Inside 72nd National Film Awards: Gujarat's Kevadia decked up before ceremony. Pics

The 72nd National Film Awards will be presented near the Statue of Unity in Kevadia on September 22. The ceremony brings together top film winners, regional artists and senior dignitaries at a landmark venue.

In Short

• Statue of Unity venue prepped for 72nd National Film Awards on Sept 22
• President Murmu to present awards at star-studded ceremony post 4 pm
• Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty share Best Actor honours

The Statue of Unity in Gujarat is getting a glamorous makeover of sorts ahead of the 72nd National Film Awards, with a sprawling pandal, a massive air-conditioned dome and elaborate arrangements taking shape for the star-studded ceremony on September 22 at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia. President Droupadi Murmu will present the honours at the event, which is set to begin after 4 pm.

India Today has accessed exclusive visuals from the venue near the Stautue of Unity, offering a first look at the venue as it gets decked up for one of the film industry's biggest annual gatherings.

The event is scheduled to begin after 4 pm on Tuesday, September 22. A large pandal with seating for around 1,000 people has been set up near the Statue of Unity, while a separate air-conditioned dome is being prepared to accommodate more than 1,000 VIP guests.

The dome has been built using a high-tech German-engineered structure, with the arrangements designed to host film personalities, government officials and other dignitaries attending the ceremony.

The first arrivals from the film industry have already begun making their way to Kevadia. Among them is Kartik Aaryan, who will be receiving the Best Actor award for Chandu Champion. Several other Bollywood personalities, along with artists and technicians from regional cinema, are expected to attend the event.

President Murmu will be joined by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Senior ministers and officials from the Gujarat and central governments are also expected to be present.

The ceremony will bring together this year's National Film Award winners from across the country, with a significant presence from the Gujarati film industry as well.

Among the biggest names being honoured is Kartik, who shares the Best Actor award with Malayalam star Mammootty. Kartik has been recognised for Chandu Champion, while Mammootty has won for Bramayugam.

Article 370 has been named Best Feature Film, with Yami Gautam receiving the Best Actress honour for the film. Randeep Hooda will be recognised as Best Debut Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, while Bhangar has won Best Non-Feature Film.

A total of 92 artists are set to receive honours at the 72nd National Film Awards. There will also be a special presentation for veteran actor Anant Nag, who will receive the 2024 Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Fans can also stream the 72nd National Film Awards live on the DD National YouTube Channel from 3 pm IST on September 22.

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