The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony will move outside Delhi for the first time in more than seven decades. President Droupadi Murmu will honour the winners at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on September 22, 2026, celebrating films released in 2024.

National Film Awards Move to Gujarat

In a major departure from tradition, the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony will be held at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat’s Narmada district instead of New Delhi. The prestigious event is scheduled near the Statue of Unity, creating a new setting for one of Indian cinema’s most important celebrations. President Droupadi Murmu will present the awards to 92 recipients. Authorities are preparing a temporary German aluminium structural dome in the Bus Bay area of the complex, with facilities for nearly 1,000 guests, including actors, filmmakers, technicians and senior dignitaries.

Article 370 Leads the Major Winners

The awards recognise excellence in feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema from 2024. Article 370 received the Best Feature Film honour, while Yami Gautam won Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in the political action drama. The Best Actor in a Leading Role award will be shared by Mammootty for the Malayalam film Bramayugam and Kartik Aaryan for the Hindi sports drama Chandu Champion. Their joint victory recognises two powerful and contrasting performances selected by the national jury.

Kalki 2898 AD and Telugu Cinema Earn Recognition

Nag Ashwin’s Telugu science-fiction epic Kalki 2898 AD, starring Prabhas, was selected as the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The film also won the award for Best Production Design, adding another important achievement to its record. Committee Kurrollu, produced by Pink Elephant Pictures and Shree Radha Damodara Studios, was named Best Telugu Film. Directed by Yadhu Vamsee, the film also secured the Best Make-up award for P Ravi Kumar, marking a notable achievement for the team and producer Niharika Konidela.

A Landmark Ceremony Near the Statue of Unity

The Ekta Nagar ceremony represents a major geographical shift for the National Film Awards, which have traditionally been presented in Delhi. Hosting the event near the Statue of Unity is expected to bring national attention to Gujarat while providing a distinctive backdrop for the celebration. With the President presenting the honours and leading names from different film industries expected to attend, the ceremony will showcase the performances, storytelling and technical excellence recognised across Indian cinema in 2024.