At the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Gujarat, President Droupadi Murmu congratulated the award winners, praised Anant Nag’s contribution to Indian cinema and highlighted the role of films in reflecting India’s diverse society, traditions and aspirations.
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony was held in Gujarat for the first time on Tuesday, with President Droupadi Murmu congratulating the recipients and acknowledging the teams behind the winning films.
Among those she specifically mentioned were Yami Gautam for Article 370, Randeep Hooda for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion and veteran actor Anant Nag, who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
President Congratulates National Film Award Winners
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu praised the winners for their talent and hard work and stressed that filmmaking is a collective effort.
“I congratulate them very much. Through special talent and hard work, you have made your identity at the national level. For this, I appreciate you all very much.”
She also asked the award recipients to acknowledge the contribution of the wider teams behind their films.
“A film is the result of the contribution of many people. I request all the award winners to convey my appreciation to all those members of their team whose contribution made their award-winning film possible.”
President Honours Anant Nag’s Contribution to Cinema
One of the central moments of the ceremony was the presentation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award to Anant Nag.
President Murmu recalled that she had honoured the veteran actor with the Padma Bhushan the previous year and highlighted his long association with theatre and cinema.
“I am very happy to confer the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in Indian cinema, on Anant Nag.”
She noted that Nag entered theatre at a young age and described his screen performances as combining qualities associated with both theatre and cinema.
According to the President, Nag’s acting has been regarded by film scholars as natural, restrained and authentic, qualities she said could serve as an example for future generations of artists.
Indian Cinema Reflects the Country’s Diversity
President Murmu also spoke about the broader cultural role of Indian cinema.
She said films made across India’s languages and regions reflect the experiences and aspirations of its people, including their traditions, struggles and hopes for the future.
“People associated with films made in various languages and regions are present here. Films from all languages and regions reflect the image of our India. Indian films also depict the dreams, traditions, struggles, and future possibilities of the people of India.”
The remarks placed particular emphasis on the diversity of Indian filmmaking and the range of regional voices represented at the National Film Awards.
National Film Awards Ceremony Held at Statue of Unity
The ceremony was held at Kevadia, at the premises of the Statue of Unity and near the Wall of Unity.
President Murmu described the location as particularly meaningful for an event celebrating India’s cultural diversity and unity.
She invoked the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose 182-metre statue stands at the site, and said the setting appeared to connect the celebration of Indian cinema with the country’s cultural unity.
President Highlights Award-Winning Films
President Murmu also referred to several films that received recognition at the awards.
She described Article 370 as presenting an account of challenges relating to the country’s unity and their solutions.
She highlighted Bhangaar for exploring dimensions connected with life and death, meaning and meaninglessness, while describing Swatantrya Veer Savarkar as an artistic tribute to the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
The President also mentioned Bhakshak, which addresses the issue of women’s safety, and the Santhali film Angen, whose national recognition she said encouraged cultural diversity and social inclusion.
“All the films that were awarded today are remarkable, but due to time constraints, I could only mention a few.”
President Calls for Greater Participation of Women on Juries
The President also addressed the composition of film award juries and called for women’s participation in every regional jury.
She argued that including women’s perspectives can contribute to a broader understanding of issues across different fields.
“The overall human vision can only be created by including the perspective of women in any field.”
Her remarks came as women featured among the artists and professionals recognised at the National Film Awards.
Call for Respect and Social Security for Film Workers
President Murmu also drew attention to workers whose contributions often remain behind the scenes.
She described people working in the creative economy as important contributors and called for greater respect and social security for labourers, small artists, assistants and struggling workers in the film industry.
“Please ensure that the laborers, small artists, assistants, and struggling people who contribute to this economy receive respect and social security.”
She also referred to her previous call for sensitivity towards all members of film crews to become part of the industry’s work culture.
President Urges Celebrities to Avoid Harmful Product Endorsements
The President further spoke about the influence that popular film personalities have on the public, particularly young people.
She noted that celebrities can influence lifestyle choices when they speak publicly about health and disciplined living.
Murmu urged popular artists to avoid endorsing products that could be harmful to health.
“I would like to request that popular artists do not endorse harmful substances for health. A star is one who spreads light, not darkness.”
Key Winners at the 72nd National Film Awards
According to the supplied report, several prominent names were among the winners at the ceremony.
| Winner | Recognition | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Anant Nag | Dadasaheb Phalke Award | — |
| Yami Gautam | Best Actor | Article 370 |
| Kartik Aaryan | Best Actor | Chandu Champion |
| Randeep Hooda | Best Debut Film of a Director | Swatantrya Veer Savarkar |
| Mammootty | Acting honour | Bramayugam |
| Rajkumar Periasamy | Best Director | Amaran |
The report also states that Article 370 won Best Feature Film, while Kalki 2898 AD received the award for Best Feature Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
Other reported winners included Srikanth as Best Hindi Film, Raayan as Best Tamil Film, Feminichi Fathima as Best Malayalam Film and Committee Kurrollu as Best Telugu Film.
National Film Awards: A 1954 Legacy
The National Film Awards, instituted in 1954, recognise achievements across feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema.
The awards cover films and filmmaking talent from different Indian languages, regions and forms of cinema.
The 72nd edition was held in Gujarat, with the ceremony taking place at Kevadia, home to the 182-metre Statue of Unity dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.