The 72nd National Film Awards will be held near the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting honours to leading actors, filmmakers, technicians and regional cinema artists from across India.

Statue of Unity Venue Prepares for Grand Ceremony
Preparations are in full swing at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, where the awards ceremony is scheduled to begin at 3 PM on September 22. A large pandal with seating for nearly 1,000 attendees has been created near the Statue of Unity, while a separate air-conditioned dome will accommodate more than 1,000 VIP guests. The dome uses a high-tech German-engineered structure and is being prepared to host film personalities, government officials and other dignitaries attending one of Indian cinema’s biggest annual events.

Kartik Aaryan, Mammootty Among Major Award Winners
Film industry arrivals have already started in Kevadia, with Kartik Aaryan among the prominent names expected at the ceremony. He will receive the Best Actor award for Chandu Champion and shares the honour with Malayalam superstar Mammootty, who has been recognised for Bramayugam. The event will bring together National Film Award winners from across the country, along with a strong representation from regional industries, including Gujarati cinema.

Article 370 Wins Best Feature Film
Among the other major honours, Article 370 has been named Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam will receive the Best Actress award for her performance in the film. Randeep Hooda is set to be honoured as Best Debut Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, while Bhangar has won the Best Non-Feature Film award. In total, 92 artists are scheduled to receive honours during the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony. Veteran actor Anant Nag will also be presented with the 2024 Dadasaheb Phalke Award, adding a special highlight to the event.

President Murmu to Present Honours in Kevadia
President Droupadi Murmu will lead the presentation of awards and will be joined by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Senior ministers and officials from both the Gujarat and central governments are also expected to attend. For audiences unable to be present at the venue, the ceremony will be streamed live on the DD National YouTube Channel from 3 PM IST on September 22, allowing viewers across the country to follow the celebrations.