{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Rahul Dholakia Questions Moving National Film Awards Out of Delhi to Gujarat",
  "summary": "For the first time in its 72-year history, the National Film Awards ceremony is moving out of Delhi to Gujarat, prompting director Rahul Dholakia to question why states with a deeper cinematic contribution were bypassed.",
  "content": "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.\n\n \n\nA Historic Shift Away From Delhi\n\nThe 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.\n\n \n \n\nDirector Rahul Dholakia Questions the Choice\n\nRahul 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.\n\n \n\nPointing to States with Deeper Cinematic Roots\n\nElaborating 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.\n\n \n\nKey Winners of the 72nd National Film Awards\n\nAmid 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.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThe relocation of India's premier cinematic awards ceremony introduces a notable change in national cultural event planning.\n\n  - Across India: The debate prompts discussions among film enthusiasts and industry stakeholders regarding regional representation and the criteria for hosting national events.\n\n  - In Gujarat: The hosting of the ceremony in Ekta Nagar brings heightened administrative preparations, security arrangements, and tourism attention to the region.\n\nWhy this happened\nThe decision to shift the National Film Awards out of Delhi marks a major break from a 72-year tradition.\n\n  - Venue Relocation: For the first time in history, the prestigious ceremony is being hosted outside the national capital, sparking industry-wide discussions.\n\n  - Presidential Schedule: The timing aligns with President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Gujarat, influencing the selection of Ekta Nagar as the venue.\n\n  - Industry Scrutiny: Filmmakers like Rahul Dholakia have publicly questioned why states with extensive cinematic contributions, such as Maharashtra or Kerala, were bypassed for this honor.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Where is the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony being held?\nThe 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is being held in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.\n\n2. When will the awards ceremony take place?\nThe event is scheduled to take place on September 22.\n\n3. Who will present the awards to the winners?\nPresident Droupadi Murmu will present the awards during the ceremony.\n\n4. Which director questioned the decision to move the venue?\nRaees director Rahul Dholakia questioned the shift away from Delhi and the selection of Gujarat.\n\n5. Which film won the National Award for Best Feature Film?\nArticle 370 won the National Award for Best Feature Film this year.\n\n6. Who won the Best Actor award?\nThe Best Actor award was shared jointly by Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/entertainment/gujarat-men-neshanala-philma-avordsa-para-uthe-savala-rahul-dholakia-bole-sinema-men-yogadana-vale-rajyon-ko-milana-chahie-tha-mau-29816",
  "category": "Entertainment",
  "publishedAt": "2026-09-08",
  "tags": [
    "National Film Awards",
    "Rahul Dholakia",
    "Gujarat",
    "Kartik Aaryan",
    "Yami Gautam",
    "Entertainment News",
    "Film Industry"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}