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.
Anant Nag to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award
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.
Natural Star Nani’s most-awaited mass action entertainer Dasara which marks the maiden Pan India film for the actor is getting ready for a grand release worldwide on March 30th. Directed by debutant Srikanth Odela, the movie’s production works were already competed and post-production works are also happening at a brisk pace.
The makers came up with a big announcement. This is regarding the teaser of the movie which will be unleashed on January 30th. The announcement vid
Megastar Chiranjeevi leaked a video from the shoot of a song from his mega action entertainer Bholaa Shankar and fans were thrilled to see the grandness in the making of that song. Stylish maker Meher Ramesh is taking extreme care in terms of every aspect of the movie and Ramabrahmam Sunkara is producing it in a large canvas. Today, the makers unveiled the song- Jam Jam Jajjanaka.
It's the grand celebration anthem of Bholaa Shankar. Mahati Swara Sagar has come up with a song tha
Chaitanya Rao, Arjun Ambati as heroes and Kishori Datrak as heroine and Ravi Shankar in key role is the movie Theppa Samudram. The film is directed by Satish Rapolu and produced by Neerukanti Manjula Raghavender Goud under the banner of Srimani Entertainments and presented by Baby Vaishnavi.
For this film P. R is the music director. The film is going to hit the screens on April 12th after completing its shooting. The song "Na Nalla Kaluva Puvva" written and sung by P
The highly anticipated historical epic Chhaava, produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films and directed by Laxman Utekar, is all set to make a grand entry into the Telugu film industry. Scheduled for release on March 7, the Telugu version of Chhaava is generating significant excitement following its success in Bollywood. The film’s gripping trailer has further amplified anticipation, giving audiences a glimpse into this powerful historical drama.
The sensational Kannada film Su From So, a hilarious comedy entertainer, is all set to make a grand debut in the two Telugu states on August 8, 2025. Directed by JP Tuminad, the film has already become a massive hit in Kannada and is ready to deliver its charm to the Telugu audience with the backing of Maitri Movie Makers. The film’s fresh narrative, perfect humor, and stellar performances are expected to make it a big success in Telugu as well.
The makers of Sai Dharam Tej's Virupaksha have unveiled the trailer for the film a short while ago and it looks to be an action oriented tale of a mystical land located in the rural shores of Andhra Pradesh.
The trailer starts with the establishment of the atmospheric as we get to see a rural landscape from the remote forestlands of AP.
The village is rattled by the supernatural instances that wreck havoc in the area and also lead to inhumane deaths. This is when the d
Indian cinema continues to make its mark globally as the acclaimed Malayalam film Bramayugam, starring Mammootty, is set to screen at the prestigious Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on February 12, 2026. The film will be part of the museum’s series “Where the Forest Meets the Sea: Folklore from Around the World,” which runs from January 10 to February 12, 2026. Written and directed by Rahul Sadasivan, Bramayugam is a black-and-white psychological horror drama that delves into Ke
The trailer of Lukkhe, featuring Raashii Khanna and King, has been released, giving audiences a glimpse into a gripping musical action drama set in Punjab.The series blends music, crime and romance, and is scheduled to stream on Prime Video from May 8, 2026. The trailer introduces a layered narrative centered around multiple characters whose lives collide in unexpected ways. Raashii Khanna plays a key role alongside King, who makes his acting debut as MC Badnaam, a rising rapper navigating rival
Anaganaga Oka Raju is shaping up to be one of the most exciting releases of Sankranthi 2026, capturing audience attention with its vibrant promotions and refreshing concept. Presented by Srikara Studios and produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya, the film comes from the trusted banners Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas. The project is headlined by star performer Naveen Polishetty, who has delivered three consecutive hits, and is now stepping into dual roles—as the film
The Sankranthi seasons is nearly upon us as the flurry of new films are set for release next weekend. The list of films include Guntur Kaaram, Saindhav, Naa Saami Ranga and Hanuman.
Coming to the topic, Eagle which was also scheduled for release during the Sankranthi season has now opted out of the Sankranthi season in the last minute.
Tollywood producers guild held a meeting in Hyderabad today and the makers of Eagle have announced that they are postponing the relea
