“A Well-Deserved Honor for an Exceptional Artist” and Applauds the Entire Team Behind the Film
Ahmedabad, July 19, 2026: Actor Jay Patel has congratulated filmmaker and actor Randeep Hooda on receiving the prestigious National Film Award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, describing the honour as a well-deserved recognition of Hooda’s extraordinary dedication, artistic vision, and unwavering commitment to bringing one of India’s most influential historical figures to the silver screen.
Expressing his happiness over the achievement, Jay Patel said, “Randeep Hooda absolutely deserved the National Award. In today’s world, it is incredibly rare to see a filmmaker dedicate himself so completely to a project he truly believes in. His unwavering commitment to Swatantrya Veer Savarkar was inspiring, and his passion for telling this story was evident in every frame.”
Patel further praised Hooda’s remarkable physical and emotional transformation in portraying Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, calling it one of the finest performances in recent Indian cinema. “He underwent an incredible physical and emotional transformation to authentically portray one of the most influential and debated figures in Indian history. The amount of research, preparation, discipline and hard work he invested in this film was extraordinary. This National Award is a fitting recognition of that remarkable journey,” Patel added.
Jay Patel, who portrayed the revolutionary nationalist Shyamji Krishna Varma in Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, described the film as one of the most memorable and meaningful projects of his career. “It was a tremendous honour to portray Shyamji Krishna Varma and to be part of a film that tells such an important chapter of India’s history. Working alongside Randeep Hooda and an exceptionally talented cast and crew was a truly enriching and unforgettable experience,” he said.
Patel also acknowledged the collective efforts of the entire production team whose dedication contributed to the film’s success. “I would like to congratulate my fellow actors and every member of the cast and crew—including the writers, assistant directors, cinematographers, editors, technicians, makeup artists, costume designers, production team, and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. This honour belongs to the entire team whose dedication, passion and perseverance brought this remarkable film to life,” he stated.
Congratulating the entire Swatantrya Veer Savarkar family, Patel concluded: “This National Award is not only a celebration of cinematic excellence but also a tribute to the unwavering commitment and sacrifice of everyone who believed in this film. My heartfelt congratulations to Randeep Hooda and the entire Swatantrya Veer Savarkar family on this well-deserved achievement. I wish them continued success in the years ahead.”
The National Award recognition has been widely welcomed across the Indian film fraternity, with industry members praising the film for its compelling storytelling, historical significance, and powerful performances. Jay Patel’s heartfelt message reflects the pride and appreciation shared by the entire team behind this landmark cinematic achievement.
