Mumbai Maharashtra leaders Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray have criticized the decision to shift the National Film Awards Ceremony from Delhi to Gujarat in its 72-year history. At the same time, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has appealed to the artists to boycott the event. Raj Thackeray objected to the change of location and wrote why was this necessary? After trying to reduce the importance of the country's financial capital Mumbai, is now an attempt being made to gradually eliminate the importance of the country's capital Delhi too?
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South Indian cinema even influenced politics, then why was Gujarat chosen?
He further wrote that 'The question is simple, why organize the National Film Awards only in Gujarat? If the place had to be changed then why not Mumbai? Dadasaheb Phalke laid the foundation of Indian cinema in Maharashtra. Then why was the awards ceremony not held in Maharashtra? Films are produced on a large scale in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. South Indian cinema has even influenced politics. Then why was Gujarat chosen?
For the first time in the 72-year history of the National Film Awards, the ceremony is being shifted from the national capital, Delhi, to Kevadia in Gujarat. While there is an ongoing concerted effort to diminish the importance of Mumbai, the country's financial capital, a… pic.twitter.com/autVMvePN4
— Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) September 10, 2026
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He further wrote that 'It seems that people who have failed to do something big themselves are now trying to create a new history by changing the name and place. Perhaps they fear that tomorrow their political influence will be limited to Gujarat only, hence from today onwards efforts are being made to make Gujarat the center of everything.
Why is Gujarat being promoted – Raj Thackeray
Raj Thackeray questioned keeping not only the National Film Award but also the location of Commonwealth and 2023 Cricket World Cup in Gujarat. He has asked what Amit Shah wants to tell the country by this. He wrote that 'the issue is not whether the function is taking place in Kevadiya or Mumbai. The real question is why is a wonderful tradition that has been going on for 72 years being broken? National Film Awards have been given in the country's capital Delhi. Now why suddenly there was a need to change this tradition? In America, the Oscars are always held in Los Angeles. Whether Trump came there, Bush came or Obama came, no one tried to take the award ceremony to their home state.
'We will definitely raise our voice on this issue, but artists from across the country will also have to come forward. Artists will have to ask why the glorious tradition of National Film Awards is being broken.
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Sanjay Raut appeals to celebs to boycott ceremonies
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut also condemned the holding of the ceremony in Gujarat. He said that this is not a program related to Gujarat, but it is a National Film Award, so why was its location kept in Gujarat. It was to be kept in the capital itself, as has been the practice for the last many years. He has appealed to other celebs not to attend this event and boycott it.
This time the ceremony will be held in Gujarat
The National Film Awards ceremony is usually held in New Delhi. Last year, the 71st National Film Awards ceremony was held on 23 September 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi. President Draupadi Murmu presented the awards to the winners.
Now the tradition is being changed for the 72nd National Film Awards. According to officials, this time the ceremony is being organized outside Delhi in Ekta Nagar (Kevadiya) of Gujarat. This is being said to be the first event of the National Film Awards ceremony outside Delhi.
The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards have been announced on 18 July 2026. Among these, 'Article 370' received the Best Feature Film award. The film's actress Yami Gautam received the Best Actress award, while the Best Actor award was jointly given to Kartik Aryan ('Chandu Champion') and Mammootty ('Brahmayugam').
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Possibility of getting award from President Murmu
According to media reports, President Draupadi Murmu's visit to Gujarat is proposed on September 22. She will attend the convocation ceremony of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and after that will participate in the program of Brahma Kumaris in Padra. During the same tour, she is also likely to visit Ekta Nagar, where she can present the 72nd National Film Awards.
Why was Ekta Nagar chosen?
Ekta Nagar is located in the Narmada district of Gujarat and the Statue of Unity is the main attraction here. Holding the National Film Awards Ceremony here sends a message of connecting it with Gujarat's major tourism and national integration destination. Recently, Aanand L Rai's documentary 'Statue of Unity – A Symbol of Unity' has also been honored at the 72nd National Film Awards. It is based on the story of the Statue of Unity and the development of Kevadiya.