A major change is expected in the history of the National Film Awards this year. For the first time, the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony will be held outside New Delhi. According to officials, Ekta Nagar (Kevadia) in Gujarat has been chosen as the venue. The Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, is located here.
President Droupadi Murmu is likely to present the awards during her visit to Gujarat on September 23.
The National Film Awards ceremony has traditionally been held in New Delhi. Last year, the 71st National Film Awards ceremony was held at Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi on September 23, 2025. President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards to the winners.
Now, a change in tradition is being made for the 72nd National Film Awards. According to officials, preparations are underway to organize the ceremony this time in Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat, instead of Delhi. This is being described as the first-ever National Film Awards ceremony to be held outside Delhi.
Possibility of receiving the award from President Murmu
According to a report by The Indian Express, President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Gujarat is proposed for September 23. She will attend the convocation ceremony of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, followed by participation in a Brahma Kumaris event in Padra. During this same visit, she is also likely to visit Ekta Nagar, where she may present the 72nd National Film Awards.
Why was Ekta Nagar chosen?
Ekta Nagar is located in the Narmada district of Gujarat, and the Statue of Unity is the main attraction here. Hosting the National Film Awards ceremony here sends a message of connecting it with Gujarat’s major tourism and a site associated with national unity.
Recently, at the 72nd National Film Awards, Aanand L. Rai’s documentary ‘Statue of Unity – Ekta Ka Prateek’ was also honored. It is based on the story of the development of the Statue of Unity and Kevadia.
Winners of the 72nd National Film Awards have already been announced
The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards were announced on July 18, 2026. Among these, ‘Article 370’ received the award for Best Feature Film.
The film’s actress, Yami Gautam, received the honor of Best Actress, while the award for Best Actor was jointly given to Kartik Aaryan (‘Chandu Champion’) and Mammootty (‘Bramayugam’).
‘Srikanth’ becomes the Best Hindi Film
Rajkummar Rao’s film ‘Srikanth’ was chosen as the Best Hindi Film at the 72nd National Film Awards.
