Thiruvananthapuram, India — Renowned director Blessy voiced his discontent with the National Awards jury’s recent critique of his film “Aadujeevitham” (The Goat Life), especially considering the previous commendations from jury chair Ashutosh Gowariker. In remarks made during the Kerala government’s Film Policy Conclave, Blessy expressed astonishment over what he perceived as a contradictory assessment of his work.
“I recall Gowariker praising the film sincerely during our discussions,” Blessy remarked in an interview following the event. He highlighted their earlier exchange during the film’s Mumbai premiere, part of its Oscar campaign, where Gowariker commented on the film’s visual storytelling. “He noted that he hadn’t seen the desert depicted so stunningly since ‘Lawrence of Arabia,'” Blessy said, calling the compliment akin to receiving an award itself.
Despite expecting accolades at the 71st National Film Awards, which were revealed on Saturday, “Aadujeevitham” did not receive any recognition, leaving Blessy questioning the jury’s criteria. “If someone had appreciated the film’s nuances initially, how is it now dismissed on technical grounds? This feels inconsistent,” he added.
The film was up for consideration in various categories, but ultimately did not make the final selection. Jury member Pradeep Nair explained the decision, emphasizing concerns raised by Gowariker regarding the film’s adaptation and execution. He noted that the storytelling lacked authenticity and the performances fell short of naturalness.
However, Nair acknowledged the jury’s appreciation for actor K R Gokul’s portrayal, citing its freshness and impact. Still, he clarified that the overall quality of the film informed the decisions made in individual categories, ultimately impacting Gokul’s chances for an award.
In contrast, “Ullozhukku,” directed by Christo Tomy and awarded Best Malayalam Film, was commended for its consistency across all aspects, including writing and technical execution.
The juxtaposition of Blessy’s earlier praise and the jury’s current criticism raises questions about the evaluation process and professionalism in film assessments.
The controversy underscores the challenges filmmakers face in balancing artistic vision with jury expectations, leaving Blessy and others in the industry to ponder the complexities inherent in seeking recognition.
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