Filmmaker Chaitanya Tamhane, whose film Court was on Tuesday named the National Film Award winner in the best feature film category, was surprised at the news.
"I didn't know National Award was getting announced today. It came as a big surprise for me and my entire team," Mr Tamhane told IANS.
"Our film is slated for April 17 release and this is a big boost for the film. Now more people will get to know about this film," he added.
The team of the film, which has done its fair share of rounds at festivals, was also "thrilled", he said.
"I couldn't have asked for anything more than this."
Featuring Usha Bane, Vivek Gomber and Pradeep Joshi, the film is about a trial which unfolds in a lower court, where the hopes and dreams of the city's ordinary people play out. Forging these fates are the lawyers and judge, who are observed in their personal lives beyond the theatre of the courtroom.
