‘Lent legitimacy to divisive ideology': CM Vijayan takes aim at National Film Awards after ‘The Kerala Story' wins award for Best Director
Filmmaker Sudipto Sen was awarded Best Director and Prasantanu Mohapatra for Best Cinematography for their role in 'The Kerala Story'.
'By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Kerala's image and sowing seeds of communal hatred, the jury of the National Film Awards has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar,' Vijayan said.
'Kerala, a land that has always stood as a beacon of harmony and resistance against communal forces, has been gravely insulted by this decision. It is not just Malayalis, but everyone who believes in democracy, must raise their voice in defence of truth and the constitutional values we hold dear,' he added.
By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Kerala's image and sowing seeds of communal hatred, the jury of the #NationalFilmAwards has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar. Kerala, a…
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) August 1, 2025
The 2023 film had drawn sharp criticism from the CPI(M)-led Kerala government during its release for its plot, which revolves around a group of women who were depicted as victims of forceful religious conversion and radicalisation by the banned outfit Islamic State. The film ended up grossing over Rs 300 crore globally.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Urvashi questions 'Aadujeevitham' National awards snub: ‘We all know it's because of 'Empuraan'
Veteran actor Urvashi, who won Best Supporting Actress at the 71st National Film Awards for her role in 'Ullozhukku', has openly criticised the jury for sidelining Blessy's 'Aadujeevitham' and its lead star, Prithviraj Sukumaran. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'How could they ignore Aadujeevitham?': Urvashi stands by Prithviraj and Blessy Speaking to The News Minute, she said, 'You have an actor who's put everything into this role—physically and emotionally. He lived that pain, and they just ignored it. We all know it's because of Empuraan.' Urvashi's comments refer to the controversy surrounding 'L2: Empuraan', directed by Prithviraj, which allegedly included scenes referencing the 2002 Gujarat riots. Following backlash, the makers cut over two minutes of footage and made key character name changes. Urvashi believes this fallout cost Aadujeevitham any recognition. Raises questions over jury's choices for Shah Rukh, Vijayaraghavan In a separate interview with Asianet News, Urvashi also questioned the jury's decision to award Shah Rukh Khan Best Actor for Jawan. 'What were the parameters? How was Shah Rukh Khan chosen, and what about actors like Vijayaraghavan?' she asked. She was particularly critical about Vijayaraghavan, whose role in Pookkaalam was categorized as 'supporting.' 'He endured hours of makeup and gave a soulful performance. How is that not lead material?' she said, noting that he wasn't even offered a Special Jury Mention. 'I need to speak up for the next generation' Urvashi says her intent is not to stir controversy, but to demand fairness—especially for younger and upcoming artistes. "Having spent years in this industry, I feel it's time to speak up. If we don't stand against injustice now, what kind of message are we really sending to others?" She also revealed that she was originally offered the female lead in 'Pookkaalam' but declined due to the intense physical prep, including nine-hour-long makeup sessions. 'Even for crores, I wouldn't have done it. But Vijayaraghavan did, and still got overlooked. That's not right,' she said bluntly.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
‘Prithviraj, Aadujeevitham snubbed at National Film Awards due to Empuraan controversy,' claims Urvashi: ‘Awards cannot get political'
It appears that the controversy surrounding the 71st National Film Awards is far from over, as more voices continue to emerge expressing dissatisfaction over the evaluation and adjudication of the jury. Interestingly, even those who were named winners in specific categories have stepped forward condemning certain decisions of the committee. Among the top critics is legendary actor Urvashi, who has been protesting the jury's decision to relegate performers like herself and Vijayaraghavan to the Supporting Actor category — despite playing the lead roles in the movies they were considered for — and the complete snubbing of Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life. Coming down heavily on the award committee for totally disregarding director Blessy's Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer, Urvashi claimed that it was more than apparent that the film was overlooked due to the L2: Empuraan controversy. In conversation with The News Minute, she said, 'How could they ignore Aadujeevitham? You have an actor (Prithviraj) who has given time and effort and gone through a physical transformation to showcase the life of Najeeb, and his gut-wrenching suffering. We all know it is because of Empuraan. Awards cannot get political.' It may be recalled that Prithviraj's big-budget Mohanlal-starrer Empuraan had courted controversy after right-wing groups expressed protest over the scenes in the movie set against the backdrop of the 2002 Gujarat pogrom. Subsequently, the makers made 'voluntary modifications' to the already CBFC-certified film. A sequel to actor Prithviraj's directorial debut Lucifer (2019), Empuraan serves as the second instalment in a planned trilogy, penned by Murali Gopy. Urvashi also vehemently criticised the jury for considering lead characters for awards in the supporting roles category. She maintained, 'If they select lead characters for the award for supporting roles, then what happens to the actual supporting actors? Where is the motivation for them to try to better their craft? How did they measure acting to decide whether it is a lead role or a supporting role?' Stating that she had faced a similar misfortune two decades ago, Urvashi revealed that she chose not to react back then over respect for the actor who won the National Film Award for Best Actress at the time. In 2005, Urvashi was awarded the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Achuvinte Amma (2005), although she played one of the two female leads in the movie. Achuvinte Amma marked her comeback after a six-year hiatus. Actor Sarika, who too was making her return to cinema during that time, bagged the Best Actress award then for her performance in Parzania. Urvashi said, 'I did not raise my voice then, because Sarika won Best Actress for Parzania, and I knew she was making a comeback after a personal struggle, and it did not feel right to protest. But this time, I have to speak, not just for myself, but for my younger co-stars. There are so many talented actors in the south who will keep missing out on these recognitions if we don't raise our voice now. The National Awards must be given purely for talent, nothing else. I don't crave awards, but when they come, they should leave you feeling good, not like this. The jury should not take the south lightly, and think we will be happy receiving what they give us.' The legendary actor further emphasised that she was raising the matter not for herself, but for the many young women who shouldn't have to face the same fate. 'I can speak, because I am not dependent on any political party. I pay my taxes, I have no fear. I am raising this, not for me, but for those who walk behind me. I do not want anyone telling them, 'Even Urvashi kept quiet when she won, why are you making noise?'' Urvashi stated that she will decide whether or not to accept the award based on the response she receives. Although her performance in Ullozhukku had earned Urvashi her sixth Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress, it was in the best supporting actor category that she was considered at the 71st National Film Awards. At the same edition of the Kerala State Film Awards, Aadujeevitham had won nine honours, including Best Director for Blessy and Best Actor for Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
'Aadujeevitham' director Blessy slams Ashutosh Gowariker: 'The same person earlier praised the film'; 'Compared it to 'Lawrence of Arabia'
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Filmmaker Blessy is heartbroken and disappointed after 'Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life' was overlooked at the 71st National Film Awards. In a candid conversation with the media, he expressed his dismay at jury chairperson Ashutosh Gowariker 's changed stance on the film. What has particularly upset Blessy is that Ashutosh Gowariker, who once praised the film after a private screening in Mumbai, has now criticised its technical execution. 'I still remember what he told me after the premiere, he said 'Aadujeevitham' was the most beautifully shot desert film since 'Lawrence of Arabia'. That kind of praise coming from the director of 'Lagaan' meant so much,' Blessy recalled in an interview with On Manorama. 'So when he now says it was technically weak, I can't understand it. This feels like double standards.' Lunch invite, phone calls, and then silence Blessy also revealed that Ashutosh had called him after the Mumbai screening and had even invited him for lunch the next day—an invitation Blessy had to decline due to prior commitments. The sudden shift from admiration to rejection left him puzzled. 'When someone praises a film in such detail, and then later dismisses it on technical grounds, it hurts—not just me but the entire crew who worked so hard.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Unforgettable Cars from the Past Undo Blessy thanks all those who helped his team return from Jordan The Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer, which tells the harrowing real-life story of a migrant worker trapped in the Gulf, was considered a major contender but received no recognition at the National Awards. Jury explains, but questions remain Jury member Pradeep Nair previously told On Manorama that while the film was shortlisted, Ashutosh Gowariker and others had concerns about its narrative execution and performances. He also pointed out technical flaws in the award submission, like missing English translations for songs, which affected its eligibility in certain categories. Despite this, Pradeep Nair admitted KR Gokul's performance had impressed the jury—but didn't earn a win due to the film's 'overall quality.' Meanwhile, the lack of award has not affected 'Aadujeevitham' by any means, as the Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer has already captured hearts.
