72nd National Film Awards: Aanand L Rai wins Best Director for ‘Statue Of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek’ starring Akshay Kumar, receives honour from President Droupadi Murmu

In a historic first, the National Film Awards ceremony moved beyond Delhi this year, with the event being held against the backdrop of Gujarat’s Statue of Unity. Writer-director Aanand L Rai was honoured with the Best Director award by President Droupadi Murmu for his 2024 documentary, ‘Statue Of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek’.The 40-minute documentary, narrated by Rai’s longtime collaborator Akshay Kumar, pays tribute to freedom fighter and former Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel while chronicling the making of the world’s tallest statue.Aanand L Rai receives his first National Film AwardThe filmmaker, who also founded Colour Yellow Productions, took to the stage at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat, to receive his first National Film Award. Rai was recognised in the Best Director category for ‘Statue Of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek’, which originally premiered on History TV18 on March 8, 2024.The award marks a significant milestone in Rai’s filmmaking career, which includes films such as ‘Tanu Weds Manu’, ‘Raanjhanaa’, ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’ and ‘Atrangi Re’.Aanand L Rai reacts to his National Film Award win‘Statue Of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek’ celebrates the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a key role in integrating hundreds of princely states into the Indian Union following Independence.Reacting to his National Film Award win, Aanand L Rai expressed his gratitude on social media. Sharing a message about the honour, the filmmaker wrote, “Stay humble, work hard, and be kind—you will be blessed beyond what you could imagine.”He also thanked Akshay Kumar for his contribution to the documentary, tagging the actor along with Colour Yellow Productions and other collaborators.Inside Aanand L Rai’s ‘Statue Of Unity’ documentary‘Statue Of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek’ explores the history and significance of the Statue of Unity, which stands 182 metres tall in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. The project was initiated during Narendra Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, with its foundation stone laid in 2013.The documentary also explores how the statue was constructed and highlights the nationwide campaign to collect iron from old farming tools donated by farmers. The initiative involved contributions from villages across India and was intended to symbolically connect the monument with Patel’s association with farmers during the freedom struggle.The film further features soil collected from different parts of the country.Get the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more. Download the TOI app.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!