New Delhi: The National Film Awards ceremony will be held outside Delhi for the first time in its 72-year history, with the 72nd edition scheduled to take place at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on September 22. President Droupadi Murmu will present the awards at the ceremony, officials said on Monday.
Ekta Nagar, formerly known as Kevadia, is home to the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The 597-foot monument was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.
The National Film Awards were first presented in 1954, with Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan serving as the venue for most editions over the decades. The decision to shift this year’s ceremony to Gujarat marks a departure from the long-standing tradition.
The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards were announced in July, with “Article 370” named Best Feature Film and Yami Gautam receiving the Best Actress award for her performance in the film.
Malayalam superstar Mammootty and Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan will jointly receive the Best Actor award. Mammootty was recognised for his performance in “Bramayugam”, while Aaryan won for “Chandu Champion.”
Actor-filmmaker Randeep Hooda has been named Best Debut Director for “Swatantrya Veer Savarkar,” a biographical film on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
Telugu science-fiction film “Kalki 2898 AD” will receive the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment award.
Tamil film “Captain Miller,” directed by Arun Matheswaran and starring Dhanush, has been named Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values.
