President Droupadi Murmu conferred the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, celebrating outstanding contributions to Indian cinema and recognising the talent, dedication and hard work of filmmakers and artists.
Congratulating the award winners, the President emphasised that filmmaking is a collective endeavour involving performers, technicians, assistants and numerous professionals working behind the scenes. She urged the recipients to convey her appreciation to every member of their teams whose efforts contributed to their success.
The President also presented the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 to veteran actor Anant Nag, honouring his distinguished and enduring contribution to theatre and Indian cinema.
Anant Nag Receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award
The presentation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award marked a defining moment in Anant Nag’s decades-long artistic journey. Accepting the honour, he expressed gratitude to the people and experiences that shaped his career.
Recalling his early years, Anant Nag said he spent part of his childhood in an ashram before moving to Mumbai, where he received an opportunity to act in a play. Theatre subsequently became the foundation of his career. He performed in around 50 plays before entering the world of films and later worked with acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal.
Anant Nag said he consciously chose Kannada cinema and made Bengaluru his karmabhoomi. He also recalled receiving the Padma Bhushan from President Murmu the previous year and expressed gratitude for receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award from her again.
President Murmu Highlights Cinema’s Cultural Power
President Murmu said Indian cinema represents the country’s diverse languages, traditions, aspirations and struggles. She welcomed the decision to hold the National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar, describing the venue as symbolic of India’s cultural and national unity.
She also called for greater dignity and social security within the creative economy, particularly for workers, small artists, assistants and struggling members of the film community.
The President further advocated women’s participation in all award juries, noting the importance of ensuring a comprehensive human perspective in the assessment of creative works.
Call for Responsible Influence on Young Audiences
Highlighting the influence of popular artists on children and young people, President Murmu urged successful artists to promote the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle.
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She also encouraged public figures in the creative sector to refrain from endorsing substances that may be harmful to health, underlining the wider social influence associated with popular cinema and its leading personalities.
The President said the quality of films being produced in India reinforces her belief that Indian cinema can achieve world-class standards.
Gujarat Hosts National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar
The ceremony at Ekta Nagar marked a new chapter in the history of the National Film Awards, with the prestigious event being held outside Delhi.
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for initiating the practice of taking the National Film Awards to destinations beyond the national capital. He described Gujarat’s opportunity to host the ceremony at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, as a matter of pride.
The Governor highlighted the contribution of Indian cinema to the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity and urged filmmakers to promote themes such as natural farming, healthy living, environmental awareness, brotherhood and national unity.
Bhupendra Patel Invites Filmmakers to Gujarat
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel welcomed President Murmu and other distinguished guests to the State.
He described cinema as a reflection of society, a carrier of culture and a powerful medium for connecting human emotions. He also highlighted its potential to strengthen India’s global identity and soft power.
Pointing to Gujarat’s heritage, landscapes and cultural traditions, Patel invited Indian and international filmmakers to explore the State as a filming destination.
Ashwini Vaishnaw Highlights New Creative Opportunities
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated the award winners and paid tribute to Anant Nag for his contribution to Indian cinema.
Vaishnaw emphasised that cinema is a team effort and said the National Film Awards recognise not only those receiving trophies but also professionals working behind the scenes.
He said the government intends to take the National Film Awards to important tourist destinations across States and Union Territories, combining recognition of cinematic excellence with promotion of India’s cultural heritage and tourism.
The Minister also highlighted the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) as an emerging talent pool. Around 380 students have enrolled in 13 courses, with programmes designed in collaboration with industry requirements.
He further said that 15,000 Creative Labs have been approved across the country, creating opportunities for young people to learn emerging technologies while showcasing India’s cultural diversity.
Vaishnaw also called upon the film fraternity, with Prasoon Joshi as Chairman of Prasar Bharati, to identify, nurture and promote emerging talent from smaller towns.
400 Feature Films and 161 Non-Feature Films Entered
According to Information and Broadcasting Ministry Secretary Chanchal Kumar, the 72nd National Film Awards received 400 feature films across 34 languages and 161 non-feature films across 24 languages.
A total of 22 Feature Film Awards and 23 Non-Feature Film Awards were conferred.
Kumar said the figures demonstrate the continuing growth of Indian cinema as a powerful medium of cultural expression and global storytelling. He also said that holding the awards outside Delhi at Ekta Nagar reflects the vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the broader idea of national unity.
Mammootty, Kartik Aaryan and Yami Gautam Among Major Winners
The awards recognised several prominent performances and films across different categories.
Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor in a Leading Role award for Bramayugam and Chandu Champion, respectively. Yami Gautam received the Best Actress in a Leading Role award for Article 370.
In the supporting categories, Sanjay Mishra was honoured as Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Bhakshak. Sachana Namidass for Maharaja and Ropashree Varkady for Mithya shared the Best Actress in a Supporting Role award.
Article 370 was named Best Feature Film, while Randeep Hooda received recognition for his directorial debut Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
Kalki 2898 AD won the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, while Captain Miller received the award for Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values.
Rajkumar Periasamy received the Best Direction award for Amaran.
Regional Cinema Takes Centre Stage
The 72nd National Film Awards also showcased India’s extraordinary linguistic diversity, with recognition extending beyond the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Dholi, produced by SC Pharmachem Pvt. Ltd. and directed by Dinesh P. Bhonsle, won Best Garhwali Film.
IMBU, produced by Pichchar Studio and directed by Shivadhwaj Shetty, received the Best Tulu Film award. Angen, a Santhali film directed by Ravi Raj Murmu, won the Best Debut Film of a Director award.
The recognition of Garhwali, Tulu and Santhali cinema underlined the expanding national platform for India’s regional filmmaking traditions.
National Film Awards Showcase India’s Cinematic Strength
The 72nd National Film Awards brought together established stars, emerging filmmakers, regional voices and diverse cinematic traditions at Ekta Nagar.
The ceremony celebrated artistic achievement while highlighting the broader role of cinema in preserving culture, connecting communities, creating opportunities for young talent and presenting India’s stories to audiences worldwide.
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