The 72nd National Film Awards will break a seven-decade tradition on September 22, 2026, by hosting its annual ceremony in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, rather than the national capital of New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to preside over the event, which will honor 92 contributors to Indian cinema for their work throughout 2024. The decision to move the gala to the site of the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest monument, represents a strategic policy shift by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to decentralize the prestigious awards and showcase diverse regions of the country.
While the National Film Awards have occasionally been held outside Delhi in the past—notably in Chennai in 1971—the move to Ekta Nagar marks the first time in recent history that the event has departed from its long-standing home at Vigyan Bhawan. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that the initiative is designed to embody the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' by bringing together cinematic talent from across the nation to celebrate the cultural and linguistic diversity of Indian filmmaking.
A New Venue for a Historic Tradition
The choice of Ekta Nagar, formerly known as Kevadia, places the ceremony at the foot of the 597-foot Statue of Unity, a monument dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. To accommodate the influx of artists, filmmakers, and technicians, authorities are constructing a specialized German aluminium structural dome capable of hosting approximately 1,000 guests. Narmada District Collector Ganga Singh is overseeing the logistical arrangements, which include comprehensive security, protocol management, and venue coordination to ensure the event maintains its traditional dignity while operating in a new setting.
Officials emphasized that the move is intended to elevate the profile of the Narmada district both nationally and internationally. By shifting the venue, the government aims to integrate the celebration of cinematic excellence with the cultural significance of the region. The event will serve as a platform to recognize achievements across a wide spectrum of Indian languages, including Marathi, Santhali, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Tulu, and Garhwali, reflecting the broad reach of the national awards.
Recognition of Cinematic Excellence
The 72nd edition of the awards, with winners already announced in July, features a diverse list of honorees. The political thriller *Article 370* has been named the Best Feature Film, with Yami Gautam receiving the Best Actress award for her lead performance. In the Best Actor category, Malayalam superstar Mammootty and Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan will share the prize for their respective roles in *Bramayugam* and *Chandu Champion*. The awards also highlight directorial talent, with Randeep Hooda recognized as the Best Debut Director for his biopic *Swatantrya Veer Savarkar*.
Other notable winners include the Telugu science-fiction epic *Kalki 2898 AD*, which secured the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The Tamil film *Captain Miller*, directed by Arun Matheswaran and starring Dhanush, has been honored as the Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values. Additionally, the ceremony will mark a milestone for the Non-Feature Film section, which will see a Santhali film receive an award for the first time in the history of the competition.
Public Debate Over Venue Selection
The announcement of the venue shift has triggered a public debate regarding the criteria for hosting the national event. Filmmaker Rahul Dholakia publicly questioned the decision on social media, asking, “Why Gujarat?” He argued that if the ceremony were to move away from Delhi, the honor should ideally be bestowed upon states with a long-standing, significant contribution to Indian cinema, such as Maharashtra, Kerala, or Tamil Nadu, or major film hubs like Hyderabad.
Social media reactions to Dholakia’s comments have been sharply divided. Supporters of the filmmaker echoed his concerns about regional representation and the concentration of the film industry’s revenue and activity in Mumbai and the South. Conversely, other users defended the choice, pointing to the scenic beauty of Ekta Nagar and the symbolic importance of the Statue of Unity. The discourse has highlighted broader tensions regarding regional representation in national cultural events, extending the conversation beyond the logistics of the awards ceremony itself.
Logistics and Implementation Details
As the September 22 date approaches, the focus remains on the operational readiness of the Ekta Nagar site. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is coordinating with local authorities to manage the logistics for the 92 award recipients and the expected 1,000 attendees. The construction of the temporary dome structure is a critical component of the planning, ensuring that the event can be held with the necessary technical and aesthetic standards required for a national-level broadcast.
While the debate over the venue continues, the primary objective remains the successful execution of the ceremony. The event will serve as a culmination of the 2024 film year, bringing together winners from various categories, including those recognized for their work in *Amaran*, *Pushpa: The Rule Part-02*, *Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3*, and *Stree 2*. The government has not indicated whether this shift to Gujarat is a one-time event or the beginning of a permanent rotation policy for future National Film Awards ceremonies.
