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For the first time since the National Film Awards were instituted, the prestigious ceremony is set to move beyond Delhi. The 72nd edition will be held in Ekta Nagar, formerly known as Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22. While the shift marks a break from a 72-year tradition, Raees director Rahul Dholakia has questioned the choice of venue and wondered why Gujarat was selected over states with a stronger connection to Indian cinema.
Rahul Dholakia, who won the National Award for Best Director for his 2007 film Parzania, voiced his disagreement with the decision on X on Tuesday, September 8. He questioned why Gujarat was chosen if the intention was to take the ceremony beyond Delhi, suggesting that the honour could instead have gone to a state or city
with a stronger connection to Indian cinema, such as Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu or Hyderabad.
He tweeted, “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 cinema? Like Maharashtra or Kerela or Tamil Nadu . Even a city like Hyderabad .. why go to Gujarat? #NationalFilmAwards.”
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
President Droupadi Murmu will confer the honours at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Gujarat on September 22, as part of her visit to the state. The awards, which recognise the best of Indian cinema from 2024, were announced in July, with several notable names emerging among the winners. Article 370 took home the Best Feature Film award, while Yami Gautam was named Best Actress for her performance in the film. Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan will share the Best Actor honour for their respective performances in Bramayugam and Chandu Champion. Meanwhile, Randeep Hooda has been recognised with the Best Debut Director award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
