The 72nd National Film Awards were presented on Tuesday, September 22, at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, marking a new chapter for the prestigious national cinema honours outside the national capital.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards at a ceremony held against the backdrop of the Statue of Unity. The awards recognised achievements in Indian cinema for the year 2024 across feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: 72nd National Film Awards presented in Gujarat.
Location: Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat.
Authority/Organisation: President of India and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
Action Taken: President Droupadi Murmu presented the national cinema honours.
Impact: The ceremony marked the National Film Awards moving beyond Delhi for the current edition.
Veteran actor Anant Nag was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, India's highest cinematic honour, in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema spanning more than five decades.
Article 370 was named Best Feature Film. Yami Gautam received the Best Actress in a Leading Role award for the same film.
The Best Actor in a Leading Role award was shared by Mammootty for Bramayugam and Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The National Film Awards represent one of India's major national recognitions for cinematic achievement. Holding the ceremony outside Delhi also gives the event a wider regional and cultural dimension.
Tamil film Amaran earned the Best Direction award for Rajkumar Periasamy, while Kalki 2898 AD was recognised as the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
Randeep Hooda received the Best Debut Film of a Director award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
In the non-feature section, Bhangaar was selected as Best Non-Feature Film, while Ram-Nami was named Best Documentary.
The ceremony was held outside Delhi as part of the government's decision to take future editions of the National Film Awards to different states and cities.
