This year, the 72nd National Film Awards will break with tradition. Instead of New Delhi, which has traditionally hosted the prestigious event, the ceremony will be held at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat on September 22, 2026, according to an official announcement made on Monday. The change of venue marks a significant departure from the long-standing tradition of the ceremony associated with Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital. The decision has already sparked debate on social media, with director Rahul Dholakia publicly questioning why Gujarat was chosen to host the event.
Rahul Dholakia questions move of National Film Awards to Gujarat
Reacting to the announcement, Rahul Dholakia took to X (formerly Twitter) and questioned the decision to shift the ceremony to Gujarat. He wrote, “I don’t have much love for Delhi, where the National Film Awards are held, but I have doubts about moving to Gujarat. Why Gujarat?The director subsequently suggested that if the awards ceremony were moved from Delhi, the award could instead go to a state that has made significant contributions to Indian cinema.Sharing another post, Dholakia wrote, “Why are you breaking the tradition of giving an award in another city/state – then why not give this honor to a state that has contributed to cinema? Like Maharashtra, Kerela or Tamil Nadu. Even a city like Hyderabad… why go to Gujarat? #NationalFilmAwards.”
Netizens are divided over Rahul Dholakia’s comments.
Dholakia’s posts drew mixed reactions on social media, with some users questioning his criticism while others seemed to agree with his arguments.One user replied, “Just go and find the location of Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. It is a very beautiful place, don’t bring your politics here. Visit this place first.”Another user seemed to echo Dholakia’s point by writing, “Exactly. All the movie hype happens in Mumbai and south India. The revenue comes from here. What the hell did Gujarat do for them to get a chance before these cities/places?”However, some reactions took a more political and critical tone, with one user making disparaging comments about Gujarat and its people. The conflicting responses added another layer to the debate surrounding the change of venue, with the debate extending beyond the ceremony itself to questions about regional representation and India’s film industry.
Winners of the 72nd National Film Awards are expected at the ceremony
The 72nd National Film Awards are expected to bring together some of the biggest names in Indian cinema. The announced winners include Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty, who were named best actor, and Yami Gautam, who was named best actress. Aditya Dhar was among the winners for Best Film, while Rajkumar Periasamy was named Best Director. Randeep Hooda was also named Best Debut Film by a director. The ceremony will take place in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat on September 22, 2026, marking the first major departure from the traditional National Film Awards venue in Delhi in many years.