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Rahul Dholakia questioned the decision to hold the 72nd National Film Awards in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, rather than its customary Delhi venue. The September 22 ceremony marks a break from the usual Vigyan Bhawan setting. Writing on X, Dholakia asked why Gujarat was selected and suggested Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu or Hyderabad as alternatives because of their cinema contributions.

On Monday, it was officially announced that the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony won't take place in New Delhi, and it will happen in Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat, on September 22, 2026. Mostly every year, the ceremony took place in New Delhi at Vigyan Bhawan, but this year it will be an exception. Filmmaker Rahul Dholakia took to X to question the decision of shifting the ceremony to Gujarat.

He tweeted, "I have no particular love lost for Delhi hosting the National Film Awards, but I question the shift to Gujarat. Why Gujarat? (sic)."

He further gave the suggestions about the states where the ceremony could be held. The filmmaker tweeted, "Why are you are breaking the tradition of presenting the award in another city/ state- then why not give that honor to a state that has contributed to cinema? Like Maharashtra or Kerela or Tamil Nadu . Even a city like Hyderabad .. why go to Gujarat? #NationalFilmAwards (sic)."

Netizens React To Rahul Dholakia's Tweet

Netizens have given a mixed reaction to the filmmaker's tweet. A netizen tweeted, "Just go and search the location of Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. This is very beautiful location, don't bring your politics here. First visit that locality (sic)."