72nd National Film Awards: Anant Nag Honoured, Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan Share Best Actor

Public Lokpal
September 22, 2026

The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony marked a historic shift by moving out of New Delhi for the first time, taking place at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious honours to the finest talents in Indian cinema.

Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his legendary five-decade career spanning over 300 films.

In the acting categories, the Best Actor award was shared by Mammootty for Bramayugam and Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion.

Yami Gautam claimed the Best Actress title for her stellar performance in Article 370, which also won the award for Best Feature Film.

Additionally, Rajkumar Periasamy won Best Direction for Amaran, while Kalki 2898 AD was named the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, celebrating a diverse and stellar year for storytelling across the country.