Full Breakdown
Mammootty’s Fourth Best Actor Win Highlights the 72nd National Film Awards
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Ceremony in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat
On September 22, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. The Best Actor honour was shared by Malayalam veteran Mammootty for *Bramayugam* and Hindi actor Kartik Aaryan for *Chandu Champion*. Tamil star Dhanush received a Special Mention for *Captain Miller* and his film *Raayan* was named Best Tamil Film. Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. This was the first time the awards were held outside New Delhi, part of a Ministry decision to rotate future ceremonies.
Background & Context
The awards recognise films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Winners were announced on July 18 by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The shift to Ekta Nagar aligns with a policy to bring the national celebration to different regions, first noted in the 2025 announcement.
Key Figures
- Mammootty – fourth National Film Award for Best Actor, tying Amitabh Bachchan’s record.
- Kartik Aaryan – first Best Actor award for *Chandu Champion*.
- Dhanush – Special Mention for *Captain Miller*; *Raayan* won Best Tamil Film.
- Anant Nag – Dadasaheb Phalke Award for lifetime contribution.
- Yami Gautam – Best Actress for *Article 370*.
- Rajkumar Periasamy – Best Direction for *Amaran*.
Data & Statistics
- *Bramayugam* also secured Best Cinematography (Shehnad Jalal).
- *Article 370* won Best Feature Film and Best Actress.
- *Amaran* earned Best Direction and Best Editing (R Kalaivanan).
- *Captain Miller* received Best Feature Film for promoting national, social and environmental values.
Official Statements & Responses
President Murmu presented each award, emphasizing the ceremony’s national significance. Mammootty, on the red carpet, called the award “an inspiration to every performer” and pledged to keep working hard. Dhanush thanked fans, describing the recognition for *Captain Miller* as “very special.” The Ministry reiterated its plan to rotate future award venues to showcase India’s cultural diversity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is the first time I’m coming to the city. I’m very excited to see the Statue of Unity, and this is my third National Film Award. So, I’m very happy to receive it,” — GV Prakash
What’s Next
The Ministry has announced that upcoming National Film Awards ceremonies will be hosted in different states, extending the model introduced at the 72nd edition. Details of the next venue and schedule will be released in due course.