President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday, 22 September presided over the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, spotlighting films that tackled national unity, women's safety, and cultural diversity. The event — held against the backdrop of the Statue of Unity — marked the first time the National Film Awards were presented outside New Delhi.

Key Wins and Presidential Citations

Article 370 claimed the Best Feature Film award, with President Murmu describing it as a film that illuminates 'a special chapter of nationalism' and presenting a 'vivid account of the serious challenges related to the unity of the country and their solutions.' Lead actress Yami Gautam received the Best Actress award for her performance in the film.

The Best Actor award was shared between Mammootty, recognised for his role in Bramayugam, and Kartik Aaryan, honoured for Chandu Champion. Murmu noted that she had also conferred the Padma Bhushan on Mammootty earlier this year, underscoring his stature in Indian cinema.

Chandu Champion and the Murlikant Petkar Story

Speaking about Chandu Champion, the President drew attention to the real-life inspiration behind the film — Indian soldier and Paralympic athlete Murlikant Petkar. 'Petkar was injured during the 1965 India-Pakistan war but, despite serious challenges, went on to become India's first Paralympic gold medallist at the 1972 Games,' she said. Petkar was awarded the Padma Shri in 2018. Murmu congratulated Aaryan for bringing the character to life.

Women's Safety, Savarkar and Cultural Inclusion

Bhakshak drew particular praise for its focus on women's safety. Murmu remarked: 'The film drew society's attention to the extremely serious issue of women's safety. Society should remain grateful to those who fight for the safety of daughters,' commending the team for its sensitive treatment of the subject.

Randeep Hooda received the award for Best Debut Film of a Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, which Murmu described as an artistic tribute to Savarkar's life story.

The Santhali film Angen, directed by Ravi Raj Murmu, was also highlighted by the President. 'Its national recognition not only encouraged an outstanding film but also promoted cultural diversity and social inclusion,' she said, reflecting the awards' broader mandate to represent India's linguistic and regional breadth.

Children's Cinema and the Broader Sweep

Murmu also underscored the importance of children's cinema, calling recognition of young talent an 'artistic investment' in the country's future. She personally congratulated child artists Atish Shetty, Arunadev Pathula, Ridhyan Banerjee, Tapomay Dev, and Geetashree Chakraborty.

Addressing the gathering, the President praised the jury's selections for engaging with issues of national and social consequence. 'Films made in different languages and regions reflected India's image. Indian cinema captures the dreams, traditions, struggles and future possibilities of its people,' she said.

The 72nd National Film Awards recognise cinematic achievements across feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema for works certified during 2024. With its historic shift to Ekta Nagar, the ceremony itself sent a symbolic message about decentralisation and the national reach of Indian filmmaking.