Why 'Aadujeevitham' was snubbed at National Awards: Missed eligibility window but was considered; Jury chair found Prithviraj's performance ‘Inauthentic'
The 71st National Film Awards have stirred significant backlash, especially after 'The Kerala Story' won Best Direction and Best Cinematography.
While many applauded its focus on a 'major social issue,' jury member and filmmaker Pradeep Nair openly objected to its selection in a conversation with On Manorama.
'As a Malayali, I strongly opposed the film.
It misrepresents Kerala and leans towards propaganda,' he said.
Pradeep Nair remained the lone dissenting voice as others defended the film's thematic relevance, choosing to overlook its controversial reception.
Jury dismisses 'The Goat Life';
Ashutosh Gowariker
criticised its execution
Much to the dismay of fans and critics alike,
Prithviraj Sukumaran
's 'The Goat Life' (Aadujeevitham) was completely overlooked. Jury chairperson Ashutosh Gowariker, who had previously watched the film at a festival, reportedly felt the film fell short in several aspects.
He believed the adaptation lacked natural flow and the performances, especially Prithviraj's, did not feel genuine.
'Aadujeevitham - The Goat Life': Cyber cell investigates online leak of Prithviraj Sukumaran's movie; police quizzes one
Jury member Pradeep Nair confirmed these concerns. He also noted that the film's execution did not meet the panel's expectations. These criticisms, along with technical issues such as missing subtitles in the submission print, resulted in the National Award snub.
Missed certification deadline but was still evaluated; 'Ullozhukku' outshines competition
Although 'The Goat Life' received its CBFC certification only in February 2024 and released theatrically in March, technically making it ineligible for the 2023 awards cycle, it was still considered due to its festival screenings.
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Meanwhile, 'Aadujeevitham' had received a solid 4 star rating from ETimes and an excerpt from our review read, "What to say about Prithviraj, except that he lives the character and is superb as Najeeb, who is completely lost and at wit's end in this unfamiliar region.
Quite apart from the stunning body transformation, he brings the right mix of innocence and vulnerability to the role. The cinematography by Sunil KS and KU Mohanan give the film the feel of a masterpiece.
The desert is stark under their gaze and adds to the emotions of the storytelling. AR Rahman's soulful music is already a hit on social media."
However, the jury ultimately decided against it. Instead, 'Ullozhukku' was unanimously praised and won Best Malayalam Film. The film's writing, direction, and technical brilliance were cited as standout elements. Parvathy Thiruvothu's performance and Shehnad Jalal's cinematographer also drew attention but narrowly missed wins.
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