Jul 18, 2026 07:11 PM IST Randeep Hooda is still trying to process his win Randeep Hooda in a statement said: "Being announced as the winner of the National Award for Best Debut Director for Swatantryaveer Savarkar is a moment I’m still trying to process.
This film asked more of me than anything I’ve ever done.
The journey of this film was filled with challenges at every juncture, but I’m glad we saw it through and overcame each of those.
And despite that, somehow we kept finding the strength to move forward.
As an actor, co-writer and first-time director, I gave this film everything I had because I felt an immense responsibility towards telling Veer Savarkar’s story with sincerity and honesty.
Whatever we endured while making this film is insignificant compared to the life he lived and the sacrifices he made.
I’m deeply grateful to my entire team for believing in this dream and standing by it through every high and low.
This recognition belongs to all of us, and I hope it inspires more people, especially the younger generation, to discover and reflect on Veer Savarkar’s legacy."
