National Film Awards ceremony to be held in Gujarat for first time since 1971
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The National Film Awards ceremony will be held in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on September 22, marking a rare departure from the national capital in the awards’ 72-year history.
The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the decision on Monday.
President Droupadi Murmu will present the awards for films released in 2024, as per convention.
The ceremony has traditionally been held at Delhi’s Vigyan Bhavan, except in 1971 when it was held in Chennai.
Vigyan Bhavan is slated for demolition this year or in 2027 as part of the redevelopment of the Central Vista. Its annexe has already been demolished to make way for a new central secretariat building.
Ekta Nagar, formerly known as Kevadia, is home to the 182-metre Statue of Unity dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. A temporary venue reportedly being prepared near the statue’s site is expected to accommodate nearly 1,000 guests. The government has described the structure as a “German aluminium structural dome”.
The decision to hold the ceremony in Gujarat has drawn criticism from filmmaker Rahul Dholakia, who said Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu or Hyderabad would have been more appropriate choices given their contributions to Indian cinema.
“When you are breaking the tradition of presenting the award in another city/state, then why not give that honour to a state that has contributed to cinema?” Dholakia wrote on X.
This year, Article 370 has been named Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam has won Best Actress. Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty will share the Best Actor award for Chandu Champion and Bramayugam, respectively.
Randeep Hooda’s Swatantrya Veer Savarkar will receive the Best Debut Director award. Captain Miller has been named Best Feature Film promoting national, social and environmental values, while Kalki 2898 AD will receive the Best Popular Film award.