restraint—a departure from flashier performances that often grab attention. His ability to convey complex emotions through subtle expressions and understated dialogue delivery impressed both critics and the Filmfare jury.

Best Actor Category Competition

The Best Actor category featured strong competition including Kartik Aaryan, Ajay Devgn, Hrithik Roshan, Rajkummar Rao, and Akshay Kumar for their outstanding performances, making Abhishek’s win even more significant against such heavyweight contenders.

Kartik Aaryan’s Transformative Performance

While Abhishek claimed the main Best Actor trophy, Kartik Aaryan’s work in Chandu Champion didn’t go unnoticed. His physical and emotional transformation to portray India’s first Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar earned widespread acclaim and positioned him as an actor willing to push boundaries beyond his chocolate-boy image.

Kartik underwent rigorous physical training, dramatically altering his physique to authentically portray an athlete. Beyond the physical transformation, he captured the determination, heartbreak, and ultimate triumph of Petkar’s journey, proving his range extends far beyond romantic comedies.

Kill Dominates Technical Categories

Nikhil Nagesh Bhat’s Kill dominated the Technical Awards alongside Laapataa Ladies, celebrating the creative forces behind Hindi cinema’s finest films. The action thriller’s visceral impact was acknowledged through multiple technical wins, recognizing the craftsmanship that elevated the film’s raw intensity.

Technical Awards Highlights

Raghav Juyal won Best Supporting Actor for Kill, while the film also claimed Best Director for Nikhil Nagesh Bhatt. The brutal, unflinching action choreography and tight editing that made Kill a visceral theatrical experience received well-deserved recognition.

Gujarat Tourism: A Historic Collaboration

The partnership with Gujarat Tourism marked a significant moment for the Filmfare Awards, taking the ceremony outside Maharashtra for a special edition. Ahmedabad’s EKA Arena transformed into Bollywood’s glittering epicenter for the night, showcasing Gujarat’s growing prominence in India’s entertainment landscape.

As the sun set over the Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad turned into a dazzling epicenter of Bollywood glamour at the EKA Arena, with the state’s rich cultural heritage providing a stunning backdrop to cinema’s biggest night.

The collaboration benefits both parties—Filmfare expands its geographic reach while Gujarat Tourism leverages Bollywood’s star power to promote the state’s venues, culture, and hospitality infrastructure. This model could pave the way for future award ceremonies exploring India’s diverse locations beyond traditional metros.

Red Carpet Glamour and Performances

The star-studded ceremony saw Bollywood celebrities arriving in their glamorous best, with the red carpet setting the tone for an evening of entertainment. Fashion moments ranged from traditional Indian couture to contemporary international designer wear, with actresses and actors making bold style statements.

Performances throughout the night celebrated seven decades of Hindi cinema, with medleys spanning classic hits to contemporary chartbusters. Shah Rukh Khan reportedly stole the show alongside Karan Johar and Kriti Sanon with their electrifying stage presence, reminding audiences why live award shows remain unmissable spectacles.

Diversity in Recognition

Beyond the major categories, the Filmfare Awards 2025 celebrated diverse voices and genres. From the hard-hitting realism of Article 370 to the horror-comedy success of Stree 2, from the sports biopic Chandu Champion to the action brutality of Kill—the nominations and wins reflected Hindi cinema’s expanding canvas.

The Critics’ Choice categories particularly championed unconventional choices, recognizing performances and films that pushed boundaries even if they didn’t achieve blockbuster status. This balance between commercial success and artistic merit is what keeps Filmfare relevant after 70 editions.

Special Mentions and Lifetime Achievement

The 70th edition included special tributes to cinema legends and lifetime achievement honors for those who shaped Hindi cinema’s evolution. These moments provided perspective—connecting Bollywood’s golden past with its dynamic present and promising future.

The ceremony also acknowledged technical excellence beyond traditional categories, with special jury mentions for breakthrough work in cinematography, production design, and sound that elevated storytelling without always receiving spotlight attention.

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