National Film Awards to move out of Delhi, ceremony in Kevadia on September 22

The National Film Awards ceremony will be held outside Delhi for the first time in its 72-year history, with President Droupadi Murmu set to present the honours at Kevadia in Gujarat on September 22, officials said on Monday, September 7.

Kevadia, now known as Ekta Nagar, is home to the Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Standing 597 feet tall, the statue was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.

The first National Film Awards ceremony, held in 1954, took place at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan, which has hosted most editions of the prestigious awards over the decades.

The 72nd edition, whose winners were announced in July, will mark a departure from the long-standing tradition of holding the ceremony in the national capital.

"Article 370" has been named the Best Feature Film, while its lead actor Yami Gautam has won the Best Actress award.

Malayalam superstar Mammootty and Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan will share the Best Actor honour for their performances in "Bramayugam" and "Chandu Champion", respectively.

Actor-filmmaker Randeep Hooda has been named Best Debut Director for "Swatantrya Veer Savarkar", his biographical film on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

Telugu science-fiction film "Kalki 2898 AD" will receive the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment award.

Tamil film "Captain Miller", directed by Arun Matheswaran and starring Dhanush, has been named Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values.