Kalki wins; Delhi may finally lose the venue
The Telugu film has officially won a National Film Award. The reported Gujarat ceremony is still waiting for an official confirmation.
Kalki 2898 AD has a confirmed National Film Award; the reported ceremony venue awaits official confirmation.
Telugu cinema has the confirmed win. Kalki 2898 AD has received the 72nd National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, according to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s official winners list. The award carries a Swarna Kamal and Rs 3 lakh for each awardee; Vyjayanthi Movies is listed as producer and Nag Ashwin Singireddy as director.
The ceremony itself is on less solid ground. A report, citing unnamed officials, says the awards will be presented at Ekta Nagar, near Kevadia in Gujarat, on September 22, 2026, and that President Droupadi Murmu will present them. If confirmed, it would be the first ceremony outside Delhi, though the research available here does not include an official notification establishing the venue, date or presidential attendance.
The President’s official records show the 70th and 71st ceremonies were held in New Delhi in 2024 and 2025. Kalki has its award in writing. The grand relocation still has to make it into writing too.