President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, honoring outstanding cinematic achievements against the backdrop of the Statue of Unity. Latest 72nd National Film Awards report details cover the major awardees, the venue shift away from New Delhi, and key highlights from the presentation. Complete 72nd National Film Awards report breakdowns show major industry interest in this event.
Attribute Details Box
| Attribute Parameter | Field Value |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 72nd National Film Awards (Honouring 2024 Cinema) |
| Host Venue & Location | Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat (Statue of Unity Backdrop) |
| Dadasaheb Phalke Recipient | Anant Nag (50+ Year Career in Kannada & Hindi Cinema) |
| Best Feature Film | Article 370 (Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale) |
| Best Lead Actors | Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) & Mammootty (Bramayugam) |
| Best Lead Actress | Yami Gautam (Article 370) |
| Key Directorial Honors | Rajkumar Periasamy (Best Direction – Amaran) | Randeep Hooda (Best Debut Director – Swatantrya Veer Savarkar) |
| Key Dignitaries Present | President Droupadi Murmu, Union I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw |
Historic Relocation: Why National Film Awards Shifted to Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar
For the first time in over seven decades, India’s premier film ceremony moved away from its usual home at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Held on September 22, 2026, at an open-air complex in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, the event brought together more than 90 awardees alongside film delegations from across the country.
Speaking to reporters, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw explained that the Ashwini Vaishnaw Gujarat venue shift decision aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s effort to host major national celebrations in different parts of India. By moving the awards near national landmarks, the ministry hopes to boost film tourism and spotlight regional cultural centers. Industry watchers following the 72nd National Film Awards report noted widespread approval for the new venue setting. Every official 72nd National Film Awards report underscores the event’s cultural impact.
Anant Nag Conferred 2024 Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Illustrious 50-Year Career
The highest honor of the evening, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, went to veteran actor Anant Nag. Draped in a traditional shawl and presented with the Golden Lotus medallion and a ₹10 lakh cash prize, Nag received a standing ovation from the audience.
The Anant Nag Dadasaheb Phalke Award recognition honors a career spanning over 50 years and more than 300 films across Kannada, Hindi, Marathi, and Malayalam cinema. From early art-house roles in Ankur and Nishant to major box-office successes like K.G.F: Chapter 1, Nag’s work remains an enduring reference point for screen acting. Archival sections of the 72nd National Film Awards report highlight his legendary contribution to Indian cinema.
72nd National Film Awards Major Winners: Kartik Aaryan, Mammootty, and Yami Gautam Lead Top Honors
The competitive categories celebrated notable performances and productions from 2024. Political thriller Article 370 took Best Feature Film, while lead actor Yami Gautam won Best Actress. The 72nd National Film Awards winners list highlighted achievements across multiple regional industries, as detailed in every 72nd National Film Awards report covering top category honors:
- Best Feature Film: Article 370 (Produced by Jio Studios & B62 Studios)
- Best Actor in a Leading Role (Joint): Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion and Mammootty for Bramayugam
- Best Actress in a Leading Role: Yami Gautam for Article 370
- Best Direction: Rajkumar Periasamy for Amaran
- Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kalki 2898 AD (Directed by Nag Ashwin)
- Best Debut Film of a Director: Randeep Hooda for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
- Best Non-Feature Film Debut Director: Ravi Raj Murmu for Angen (First Santhali film to win a National Award)
President Droupadi Murmu Urges Film Stars to Shun Harmful Endorsements
In her address, President Droupadi Murmu congratulated the winners while offering clear thoughts on social responsibility in popular culture. She asked prominent actors and creators to refrain from endorsing products that harm public health, such as alcohol, tobacco, or online betting apps.
Addressing the audience during the President Murmu Kevadia awards speech, President Murmu noted that cinema exerts a strong influence on young viewers. She remarked that “a true star spreads light, not darkness,” encouraging public figures to consider their broader impact when making commercial choices. Media reviews of the 72nd National Film Awards report emphasized her call for social leadership.
🎬THE DADASAHEB PHALKE AWARD 2024 GOES TO…
Shri ANANT NAG
On the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee, the Government of India is pleased to announce that the Actor will be conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 for his contribution to Indian cinema and an illustrious cinematic journey that has inspired generations.
🗓️ The award will be presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on Sept 22, 2026.
📍Kevadia, Gujarat#NationalFilmAwards #DadasahebPhalkeAward
— PIB India (@PIB_India) September 16, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where were the 72nd National Film Awards held?
The 72nd National Film Awards were held at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat, near the Statue of Unity, marking the first time the ceremony moved out of New Delhi in over seven decades.
Who won the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 72nd National Film Awards?
Veteran actor Anant Nag was conferred the 2024 Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his outstanding five-decade contribution to Indian cinema.
Who won Best Actor and Best Actress at the 72nd National Film Awards?
According to 72nd National Film Awards report coverage, Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) and Mammootty (Bramayugam) shared the Best Actor award, while Yami Gautam won Best Actress for Article 370.
Why did the government move the National Film Awards venue to Gujarat?
Union I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated the move was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to promote film tourism and celebrate regional cultural heritage across India.
References
- “72nd National Film Awards Factsheet”. Press Information Bureau (PIB). 22 September 2026. Retrieved 23 September 2026.
- “Actor Anant Nag to be honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2024”. Press Information Bureau (PIB). 16 September 2026. Retrieved 23 September 2026.
- “Winners of the 72nd National Film Awards Announced”. Press Information Bureau (PIB). 18 July 2026. Retrieved 23 September 2026.
- “72nd National Film Awards: Kartik Aaryan, Mammootty win Best Actor honours, Yami Gautam named Best Actress”. The Times of India. 22 September 2026. Retrieved 23 September 2026.
- “72nd National Film Awards: Anant Nag gets Phalke honour; Yami Gautam, Mammootty, Kartik Aaryan best actors”. The New Indian Express. 22 September 2026. Retrieved 23 September 2026.
- “PM Modi’s vision inspired move to take National Film Awards beyond Delhi: Ashwini Vaishnaw”. Fact Net. 22 September 2026. Retrieved 23 September 2026.
- “72nd National Film Awards: Ceremony details and live broadcast”. Hindustan Times. 22 September 2026. Retrieved 23 September 2026.
- “National Film Awards: Yami, Kartik, Mammootty, Dhanush Honoured”. Rediff.com. 22 September 2026. Retrieved 23 September 2026.
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