The National Film Awards ceremony is set to move out of Delhi for the first time in its 72-year history. The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony will be held at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia) in Gujarat on September 22, with President Droupadi Murmu scheduled to present the honours.
Historic Shift From Delhi
The National Film Awards have traditionally been associated with Delhi since the first ceremony was held at Vigyan Bhawan in 1954. Over the decades, the capital has remained the main venue for the prestigious event.The decision to hold the ceremony in Gujarat marks a major departure from that tradition. Ekta Nagar, located in Gujarat’s Narmada district, has emerged as a prominent tourism and cultural destination following the development of the Statue of Unity complex.The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards were announced in July, and this year’s presentation ceremony will be the first to be held outside Delhi.
President Murmu to Present the Awards
President Droupadi Murmu will confer the National Film Awards on September 22. The ceremony is expected to bring together leading actors, filmmakers and other members of the Indian film industry who have been recognised for their work.The event will also showcase Ekta Nagar, one of Gujarat’s major tourism destinations, with the Statue of Unity forming the centrepiece of the surrounding development.
Statue of Unity Adds Significance to Venue
Kevadia was renamed Ekta Nagar and is home to the Statue of Unity, the 597-foot monument dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, it is recognised as the world’s tallest statue.
Since then, Ekta Nagar has developed into a major tourist destination featuring hotels, public attractions and facilities for large-scale events.
Holding the National Film Awards at the venue gives the ceremony a setting associated with national heritage and tourism, marking a significant shift from its traditional Delhi backdrop.
72nd National Film Awards: Key Winners
The 72nd National Film Awards recognised films released in 2024, with honours presented across feature films, performances and technical categories.
Best Feature Film: Article 370
Best Actress: Yami Gautam for Article 370
Best Actor: Mammootty for Bramayugam and Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion
Best Director: Rajkumar Periasamy for Amaran
Best Debut Director: Randeep Hooda for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kalki 2898 AD
Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values: Captain Miller
A New Chapter for the National Film Awards
The move to Ekta Nagar makes the 72nd National Film Awards a landmark edition even before the trophies are presented. After decades of ceremonies centred in Delhi, shifting the event to Gujarat represents the first major change in the geographical setting of the awards.
With President Murmu scheduled to present the honours on September 22, the Ekta Nagar ceremony will mark a historic break from the National Film Awards’ long-standing association with Delhi.