The National Film Awards ceremony is expected to move out of New Delhi for the first time, with Ekta Nagar in Gujarat likely to host the presentation ceremony for the 72nd edition.
President Droupadi Murmu is expected to present the awards during her visit to Gujarat later this month. If confirmed, the event will mark a major shift from the long-standing tradition of hosting the prestigious ceremony in the national capital.
For decades, the National Film Awards presentation ceremony has been held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, where the President presents the honours to award-winning artists and filmmakers.
The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards, recognising films released in 2024, were announced in July. Article 370 won the Best Feature Film award, while Yami Gautam was named Best Actress. Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor honour.
The proposed venue is particularly significant as Ekta Nagar is home to the Statue of Unity, one of Gujarat’s most prominent landmarks. The official confirmation of the ceremony’s venue is awaited.