Gujarat: President Droupadi Murmu will present the historic 72nd National Film Awards this evening at Ekta Nagar, marking a new chapter in Indian cinema.

Instituted in 1954, the National Film Awards represent India’s highest cinematic honours and recognise artistic and technical excellence across various categories, including Feature, Non-Feature and Writing on Cinema.

As part of a major policy initiative by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the awards are being held outside the national capital. The ceremony at Ekta Nagar brings together cinematic talent from across the country, reflecting the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.

Anant Nag to Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award

President Droupadi Murmu will also honour veteran actor Anant Nag with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024.

The iconic Ekta Nagar in Kevadia is hosting the National Film Awards for the very first time. Renowned actors, acclaimed filmmakers and technicians from across the country have started arriving at the venue for the grand celebration of Indian cinema.

Major Feature Film Award Winners

The ceremony honours outstanding cinematic achievements for the year 2024. Among the major feature film awards, Article 370 was selected as the Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam won the Best Actress award for her role in the film.

The Best Actor honour is shared by Mammootty for Bramayugam and Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion.

Rajkumar Periasamy won Best Direction for Amaran, while Kalki 2898 AD was named Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

Randeep Hooda won the Best Debut Director award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.

Non-Feature Film Awards

In the non-feature category, the Marathi film Bhangaar was named Best Non-Feature Film.

Director Aanand L Rai was selected for Best Direction for Statue of Unity – Ekta ka Prateek.

Ravi Raj Murmu received the Best Debut Director (Non-Feature) honour for the Santhali film Angen.