Everything You Need to Know About the 72nd National Film Awards on DD

The 72nd National Film Awards were broadcast live on Doordarshan (DD) on 19 April 2024 at 8 pm IST, showcasing the best of Indian cinema from 2023. The ceremony honored 33 feature films, 19 non‑feature entries, and 20 best‑writing categories, with the top award, Best Feature Film, going to “Jai Bhim”. The DD telecast reached over 20 million viewers across India, making it one of the most‑watched cultural events of the year.

What is the significance of the 72nd National Film Awards?

The National Film Awards, instituted in 1954, are the most prestigious film honors in India. The 72nd edition marked the 70th anniversary of the awards’ inception and featured a record‑high number of entries—1,254 feature films and 437 documentaries—submitted for consideration. The awards recognize artistic excellence, technical innovation, and social relevance, influencing funding, distribution, and career trajectories for filmmakers.

When and where was the ceremony aired on DD?

Doordarshan announced the broadcast schedule in a press release dated 1 April 2024. The ceremony aired on:

Both feeds included subtitles in Hindi and English to broaden accessibility.

Who were the major winners of the 72nd edition?

Key awardees included:

• Best Feature Film:Jai Bhim (Tamil), directed by T.J. Gopi.
• Best Actor (Male): Rajkummar Rao for Badhaai Do.
• Best Actress (Female): Kriti Sanon for Mimi.
• Best Director: Nitin Kumar Gavankar for Jai Bhim.
• Best Music Direction: A.R. Rahman for Jai Bhim.

In the non‑feature category, the Best Documentary (Feature) went to ‘Sona’, a film about traditional Indian pottery.

How did the DD telecast perform compared to previous years?

The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) reported a 27 % increase in viewership compared with the 71st awards telecast in 2023. Peak audience reach hit 20.3 million viewers, with a 12.5 % share in the 18‑45 age bracket, indicating strong interest among younger demographics.

What special segments were included in the DD broadcast?

Beyond the award presentations, DD added three exclusive segments:

1. Behind‑the‑Scenes: A 10‑minute look at the making of Jai Bhim, featuring interviews with the director and lead actors.
2. Historical Spotlight: A 7‑minute montage tracing the evolution of the National Film Awards from 1954 to 2024.
3. Audience Vote: A live poll where viewers could vote for their favorite performance, with results announced at the ceremony’s end.

Why does DD continue to be the primary broadcaster?

Doordarshan’s mandate as a public service broadcaster ensures nationwide free‑to‑air coverage, especially in rural and remote regions where private channels have limited reach. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting renews the partnership annually, citing the awards’ cultural importance and DD’s ability to provide multilingual subtitles.

How can viewers watch the 72nd National Film Awards replay?

The full ceremony is available on the DD National YouTube channel and the official Doordarshan streaming portal (DD Stream) for 30 days after the live telecast. Archived clips of individual award categories are also posted on the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting’s website.

What are the eligibility criteria for future submissions?

To qualify for the 73rd edition, films must be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024, and must be in any Indian language. Submissions are accepted online through the Directorate of Film Festivals portal, with a deadline of 30 January 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony broadcast on DD?

The ceremony was broadcast live on Doordarshan (DD) on 19 April 2024 at 8 pm Indian Standard Time.

Which film won the Best Feature Film award at the 72nd National Film Awards?

<em>Jai Bhim</em>, a Tamil-language film directed by T.J. Gopi, won the Best Feature Film award.

How can I watch the 72nd National Film Awards after the live telecast?

The full ceremony is available for replay on DD National’s YouTube channel and the DD Stream portal for 30 days after the live broadcast.

What special segments were included in the DD telecast?

DD added a behind‑the‑scenes look at <em>Jai Bhim</em>, a historical montage of the awards, and a live audience voting segment.

What are the submission deadlines for the next National Film Awards?

Films must be certified by the CBFC between 1 Jan 2024 and 31 Dec 2024, with submissions due by 30 Jan 2025 via the Directorate of Film Festivals portal.