Cinema must serve society: President Murmu’s message to filmmakers at National AwardsAt the 71st National Film Awards in New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu emphasised cinema’s transformative power beyond entertainment, calling it a tool to awaken societal consciousness and nurture sensitivity among citizens. She praised the growing diversity in Indian cinema and the emergence of women-centric narratives tackling social taboos and patriarchy. By PTI Published Date - 23 September 2025, 08:34 PMNew Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday hailed filmmakers at the 71st National Film Award and said that cinema is not merely an industry, but also a medium to awaken society and the nation. The President said that the cinema plays the role of making citizens more sensitive. In her speech, Murmu also congratulated National Film Award winners and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner this year.