72nd National Film Awards 2026: Dadasaheb Phalke to Anant Nag, Best Film 'Article 370', Ceremony at Ekta Nagar

Why in News

On 22 September 2026, President Droupadi Murmu presided over the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat — marking the first time in the history of the awards that the ceremony was held outside New Delhi. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award — India's highest recognition in cinema — was conferred on veteran Kannada film actor Anant Nag for his lifetime contribution to Indian cinema (for the year 2024). The ceremony saw landmark wins including Best Feature Film for Article 370 and a shared Best Actor award.

Background

The National Film Awards are administered by the Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Established in 1954, the awards celebrate excellence across Indian cinema in all regional languages. The awards recognise films certified in the reference year, not release year.

• The 1st National Film Awards were given in 1954 (for films of 1953).
• The jury process is overseen by a National Awards Jury chaired by an eminent film personality.
• Awards span three panels: Feature Films, Non-Feature Films, and Best Writing on Cinema.

Dadasaheb Phalke Award — History

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was instituted in 1969 to honour the father of Indian cinema, Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, who directed India's first full-length feature film Raja Harishchandra (1913). It is presented annually to a film personality for their outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. The award carries a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus), a cash prize, and a shawl.

72nd National Film Awards — Key Winners (Reference Year 2024)

Note: Full winners list as confirmed from official ceremony proceedings on 22 September 2026.

About Anant Nag — Dadasaheb Phalke Awardee 2024

Anant Nag is a veteran actor celebrated across Kannada, Hindi, and other Indian language cinema for over five decades. He is known for landmark films in Kannada cinema and crossover work in Hindi films. He is the younger brother of veteran actor Shankar Nag. His contributions span art-house and commercial cinema, making him one of the most versatile actors of the subcontinent.

Significance of Ekta Nagar as Venue

Ekta Nagar (formerly Kevadia), Gujarat, is home to the Statue of Unity — the world's tallest statue at 182 metres, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Hosting the 72nd National Film Awards here is symbolically significant, emphasising national unity and the cultural mission of Indian cinema. It marks the first decentralisation of this prestigious ceremony from New Delhi.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

The National Film Awards function under the authority of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Cinema is a subject covered under Entry 60 of the Union List (Seventh Schedule) of the Constitution — "Sanctioning of cinematograph films for exhibition". The government's role in film certification is governed by the Cinematograph Act, 1952, while awards are administered through executive orders of the DFF.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 19(1)(a): Freedom of speech and expression — the constitutional basis for creative freedom in cinema.
• Article 19(2): Reasonable restrictions — the basis for certification and censorship.
• Entry 60, Union List: Sanctioning of cinematograph films — Union jurisdiction over film certification.
• Entry 33, Concurrent List: Theatres and dramatic performances — shared jurisdiction with states.

Legal Framework

The regulatory ecosystem for Indian cinema rests on:

• Cinematograph Act, 1952: Establishes the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the certification framework. Amended in 2023 to add provisions against piracy (Section 6AA) and introduce an age-based rating system.
• Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983: Procedural rules for certification.
• Copyright Act, 1957: Protects intellectual property in films.

Institutional Framework

• Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB): Nodal ministry for the film sector.
• Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF): Organises the National Film Awards, International Film Festival of India (IFFI), and other government film events.
• Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC): Certifies films for public exhibition. (Note: CBFC was reconstituted with 18 new members in September 2026.)
• National Film Development Corporation (NFDC): Promotes and finances quality Indian cinema; merged with four other media units in 2022.
• Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune: Premier training institution for film professionals.
• Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata: Second national institute for film training.

Economic Dimensions

The Indian film industry is the world's largest by number of films produced annually. Key economic dimensions:

• India produced over 1,800 films across all languages in 2024 (as per FICCI-EY Report).
• Box office collections crossed ₹12,000 crore domestically in 2024.
• The industry provides direct employment to over 1 million people and indirect employment to several million more.
• India's audio-visual services sector (film, OTT, music) is a significant services export earner, covered under GATS trade negotiations.
• OTT platforms have transformed distribution economics, with subscriptions exceeding 100 million in India as of 2025.

Social Dimensions

Cinema is a powerful medium for social messaging in India:

• Films like Article 370 (Best Film, 72nd NFA) reflect contemporary political and social themes — specifically the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution in August 2019.
• National Film Awards include categories for films addressing disability, child welfare, national integration, and environment — reflecting the state's interest in socially conscious cinema.
• Regional language films' recognition promotes cultural diversity and linguistic plurality, aligned with India's federal character.

International Relations

India participates actively in international film diplomacy:

• IFFI (International Film Festival of India), Goa: India's premier international film festival, held annually in November.
• India is a signatory to UNESCO's Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005), which provides the framework for state support to national cinema.
• India's films are increasingly competing at Cannes, Berlin, Venice, and TIFF, enhancing soft power.

Government Initiatives for Cinema

• Film Facilitation Office (FFO): Single-window clearance for foreign filmmakers shooting in India.
• Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreements: India has co-production treaties with Italy, Germany, UK, France, Brazil, China, and others.
• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) for Media and Entertainment: Proposed scheme to incentivise VFX and post-production facilities in India.
• Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023: Introduced UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+ age-based ratings and anti-camcording provisions.

Challenges

• Film piracy continues to cause revenue losses estimated at thousands of crores annually despite the 2023 amendment.
• Regional language cinema, though recognised through National Awards, struggles with distribution beyond home states.
• The CBFC certification process faces criticism for both over-censorship and inconsistent standards.
• OTT regulation remains a grey area — platforms follow a self-regulatory code but lack statutory certification requirements as of 2026.

Way Forward

• The Report of the Expert Committee on Film Certification (Shyam Benegal Committee, 2016) recommended shifting CBFC from a censor board to a certification board — several of its recommendations were incorporated in the 2023 amendment.
• Bringing OTT platforms under a clear regulatory framework, balancing creative freedom with accountability, remains a priority.
• Expanding co-production treaties to new markets (Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia) will enhance India's audio-visual exports.

Possible Mains Questions

1. "The National Film Awards reflect the state's vision for cinema as a tool of cultural diplomacy and social messaging. Critically evaluate the institutional framework governing India's film industry." (GS I/GS II)
2. "Examine the constitutional and statutory basis for film certification in India. How does the 2023 amendment to the Cinematograph Act balance creative freedom with state interest?" (GS II)

Possible Prelims MCQs

1. Q. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is administered by which body?
   Ans: Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It was instituted in 1969.
2. Q. Under which entry in the Constitution does the Union Parliament have power over "sanctioning of cinematograph films"?
   Ans: Entry 60 of the Union List (Seventh Schedule).
3. Q. Which Act established the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)?
   Ans: Cinematograph Act, 1952.
4. Q. At what height is the Statue of Unity, located at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat?
   Ans: 182 metres — the world's tallest statue.
5. Q. Which film won the Best Feature Film award at the 72nd National Film Awards (2024 reference year)?
   Ans: Article 370.

Essay Dimensions

1. Cinema as a mirror of society: Between commerce, censorship, and consciousness.
2. Soft power and cultural diplomacy: India's film industry as a vehicle for global influence.
3. Federalism and culture: Regional language cinema and the politics of recognition.
4. Technology disruption in entertainment: OTT platforms and the future of Indian cinema regulation.
5. Art and accountability: The tension between creative freedom and the public interest in democratic societies.

Interview Questions

1. The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony was held at Ekta Nagar for the first time outside Delhi. What is the symbolic significance of this decision?
2. How does the Dadasaheb Phalke Award differ from the National Film Awards in terms of eligibility and jury process?
3. The Cinematograph (Amendment) Act 2023 introduced age-based ratings. How does this balance censorship with creative freedom?
4. Should OTT content be subject to mandatory CBFC certification? Discuss the regulatory challenges.
5. How does India use international film festivals and co-production agreements as instruments of soft power?

FAQ

What is the Dadasaheb Phalke Award?

It is India's highest award in cinema, conferred annually by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to honour lifetime contribution to Indian film. It was instituted in 1969 and named after Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, the father of Indian cinema.

Who administers the National Film Awards?

The Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF), under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, administers the National Film Awards. The DFF also organises the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Why was the 72nd National Film Awards held at Ekta Nagar?

Ekta Nagar (Kevadia, Gujarat), home to the Statue of Unity dedicated to Sardar Patel, was chosen as the venue for the 72nd ceremony — marking the first time the awards were held outside New Delhi, symbolising national unity and the government's intent to promote tourism at the site.

Further Reading

• Ministry of Information and Broadcasting: https://mib.gov.in
• Directorate of Film Festivals: https://dff.nic.in
• CBFC Official Site: https://www.cbfcindia.gov.in
• National Film Development Corporation: https://www.nfdcindia.com