Jharkhand’s Moment on the National Stage: Santhali Film Angen Wins 72nd National Film Award

For decades, Jharkhand’s tribal communities have preserved their stories through oral traditions, music, folklore and dance. Now, one of those stories has found national recognition on Indian cinema’s biggest stage.

Ravi Raj Murmu’s Santhali film Angen has won the 72nd National Film Award for Best Debut Film of a Director in the non-feature film category, giving Jharkhand one of its most significant cinematic achievements in recent years.

The award is more than an individual honour. It is a milestone for Santhali cinema, an emerging film movement that has long struggled with limited funding, distribution and institutional support despite possessing a rich storytelling tradition.

A Victory Beyond the Trophy

Soon after the announcement, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren congratulated Ravi Raj Murmu, describing the award as a matter of pride not only for the filmmaker but also for the people of Jharkhand and the Santhal community.

In his message, the Chief Minister said Angen had brought the richness of the Santhali language, culture and storytelling to the national stage and reflected the creative talent emerging from Jharkhand.

He expressed hope that the achievement would encourage more young filmmakers to document and preserve the state’s indigenous heritage through cinema.

A Defining Moment for Santhali Cinema

The National Film Awards have traditionally recognised films that combine artistic excellence with cultural significance.

For Jharkhand, Angen‘s success represents something larger than an award.

It demonstrates that stories rooted in indigenous identity can resonate far beyond regional audiences when told with authenticity.

Santhali, one of the recognised languages under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, has a vibrant literary and cultural tradition. Yet its cinematic ecosystem remains relatively small compared to mainstream Indian film industries.

Recognition at the National Film Awards provides visibility that independent filmmakers from the region rarely receive.

Why This Matters for Jharkhand

Jharkhand is often identified through its mineral wealth, forests and industrial economy.

Less attention is paid to its cultural industries.

Cinema has the potential to become an important part of the state’s creative economy by generating employment for writers, actors, musicians, technicians, editors and visual artists while preserving indigenous languages and traditions.

Successful regional films also contribute to tourism, cultural branding and investment in local creative industries.

The recognition for Angen comes at a time when audiences across India are increasingly embracing stories rooted in local cultures and regional languages.

More Than Recognition

For young filmmakers in Jharkhand, Ravi Raj Murmu’s achievement sends a powerful message.

Compelling cinema does not necessarily require large budgets or metropolitan studios. Authentic storytelling, cultural depth and cinematic craft can find national recognition even when they emerge from relatively small filmmaking ecosystems.

As digital platforms continue to expand opportunities for independent cinema, Jharkhand’s tribal stories may find audiences well beyond the state’s borders.

JharkhandInc Insight

For years, discussions around Jharkhand have been dominated by mining, industry and natural resources.

Angen reminds us that the state’s greatest assets also include its stories, languages and cultural imagination.

If supported through film policies, training institutes, regional film funds, production incentives and stronger exhibition networks, Jharkhand could emerge as an important destination for indigenous and regional cinema.

Ravi Raj Murmu’s National Film Award is therefore more than a personal milestone. It is a signal that Jharkhand’s creative economy is ready for national attention.

At a Glance