It was officially announced that the upcoming 72nd National Film Awards ceremony has shifted its venue for the first time in 72 years. Unlike every year, the ceremony will not be taking place in New Delhi, and it will happen in Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat, on September 22, 2026. Ever since being introduced, the ceremony took place in New Delhi at Vigyan Bhawan; however, this year marks an exception. The decision has left many concerned. Among them was filmmaker Rahul Dholakia, who questioned the decision of shifting the ceremony to Gujarat.
Rahul Dholakia questions the change of venue
Rahul Dholakia took to X to question the decision and tweeted, “I have no particular love lost for Delhi hosting the National Film Awards, but I question the shift to Gujarat. Why Gujarat? (sic).”
I have no particular love lost for Delhi hosting the National Film Awards, but I question the shift to Gujarat. Why Gujarat? Why are you are breaking the tradition of presenting the award in another city/ state- then why not give that honor to a state that has contributed to…
— rahul dholakia (@rahuldholakia) September 8, 2026
The Raees director further suggested other states where the ceremony could be held. The filmmaker wrote, “Why are 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? Like Maharashtra or Kerala or Tamil Nadu. Even a city like Hyderabad .. why go to Gujarat? NationalFilmAwards (sic).”
National Film Awards venue changed
The National Film Awards are breaking its decades long tradition this year. According to PTI, the 72nd National Film Awards will be held in Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar on September 22, making it the first time in the history of the National Film Awards that the ceremony will be held outside Delhi.
President Droupadi Murmu is expected to arrive in Gujarat later this month and head to Ekta Nagar to present the 72nd National Film Awards. Ekta Nagar, formerly known as Kevadia, is well-known for housing the Statue of Unity, Gujarat’s iconic landmark and the world’s tallest statue.
Dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the 597-foot monument was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi back in 2018.
Talking of this year’s awards, the honours were announced earlier last month. The actors and filmmakers who will be honoured at the ceremony include Kartik Aaryan (Best Actor), Yami Gautam (Best Actress), Mammootty (Best Actor), Aditya Dhar (Best Film), Rajkumar Periasamy (Best Director), and Randeep Hooda (Best Debut Film of a Director).
