Ashutosh Gowarikar’s Toolsidas Junior received the National Award on Friday. Producers Gowariker, Sunita Gowariker, director Mridul Toolsidass and child actor Varun Buddhadev attended the special ceremony felicitating the awardees of the 68th National Film Awards 2020 in Delhi, where Toolsidas Junior received two honours - Best Hindi Film and Special Mention in Child Actor category for Varun Buddhadev.
An elated Gowariker, who won his second National Award, after bagging the first one for his 2001 sports drama Lagaan, shared, “Toolsidas Junior has been my first production venture which offered a platform to a young new director, and this win feels like a validation to encourage more filmmakers to tell their stories. I am extremely grateful to Bhushan Kumar and to the entire team of the film to make it possible. Also, a big thank you to the Jury." Sunita Gowariker, co-producer of the film added, "It is an overwhelming feeling. We are overjoyed that our efforts have been celebrated with the most prestigious honour of the nation.”
Director Mridul Toolsidass said, "The feeling is beyond surreal! ‘Toolsidas Junior’ is not only my first film, but also a reflection of my own childhood as the story is a tribute to my father and his journey. I hope I've made my father proud by honouring his love for snooker and the values he bestowed me with. I wish my on screen father Rajiv Kapoor was here with us today to witness this. I'm eternally grateful to Sunita ma'am and Ashutosh sir for believing in me and my story and blessings me with his vision and guidance through the journey." Toolsidas Junior featured late Rajiv Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt and Dalip Tahil in pivotal roles.