The 72nd National Film Awards will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu on September 22, 2026, at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced this event, highlighting its importance as a platform for filmmakers, actors, technicians, and other artists from across the country to showcase their contributions to Indian cinema. The awards recognise the outstanding achievements in the film industry, reflecting the rich diversity of the medium.

Awards And Recognitions

This year, ‘Article 370’ has been named the Best Feature Film, while ‘Bhangaar’ has earned the title of Best Non-Feature Film. Additionally, the documentary ‘Ram-Nami’ has been selected as the Best Documentary. In the leading roles, Mammootty for ‘Bramayugam’ and Kartik Aaryan for ‘Chandu Champion’ are set to receive the Best Actor awards, while Yami Gautam will be recognised as Best Actress for her role in ‘Article 370’. Randeep Hooda has also been awarded Best Debut Director for his work on ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’.

The National Film Awards aim to honour films across various languages, commemorating excellence in Marathi, Santhali, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Tulu, and Garhwali, among others. Notably, for the first time, a Santhali film will be featured in the Non-Feature Film category of the National Film Awards. This inclusion underscores the event’s commitment to recognise diverse voices in the Indian film landscape.

In addition to the film categories, Sanjeev Shrivastava has been named the Best Film Critic in the Best Writing on Cinema category. Furthermore, the Best Book on Cinema award will go to ‘Naaniruvude Nimagaagi Naadiruvude Nanagaagi: Kannada Cinemada Thathva matthu Rajakeeya’ by Dr. Pradeep Kenchanuru, published by Mirror Pusthaka. This recognition promotes literary contributions to the understanding of cinema.

Historical Significance Of The National Film Awards

Established in 1954, the National Film Awards hold a significant place in Indian cinema, serving as the highest accolades for artistic and technical achievements. With a history spanning over seven decades, these awards have acknowledged exemplary work across a variety of genres and forms, encompassing feature films, non-feature films, and writing related to cinema. They serve as a testament to the vast linguistic and cultural variety present in Indian filmmaking.

The upcoming 72nd National Film Awards is expected to be a grand celebration of cinematic talent from all regions of India. This year’s theme, ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, will be evident in the diversity of films being honoured, as it encapsulates the spirit of unity among different cultures and languages. The ceremony aims not only to acknowledge excellence but also to inspire future filmmakers to continue contributing to this rich tapestry of storytelling.

In a significant policy move, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has decided to hold the National Film Awards in various locations across the country. This initiative intends to widen the awards’ reach and engage with a broader audience, moving beyond the traditional confines of the National Capital. By showcasing the awards in different regions, the Ministry aims to bring the celebration of Indian cinema closer to its diverse audience.

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