The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is set to break a seven-decade tradition by moving its venue outside of New Delhi for the first time since the awards were established in 1954. Officials confirmed that the prestigious event will be held in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on September 22, 2026. President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to preside over the ceremony, presenting the honors to the year's top cinematic talent during her official visit to the state.
For most of its history, the National Film Awards have been synonymous with the capital, frequently hosted at Vigyan Bhawan. The shift to Ekta Nagar—formerly known as Kevadia—represents a significant departure from this established protocol. The venue holds symbolic importance as the home of the Statue of Unity, the 597-foot monument dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.
A Historic Shift in Venue
The decision to relocate the 72nd edition of the National Film Awards to Gujarat marks the first time in the 72-year history of the honors that the ceremony will not take place in New Delhi. While the awards were announced in the capital in July, the physical presentation ceremony will now occur in the shadow of the world's tallest statue. This move is expected to bring national attention to the Ekta Nagar region, which has been developed as a major tourist and cultural hub.
Historically, the Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi has served as the primary stage for the President of India to confer these awards. By moving the event to a location so closely tied to a major national landmark, the government is signaling a shift in how it showcases the country's cultural achievements. The logistical transition involves moving the entire production apparatus, including the hosting of winners and dignitaries, to a site that has not previously hosted an event of this scale in the film industry's calendar.
Celebrating the 72nd Edition Winners
The awards being presented in Ekta Nagar recognize the cinematic output of 2024. The selection committee’s choices reflect a diverse range of storytelling, with "Article 370" securing the title of Best Feature Film. Yami Gautam, who starred in the film, has been named Best Actress. The Best Actor category features a shared honor, with Malayalam superstar Mammootty and Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan recognized for their roles in "Bramayugam" and "Chandu Champion," respectively.
Other notable recognitions include the science-fiction epic "Kalki 2898 AD," which will receive the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. The Tamil film "Captain Miller," directed by Arun Matheswaran and starring Dhanush, has been selected for the award promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values. Additionally, actor-filmmaker Randeep Hooda is set to receive the Best Debut Director award for his work on the biopic "Swatantrya Veer Savarkar."
The Significance of Ekta Nagar
Ekta Nagar, formerly known as Kevadia, has undergone significant transformation since the inauguration of the Statue of Unity. The site has become a focal point for national pride and tourism, and hosting the National Film Awards is seen as a way to further integrate the location into the national cultural consciousness. The choice of venue highlights the government's ongoing efforts to decentralize major national events and utilize the infrastructure developed around the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel monument.
For the film industry, the move presents a logistical change, but it also offers a unique backdrop for the ceremony. The 597-foot statue serves as a powerful visual anchor for the event, contrasting with the traditional, formal setting of Delhi’s government buildings. Industry participants and winners will be traveling to the site specifically for the ceremony, marking a departure from the convenience of the capital city that has hosted the event for over 70 years.
Future Implications for National Events
The move to Gujarat raises questions about whether future editions of the National Film Awards will continue to rotate across different states or if this is a one-time occurrence tied to the specific significance of the Ekta Nagar location. While no official policy change regarding a permanent rotation has been announced, the precedent set by this year's ceremony could influence how the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting approaches the planning of future national honors.
As the industry prepares for the September 22 ceremony, the focus remains on the winners and the historic nature of the event. The shift is being closely watched by industry stakeholders, who are interested in seeing how the production values and the overall atmosphere of the ceremony translate to the new, non-traditional venue. With the President’s presence confirmed, the event maintains its status as the highest level of recognition for Indian cinema, regardless of the change in geography.
