It’s difficult to predict definitively who will win National Awards, as the selection process is rigorous and outcomes are announced after careful deliberation by a jury. The 71st National Film Awards are for films certified in 2023, and the announcement date for these is not yet known, though the 70th National Film Awards for 2022 films were announced in August 2024.
However, we can look at their recent critically acclaimed work and upcoming projects:
**Rani Mukerji:**
* Her last release was **Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway (2023)**, for which she received significant critical acclaim and won a Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress and an IIFA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. This performance could certainly put her in contention for a National Award.
* She has “Mardaani 3” and “King” (both currently filming) slated for release in 2026.
**Vikrant Massey:**
* Vikrant Massey had a highly acclaimed performance in **12th Fail (2023)**, which earned him the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor, Indian Film Festival of Melbourne’s Best Performance – Critics Choice, and the Pinkvilla Screen and Style Icons Awards for Best Actor – Jury Choice, among others. This role is a strong contender for National Award recognition.
* His upcoming films include “Zero Se Restart” and “The Sabarmati Report” in 2024, and “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan” and “Dostana 2” in 2025.
Given their impactful performances in 2023, both Rani Mukerji (for *Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway*) and Vikrant Massey (for *12th Fail*) could be strong contenders for National Awards in their respective categories. However, until the official announcement, these are just predictions.
