President Droupadi Murmu presented the top prizes in Ekta Nagar, where Mammootty earned his fourth Best Actor trophy and Kartik Aaryan was named co‑winner for Chandu Champion.
Ekta Nagar played host to the 72nd National Film Awards on Tuesday, a first for the ceremony after decades in the capital. President Droupadi Murmu stepped onto the stage beside the towering Statue of Unity and began the evening by handing out the country’s most coveted film honors.
Mammootty’s reaction was pure elation. The Malayalam legend accepted his fourth Best Actor trophy for Bramayugam, a performance that critics have called a career‑high. He lifted the gold‑plated medal to a standing ovation that rippled through the auditorium.
Sharing the same honor was Bollywood’s own Kartik Aaryan, who clinched Best Actor for his turn in Chandu Champion. The young star, who has been a fixture in commercial comedies, surprised many with a dramatic role that earned him the top prize alongside the veteran.
Yami Gautam, flanked by husband Aditya Dhar, walked in to collect Best Actress for her work in Article 370. The political drama also snagged Best Feature Film, cementing its status as the night’s biggest winner.
Rajkumar Periasamy was named Best Director for Amaran, while Sanjay Mishra took home Best Supporting Actor for his role in Bhakshak. Randeep Hooda earned the Best Debut Director accolade for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, a biopic that sparked debate during its release.
Dhanush’s contributions did not go unnoticed. His directorial effort Raayan was crowned Best Tamil Film, and his performance in Captain Miller earned a Special Mention, a nod that highlighted his versatility.
The evening also featured a few candid moments. Kartik Aaryan and Dhanush were spotted chatting together, sharing a quiet laugh before the ceremony resumed. Meanwhile, Mammootty exchanged pleasantries with Yami Gautam and her husband, a brief interaction that was captured by photographers.
Veteran actor Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024, honoring a career that spans more than five decades. The accolade, the highest for lifetime achievement, was presented with a short video montage of his most iconic scenes.
The shift to Gujarat signals a new chapter for the awards, with organizers citing the desire to bring the celebration closer to the nation’s diverse film hubs. Industry insiders suggest the move could become permanent if logistics prove smoother than the Delhi setup.
Looking ahead, the winners will likely see a boost in festival circuits and streaming deals. Mammootty’s Brayamugam is already slated for a limited overseas release, while Chandu Champion is expected to hit multiplexes in the new year. Article 370, fresh off its national win, is set for a wider theatrical rollout in early 2027.
The next National Film Awards ceremony is pencilled in for early 2028, with speculation already swirling about which city will host the event. For now, the film community is still buzzing over the surprise pairings and the fresh faces that walked away with top honors.
The awards have set the tone for the upcoming awards season, and fans will be watching closely to see how these wins translate into box‑office numbers and streaming viewership in the months ahead.
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