The 72nd National Film Awards were presented in Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar on Tuesday, marking a departure from the recent tradition of holding the ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu urging the film industry to be mindful of its influence on young audiences.
Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 by the President. ‘Article 370’ was named Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam won Best Actress in a Leading Role for the film. ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, while ‘Captain Miller’ received the award for Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values.
Rajkumar Periasamy won Best Direction for Amaran, while Randeep Hooda was recognised for his directorial debut ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’. ‘Dholi’ won Best Garhwali Film, ‘IMBU’ was named Best Tulu Film and ‘Angen’ received the award for Best Debut Film of a Director. Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor in a Leading Role award for ‘Bramayugam’ and ‘Chandu Champion’, respectively. The ceremony also formally began the government’s plan to take the National Film Awards to tourist destinations across the country. The awards also recognised films in languages outside the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the move was intended to take the awards “beyond a conference room” and connect them with India’s tourism and cultural heritage.
