The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is set to break with tradition this year. Instead of being held in New Delhi, where the prestigious event has traditionally taken place, the ceremony will be hosted in Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat, on September 22, 2026, according to an official announcement made on Monday. The change of venue marks a significant departure from the ceremony’s long-standing association with Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital. The decision has already sparked a debate on social media, with filmmaker Rahul Dholakia publicly questioning why Gujarat was chosen to host the event.

Rahul Dholakia questions shift of National Film Awards to Gujarat

Reacting to the announcement, Rahul Dholakia took to X (formerly Twitter) and questioned the decision to move the ceremony to Gujarat. He wrote, “I have no particular love lost for Delhi hosting the National Film Awards, but I question the shift to Gujarat. Why Gujarat?.”The filmmaker subsequently suggested that if the awards ceremony was being moved out of Delhi, the honour could instead have gone to a state with a significant contribution to Indian cinema.Sharing another post, Dholakia wrote, “Why are you are breaking the tradition of presenting the award in another city/ state- then why not give that honor to a state that has contributed to cinema? Like Maharashtra or Kerela or Tamil Nadu. Even a city like Hyderabad .. why go to Gujarat? #NationalFilmAwards.”

Netizens divided over Rahul Dholakia’s comments

Dholakia’s posts triggered mixed reactions on social media, with some users questioning his criticism while others appeared to agree with his argument.One user responded, “Just go and search the location of Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. This is very beautiful location, don't bring your politics here. First visit that locality.”Another user appeared to support Dholakia’s point, writing, “Exactly. The entire film buzz is in Mumbai plus south India. The revenue flows from here. What on earth has Gujarat contributed for them to get a chance before these cities/locations?”Some reactions, however, took a more political and critical tone, with one user making a disparaging comment about Gujarat and its residents. The contrasting responses have added another layer to the discussion surrounding the venue change, with the debate extending beyond the ceremony itself to questions about regional representation and India’s film industry.

72nd National Film Awards winners expected at ceremony

The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is expected to bring together several prominent names from Indian cinema. Among the reported winners are Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty, who have been named Best Actor, and Yami Gautam, who has been named Best Actress. Aditya Dhar is among the winners for Best Film, while Rajkumar Periasamy has been recognised as Best Director. Randeep Hooda has also been named Best Debut Film of a Director. The ceremony will take place in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on September 22, 2026, marking the first major departure in years from the National Film Awards’ traditional Delhi venue.