The Indian film industry is currently witnessing an intense debate after official announcements confirmed that the prestigious 72nd National Film Awards ceremony will take place in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat.
Breaking a long-standing 72-year-old tradition of hosting the grand celebration at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, the government’s decision to move the event outside the national capital has raised eyebrows across social media and film circles alike. Among the most prominent figures calling out this historic shift is acclaimed filmmaker Rahul Dholakia, the director behind hit films like Raees and the National Award-winning Parzania.
Expressing his strong reservations online, Rahul Dholakia publicly questioned why Gujarat was chosen over other major film hubs across the country. The filmmaker clearly stated that while he holds no special affection for Delhi as the permanent host, breaking such a long-standing tradition should have meant honoring states with rich cinematic heritages.
Dholakia pointed out that if the ceremony were to move, renowned centers of Indian cinema like Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, or Hyderabad would have been far more fitting choices due to their massive structural contributions to the growth of national and regional movies.
The decision to host the event near the famous Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar on September 22, 2026, has divided film lovers and industry insiders. While some supporters praise the step as a move toward promoting vibrant national landmarks and expanding cultural footprints beyond Delhi, critics align with Dholakia, believing that states driving India’s film revenues deserve prior recognition.
As excitement builds around this year’s notable winners, including actors Kartik Aaryan, Mammootty, and Yami Gautam, the location controversy continues to be a central topic of conversation throughout the entertainment world.
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