A major shift is underway in the 72-year history of the National Film Awards as the ceremony moves out of the national capital, Delhi, for the very first time. The prestigious entertainment industry event is scheduled to take place in Gujarat, triggering discussions and questions from within the film fraternity. Director Rahul Dholakia has raised pointed questions regarding the decision, asking why Gujarat was chosen over regions with a richer cinematic heritage.
A Historic Shift Away From Delhi
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is set to be held on September 22 in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, previously known as Kevadia. This marks a massive departure from a 72-year-old tradition of hosting the event in Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu will present the awards to the winners during her visit to Gujarat. While the relocation breaks a decades-long convention, it has also sparked unexpected debate regarding the criteria used for selecting the new venue.
Director Rahul Dholakia Questions the Choice
Rahul Dholakia, the director of the film Raees, took to X to voice his thoughts on the venue change. He stated that while he holds no particular attachment to Delhi hosting the awards, the sudden shift to Gujarat warrants questioning. He asked why the honor was not extended to states that have historically contributed immensely to Indian cinema if the tradition of keeping it in the capital was indeed meant to be broken.
Pointing to States with Deeper Cinematic Roots
Elaborating on his stance, the filmmaker suggested that alternative states or cities with deep ties to the film industry should have been considered. He specifically named Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Hyderabad as regions that have continuously fueled the growth of Indian cinema. Following his public query, several social media users joined the discussion, with many demanding clarity on the rationale behind selecting Gujarat for the landmark ceremony.
Key Winners of the 72nd National Film Awards
Amid discussions surrounding the venue, the list of winners for this year's awards highlights remarkable cinematic achievements. Article 370 has won the National Award for Best Feature Film. Yami Gautam has been named Best Actress for her stellar performance in the same film. Meanwhile, the Best Actor award is shared jointly by Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan, with Aaryan receiving widespread acclaim for his gripping portrayal in Chandu Champion.
