Cinema VinesThe National Film Awards, a ceremony that has traditionally been held in Delhi since its inception in 1954, will for the first time in its 72‑year history move to Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on September 22. The shift marks a significant departure from long‑standing custom, with officials announcing that President Droupadi Murmu will present the honours at the new venue.
Ekta Nagar, formerly known as Kevadia, is best known as the site of the Statue of Unity – the world’s tallest statue, standing 597 feet tall and dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The monument was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, and its presence adds a symbolic backdrop to the awards ceremony.
The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards were announced in July, with the feature film Article 370 taking home the Best Feature Film award. The film’s lead actress, Yami Gautam, was also honoured as Best Actress for her performance. In a rare joint recognition, Malayalam superstar Mammootty received the Best Actor award for his work in Bramayugam, while Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan earned the same title for his role in Chandu Champion.
Actor‑filmmaker Randeep Hooda was named Best Debut Director for his directorial debut, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, a biopic about Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Other notable winners include Nag Ashwin’s Telugu science‑fiction epic Kalki 2898 AD, which won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, and the Tamil film Captain Miller, directed by Arun Matheswaran and starring Dhanush, which received the Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values.
The September 22 ceremony is expected to bring together many of the year’s top winners, signalling a new chapter for the National Film Awards as it steps outside Delhi for the first time. The event promises to showcase the diversity and talent of Indian cinema, while the presence of the President underscores the national significance of the awards.
