National Film Awards Take Indian Cinema Beyond Delhi, Strengthen Cultural Governance
72nd National Film Awards Move to Ekta Nagar as India Expands the Cultural Recognition Framework
The 72nd National Film Awards, recognising achievements in Indian cinema for 2024, are being presented today at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat, by President Droupadi Murmu. The shift of the ceremony outside the national capital marks a new institutional approach to showcasing India’s cinematic diversity across regions.
Instituted in 1954 and administered by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the National Film Awards recognise excellence across feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema. Their scope covers creative, technical and literary contributions while reflecting India’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
Policy Shift: National Recognition Moves Closer to the Regions
The decision to hold the ceremony in different parts of the country in coming years expands the geographical footprint of a major national cultural institution. The government has linked the initiative with the broader objective of showcasing India’s regional cinematic traditions and the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
Major Honours Reflect India’s Cinematic Diversity
For the 2024 awards, Article 370 has been selected as Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam has received Best Actress in a Leading Role. Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan share the Best Actor in a Leading Role honour for Bramayugam and Chandu Champion. Rajkumar Periasamy has won Best Direction for Amaran.
Veteran actor Anant Nag is being conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 for his contribution to Indian cinema over more than five decades.
Governance Impact
The expanded geographical format positions the National Film Awards not merely as an annual ceremony but as a platform for cultural representation, regional participation and recognition of India’s diverse creative economy. Bringing the event to different states can also strengthen public visibility of regional film traditions and the wider institutional ecosystem supporting Indian cinema.
