President Droupadi Murmu today presented the 72nd National Film Awards, India’s highest cinematic honours, recognising excellence across Feature Films, Non‑Feature Films, and Writing on Cinema.

Instituted in 1954, the National Film Awards celebrate artistic and technical brilliance, reflecting the diversity of Indian cinema. This year’s ceremony was hosted at Ekta Nagar, marking a new tradition of taking the awards to different tourist destinations across the country.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated the winners and acknowledged the contributions of technicians, cinematographers, and behind‑the‑scenes professionals. He also honoured veteran actor Anant Nag, recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, applauding his five‑decade‑long contribution to Indian cinema.

Mr Vaishnaw noted that the idea of rotating venues for the awards draws inspiration from India’s G20 Presidency, which successfully hosted over 200 meetings across 60 cities. He invited States and Union Territories to identify key tourist destinations to host future editions, ensuring wider cultural participation.

The 72nd edition stands as a testament to India’s cinematic legacy, blending creativity, culture, and national pride while spotlighting the evolving landscape of Indian filmmaking.