Criticism of Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray
Mumbai Prominent Maharashtra leaders Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray have strongly criticized the decision to shift the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony from Delhi to Gujarat. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has appealed to boycott this function. Raj Thackeray raised questions on this change and said whether an attempt is being made to reduce the importance of the country's financial capital Mumbai, and now is the importance of Delhi also being removed?
Why choose Gujarat?
Raj Thackeray also asked why the National Film Awards were being organized in Gujarat only. He said that if the place had to be changed, then why not Mumbai? Dadasaheb Phalke had laid the foundation of Indian cinema in Maharashtra, hence the award ceremony should have been held there. Films are also produced on a large scale in many states of South India like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Sanjay Raut's appeal
Sanjay Raut also condemned holding the ceremony in Gujarat. He said that this is the National Film Award, hence it should have been organized in the capital itself. He has appealed to other artists to boycott this program.
Place and date of ceremony
Like previous years, the National Film Awards ceremony is usually held in New Delhi. Last year, the 71st National Film Awards was held on 23 September 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi. This time, the ceremony will be organized in Ekta Nagar (Kevadiya), Gujarat, which is being held outside Delhi for the first time.
Possible visit of the President
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 later present the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar.
Importance of Ekta Nagar
Ekta Nagar, which is located in Narmada district of Gujarat, is famous for the Statue of Unity. Organizing the National Film Awards ceremony here gives a message of linking it with a major tourist destination. Recently, Aanand L Rai's documentary 'Statue of Unity-Ekta Ka Pratik' has also been honoured.