The 72nd National Film Awards took place on Tuesday in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, a shift from the recent tradition of hosting the event at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. During the ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the film industry, emphasizing the importance of being aware of their influence on young audiences.
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. She urged successful artists to promote disciplined and healthy lifestyles and refrain from endorsing substances that are harmful to health. 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. Vaishnaw invited states and Union territories to propose tourist destinations that could host future editions of the awards. The awards also recognised films in languages outside the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
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.
Addressing the ceremony, Murmu said popular artists, particularly those followed by children and young people, have an important influence on society. 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. He said proposals should include adequate facilities and a plan for the overall development of the destination.
