MUMBAI, India — Ashutosh Gowariker, a prominent filmmaker and chairperson of the National Film Awards jury, has staunchly defended the decision to award The Kerala Story two prestigious honors: Best Director for Sudipto Sen and Best Cinematography for Prashantanu Mahapatra. Gowariker, known for acclaimed films such as Swades and Lagaan, addressed the decision and the film’s merits in an interview.
The jury’s choice of The Kerala Story has sparked debate, especially considering the film’s controversial subject matter, which revolves around the contentious narrative of ‘love jihad.’ This term, often used by right-wing groups, suggests a conspiracy in which Muslim men allegedly entice women of different faiths into marriage and unexpected conversions. The film follows the plight of three women from Kerala as they navigate this complex situation.
Gowariker praised the film’s cinematography as “stark and realistic,” emphasizing that it served the story rather than overshadowing it. "The visuals were crafted within the context of the narrative," he explained. He noted that conveying such a challenging topic with clarity was a factor that influenced the jury’s decision.
However, the recognition of The Kerala Story has not been without controversy. Critics have argued that other films, such as Aadujeevitham, directed by Blessy and starring Prithviraj, were more deserving of accolades. Aadujeevitham, which garnered positive reviews from audiences, faces disappointment for its omission from the awards. Blessy expressed his shock over the decision, recalling that Gowariker had previously voiced admiration for the film, even likening it to David Lean’s classic, Lawrence of Arabia.
The selection process drew attention to the criteria the jury used in evaluating the films, prompting conversations about artistic merit versus the narrative focus of the films. Some industry watchers believe that The Kerala Story‘s win aligns with certain political narratives prevalent in current discourse.
As conversations around the awards continue, Gowariker stands by the jury’s choice, asserting that the film succeeded in addressing a challenging theme in a compelling manner. The discourse surrounding the awards shines a light on broader issues within the Indian film industry, including the balance between artistic expression and societal impact.
This year’s National Film Awards have undeniably stirred emotions and discussions about representation and the complexity of storytelling in cinema. Observers will continue to watch how these conversations unfold in the wake of the awards announcement.
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