Top News

New Delhi: The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is set to make history by moving out of Delhi for the first time in the event’s 72-year history. The prestigious awards ceremony will be held at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on September 22, with President Droupadi Murmu scheduled to present the honours.

The decision marks a significant departure from the long-standing tradition of hosting the National Film Awards in the national capital. The ceremony has been associated with Delhi since the awards were instituted in 1954.

Ekta Nagar to host prestigious ceremony

The 72nd National Film Awards will be held in Ekta Nagar, formerly known as Kevadia. The Gujarat destination is best known as the home of the Statue of Unity, a major landmark dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The 597-foot monument was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 and has since emerged as one of Gujarat’s prominent tourist destinations.

The choice of Ekta Nagar as the venue gives this year’s ceremony a distinct character, taking the event beyond its traditional setting in Delhi. The presence of the President is expected to add further significance to the occasion.

Article 370 wins Best Feature Film

The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards were announced in July, with several prominent films and artistes receiving recognition across different categories.

Article 370 emerged as the Best Feature Film. The film, which features Yami Gautam in the lead, also earned recognition for the actress, who will receive the Best Actress award for her performance.

The Best Actor honour has been shared by Malayalam superstar Mammootty and Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan.

Mammootty was recognised for his performance in Bramayugam, while Kartik Aaryan received the award for his role in Chandu Champion.

The recognition adds another major achievement to the careers of both actors, who delivered performances in films belonging to very different genres and storytelling traditions.

Randeep Hooda honoured for directorial debut

Actor-filmmaker Randeep Hooda has also emerged among the notable winners this year. He will receive the Best Debut Director award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.

The film marked Hooda’s directorial debut and was based on the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Hooda also played the lead role in the film, combining acting and directing responsibilities for the project.

The award recognises his transition behind the camera and marks a significant milestone in his filmmaking career.

Kalki 2898 AD and Captain Miller among major winners

Nag Ashwin’s Telugu science-fiction epic Kalki 2898 AD has been named the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

The film, which features an ensemble cast and blends science fiction with Indian mythology and futuristic storytelling, was among the major commercial releases to receive recognition at this year’s National Film Awards.

Tamil film Captain Miller has also secured a major honour. Directed by Arun Matheswaran and starring Dhanush, the film was named the Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values.

The recognition highlights the film’s treatment of themes connected with social and historical concerns while adding another National Film Award to its list of achievements.

Ceremony marks a break from tradition

The September 22 ceremony is expected to bring together several of the country’s leading actors, directors and filmmakers who have been recognised in this year’s awards.

Moving the ceremony to Gujarat represents a notable change in the presentation of one of India’s most prestigious film honours. After decades of association with Delhi, the decision to host the event in Ekta Nagar is expected to place the spotlight on the destination while providing a different setting for the celebration of Indian cinema.

With President Droupadi Murmu scheduled to present the awards, the ceremony will formally honour the winners announced earlier this year and celebrate achievements across India’s diverse film industries.

The 72nd National Film Awards will therefore be significant not only for this year’s awardees but also for the history of the ceremony itself, as it marks the first time the prestigious event will be held outside Delhi.