India’s biggest film awards are taking place today, September 22, with the 72nd National Film Awards moving from Delhi to Ekta Nagar in Gujarat for this year’s ceremony. President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to present the awards, bringing together some of the biggest names and films recognised for their work in Indian cinema.
The ceremony is particularly notable for the range of films being honoured. The 72nd National Film Awards recognise films certified during 2024, although the actual awards ceremony is being held in 2026. The winners were announced in July, so today’s event is about formally presenting those honours to the actors, filmmakers and other members of the winning teams.
Anant Nag to Receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award
One of the main moments of the evening will be the presentation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 to veteran actor Anant Nag.
Nag has spent more than five decades working across Kannada and Indian cinema. His filmography includes more than 300 films across several Indian languages, along with the television series Malgudi Days. He has also received major state and national recognition during his career, including the Padma Bhushan in 2025.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest honour presented by the Indian government for a lifetime contribution to cinema. Nag’s selection adds a veteran presence to an awards ceremony that is also recognising several contemporary stars.
Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty Share the Best Actor Award
The Best Actor category has two winners this year. Mammootty has been recognised for his performance in Bramayugam, while Kartik Aaryan has received the award for Chandu Champion.
For Aaryan, the honour comes for his performance as Murlikant Petkar, the Indian Paralympic gold medallist whose life formed the basis of Chandu Champion. The award also marks an important point in the actor’s career, particularly because the film required him to play a character across different stages of his life.
Mammootty, meanwhile, has been recognised for Bramayugam, the Malayalam-language period horror film directed by Rahul Sadasivan. The film was notable for its black-and-white visual style and its performance-driven approach to storytelling.
Having two winners in the Best Actor category also makes this year’s result one of the more closely watched parts of the ceremony.
Article 370 and Yami Gautam Are Also Among the Major Winners
Article 370 has been selected as the Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam has received the Best Actress in a Leading Role award for the same film.
The film, directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, focuses on the political and security developments surrounding the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Its recognition places it among the central films of this edition of the National Film Awards.
Other major winners include Amaran, which received the Best Direction award for Rajkumar Periasamy. Kalki 2898 AD was recognised as the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
The awards also extend beyond mainstream theatrical cinema. Bhakshak won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Sanjay Mishra, while Maharaja and Mithya shared the Best Actress in a Supporting Role award.
With the ceremony taking place today, the National Film Awards will bring these winners together for the formal presentation of the honours. For Indian cinema, the event also provides a snapshot of the films and performances that received national recognition for the 2024 certification year.
