The annual celebration of cinematic excellence in India is poised for a major historical shift. While the prestigious National Film Awards have traditionally been hosted in the national capital, New Delhi, officials announced on Monday that the upcoming 72nd National Film Awards ceremony will break tradition and move to a breathtaking new location. On September 22, President Droupadi Murmu will confer the honors upon the country’s finest filmmakers, actors, and artists not at Vigyan Bhawan, but against the magnificent backdrop of Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, home to the world’s towering architectural marvel, the Statue of Unity.
Shifting Tradition: Why the 72nd National Film Awards Ceremony is Heading to Gujarat
Since the inception of the National Film Awards in 1954—where the very first ceremony was hosted at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi—the capital has served as the traditional home for honoring cinematic brilliance. Although rare exceptions have seen the ceremony travel outside Delhi in the past, this year’s relocation to Kevadia, officially renamed Ekta Nagar, marks a monumental change. Set against the 597-foot-tall Statue of Unity dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel—which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018—the September 22 event promises an unforgettable fusion of national pride, culture, and cinematic celebration.
Celebrating Cinematic Brilliance: Major Winners of the 72nd National Film Awards
The anticipation surrounding the ceremony follows the official announcement of the 72nd National Film Awards winners made in July, celebrating the finest cinematic achievements from across India. Among the major accolades, the critically acclaimed political drama Article 370 secured the coveted title of Best Feature Film, with its powerhouse lead Yami Gautam clinching the Best Actress award. Meanwhile, Rajkummar Rao’s inspirational biographical drama Srikanth was honored as the Best Hindi Feature Film.
Star-Studded Triumphs Across Regional and Mainstream Indian Cinema
The acting categories witnessed historic and tied triumphs, with Malayalam superstar Mammootty sharing the Best Actor award for his gripping performance in Brahmayugam alongside Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan for his inspiring sports drama Chandu Champion. Adding to the accolades, actor-filmmaker Randeep Hooda bagged the Best Debut Director award for his biographical masterpiece Swatantra Veer Savarkar. In the popular and social categories, the Telugu sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, while the Tamil action-drama Captain Millerdirected by Arun Matheswaran and starring Dhanush, was recognized for promoting national, social, and environmental values. With preparations in full swing, President Murmu will honor these stellar contributors on September 22, celebrating the diverse brilliance of Indian cinema.