Indian cinema’s biggest names gathered in Gujarat on Tuesday as President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards, with Mammootty, Kartik Aaryan and Yami Gautam among the biggest winners.
According to Hindustan Times, the ceremony took place at Ekta Nagar, marking the first time India’s National Film Awards have been held outside Delhi. Article 370 won Best Feature Film, while Yami took Best Actress. Mammootty and Kartik shared Best Actor for Bramayugam and Chandu Champion respectively. Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024.
For Yami, the honour marked her first National Film Award. “I’m still trying to soak in this moment,” she said, calling it a matter of pride and honour. She also encouraged aspiring actors arriving in Mumbai with dreams to keep working and doing good work because “one day, this will happen”.
Her husband, filmmaker Aditya Dhar, collected the Best Feature Film award for Article 370. Asked about Dhurandhar, he hinted at a possible return next year. “We’ll discuss Dhurandhar, hopefully, if we come next year also. But today, it’s all about Article 370,” he said.
Kartik, receiving his first National Award, described it as the dream of a small-town boy from Gwalior. He dedicated the honour to India’s Paralympians and thanked director Kabir Khan, producer Sajid Nadiadwala, his parents, friends and team. Reflecting on playing Paralympic champion Murlikant Petkar, he called the journey painful but the result “as sweet as rasmalai”.
Mammootty, receiving his fourth National Award, said recognition from the nation remained an inspiration. He thanked the jury and credited director Rahul Sadasivan and the film’s make-up designer for helping shape his character in Bramayugam.
Rajkumar Periasamy won Best Director for Amaran, while Randeep Hooda received Best Debut Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. Kalki 2898 AD won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, while Captain Miller was recognised for promoting national, social and environmental values.
Bhangaar won Best Non-Feature Film and Ram-Nami Best Documentary. The awards also recognised films across several Indian regional languages, reflecting the diversity of Indian cinema.
