The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is set to celebrate outstanding achievements in Indian cinema at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat, on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. President Droupadi Murmu will present the prestigious honours to actors, filmmakers, technicians and other cinema professionals recognised for their contribution to the industry.
This year’s event has attracted considerable attention because prominent stars, including Mammootty, Yami Gautam and Kartik Aaryan, are among the personalities expected to be honoured. The ceremony will bring together representatives from different regional film industries, highlighting the linguistic and creative diversity that defines Indian cinema.
National Film Awards ceremony moves beyond Delhi
The 2026 ceremony carries additional significance as it is being organised outside New Delhi for the first time. Ekta Nagar, located near the Statue of Unity in Gujarat’s Kevadia region, will host the national event and welcome leading figures from the film fraternity.
The change in venue gives the ceremony a distinctive identity while expanding the national celebration of cinema beyond its traditional location. Preparations at Ekta Nagar have placed Gujarat at the centre of one of the Indian entertainment industry’s most important annual events.
The National Film Awards recognise excellence across feature films, non-feature films, performances, direction, music, writing and technical departments. Unlike awards focused mainly on commercial success or popularity, the national honours celebrate artistic merit, storytelling and craftsmanship across multiple Indian languages.
Mammootty’s presence has generated excitement among Malayalam cinema fans, while Yami Gautam and Kartik Aaryan have also emerged as major talking points ahead of the event. Their expected recognition has increased interest among audiences following the ceremony and its live updates.
Veteran actor Anant Nag will be presented with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, the country’s highest recognition in cinema. The honour acknowledges his extensive career and lasting contribution to Indian films.
Anant Nag has worked prominently in Kannada cinema while also appearing in productions from other industries. His performances across commercial films, parallel cinema and television have earned him recognition from viewers and filmmakers over several decades.
President Droupadi Murmu’s presentation of the awards will be the central moment of the ceremony. Winners from different categories will receive national recognition for their performances and creative contributions, making the event an important occasion for the wider film community.
With celebrated actors, accomplished technicians and veteran cinema personalities gathering in Gujarat, the 72nd National Film Awards are expected to showcase the range of talent working across India. The ceremony will also underline the growing national reach of regional cinema and honour the artists whose work has made a significant cultural impact.
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