Rajkummar Rao calls Newton a special film, Pankaj Tripathi's 20-year-old dream comes true

Director Amit Masurkar's Newton has bagged the National Award for Best Hindi Film. The film, starring Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Tripathi, largely won in the critics category at popular awards too. Tripathi's performance in the satire won him a Special Mention by the National Awards jury, led by filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. It's moment to celebrate for team Newton.

Newton review: Rajkummar, Pankaj Tripathi excel in superficial triumph of electoral democracy

Speaking to Cinestaan.com, Tripathi called the win a dream come true.

“20 years ago, I dreamt of winning a National Award. I feel very humbled. I’m really happy. As an actor, my responsibilities have only increased. From hereon, I will have to live up to expectations. I will endeavour to continue doing films,” said Tripathi.

Newton was largely feted in the critics awards category at popular award shows. It bagged the best film (critics' choice), best actor (critics' choice) for Rajkummar Rao, and best original story at the Filmfare Awards. Filmfare was criticised for ignoring Rajkummar in the best actor category.

The film had a modest release in India and it barely made Rs20 crore at the domestic box office. With Newton winning a National Award, isn’t it time for the popular awards to look at the way they dole out the best film award?

"I wouldn’t like to really comment on it. Be it music or films, it’s not compulsory that a popular one is always the best. The most tasty food is usually not good for health,” replied Tripathi.

The versatile actor’s phone hasn’t stopped ringing since the announcement was made. Tripathi can’t wait to speak to his little daughter. “I’ve been answering calls from the media the whole day, but I still haven’t been able to speak to my daughter. I’ll speak to her now,” said Tripathi.

“It’s a huge achievement for all of us. Newton is such a unique and special film for all of us. It’s a film that has been made with so much purity and honesty, without keeping any commercial aspects in mind," Rajkummar said in a statement.