The award was instituted in 1967, at 15th National Film Awards[1] and awarded annually for films produced in the year across the country, in all Indian languages.
Awards
All the awardees are awarded with 'Rajat Kamal' (Silver Lotus Award) and cash prize. Award winners include Producer, Director and Animator of the film.
Cash prize amount varied over the period. Following table illustrates the cash prize amount over the years:
Year (Period)
Cash Prize
1967–1973
Producer: A Medal and ₹5,000 (US$59) Director: A Plaque and ₹2,000 (US$23)
1974–1976
Producer: Rajat Kamal and ₹5,000 (US$59) Director: Rajat Kamal and ₹4,000 (US$47)
1977–1980
Producer: Rajat Kamal and ₹5,000 (US$59) Director: Rajat Kamal and ₹5,000 (US$59) Animator: Rajat Kamal and ₹4,000 (US$47)
1981–1983
Producer, Director and Animator: Rajat Kamal and ₹5,000 (US$59) Each
1982–2005
Producer, Director and Animator: Rajat Kamal and ₹10,000 (US$120) Each
2006–2021
Producer, Director and Animator: Rajat Kamal and ₹50,000 (US$590) Each
2022–present
Producer, Director and Animator: Rajat Kamal and ₹2 lakh (US$2,300) Each
Following are the winners over the years:
Indicates a joint award for that year
List of award films, showing the year (award ceremony), language(s), producer(s), director(s), animator(s) and citation
For effectively using the medium of animation to make a visual metaphor come live, the shadow of nuclear annihilation looms over the world as superpowers play a deadly game which has no winners.
For succinctly and with humour showing that acquisitions can become a burden and only after this load is cast off that human beings become happy like children.
In a humorous, colourful but effective way, the film conveys the message of wild life protection. The imaginative use of animation techniques enhances the appeal of the film, especially to children.
For its delightful adaptation and twist to the well-known Hare and Tortoise story using apt voices, lively dialogues and the latest 3D animation technique skilfully in an Indian setting.
For a well knit theme-oriented film, complemented by 2D graphics and a restrained colour palette. A strong message about leadership emerges through the film making it relevant to the contemporary times.
For its flowing and engaging animation style in telling the stories from Vivekananda’s childhood and its emphasis on developing the power of concentration.