What is the story about?
Randeep Hooda has added a major milestone to his career by receiving the Best Debut Director award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar at the 72nd National Film
Awards. The actor-filmmaker accepted the prestigious honour from President Droupadi Murmu at the grand ceremony held at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on September 22. The event marks the first time in seven decades that the National Film Awards ceremony is being hosted outside New Delhi. Hooda made his directorial debut with the biographical film, in which he also portrayed Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Ahead of the ceremony, he spoke about the importance of bringing Savarkar’s story to audiences.
Randeep Hooda Receives National Award For Directorial Debut
Randeep Hooda has received the Best Debut Director honour for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar at the 72nd National Film Awards. The actor-filmmaker accepted the prestigious award from President Droupadi Murmu at the ceremony held in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on Tuesday, September 22.
The honour marks a significant milestone for Hooda, who made his directorial debut with the biographical film. He also played the titular role of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in the movie.
Randeep Hooda On Making Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
Ahead of the ceremony, Hooda spoke about why he felt it was important to bring Savarkar’s story to the screen. Speaking on the red carpet, he said, “Mere hisaab se bohot zaruri tha kyunki sab ko lagta hai Hindustan ko azadi sirf ahinsa se mili hai. Aisa kuch nahi.”
He further spoke about the armed revolutionary movement and the personalities associated with it. “Ek sashastra kranti bhi hui thi, jiska hissa Subhash Chandra Bose se leke Savarkar bohot saare log uske saath jude the, jisko itni attention nahi mili,” Hooda said.
Explaining what he wanted audiences to take away from the film, Hooda said, “Iss movie ke through main logon ko batana chah raha tha ki sashastra kranti bhi desh ke sangram ke liye badi cheez thi. Savarkarji uss sangram ke influencer the.” With the National Film Award now added to his directorial debut, Hooda has been recognised for his work behind the camera on Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
About The 72nd National Film Awards
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is being held on September 22, 2026, at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, marking the first time in seven decades that the prestigious event has moved outside New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu is presenting the honours to the winners, recognising outstanding contributions to Indian cinema for 2024.
The ceremony is taking place against the backdrop of the Statue of Unity, with the event reflecting the Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat theme. Several prominent names from the film industry are being honoured this year, including Yami Gautam, Mammootty, Kartik Aaryan, Sanjay Mishra and Randeep Hooda.
