MELBOURNE, Australia — Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar has called for respect towards the decisions made by the jury of the National Film Awards, emphasizing the inherent subjectivity of art. Sircar’s comments come on the heels of recent criticisms related to the prestigious awards, notably surrounding the recognitions for actor Shah Rukh Khan and the film “The Kerala Story.”
In an interview with local media ahead of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025, Sircar remarked that questioning the jury’s decisions post-announcement is unproductive. He defended the credibility of the award process, asserting, “You leave it to the jury. We might agree to disagree on many things, but what matters is the jury’s sensibility.”
Reflecting on his own past experiences, Sircar recounted a similar controversy when his film “Sardar Udham” was not selected for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 2021. He recalled his reaction then, saying, “Whatever the jury has decided, I have to accept it.”
Currently serving on the IFFM jury for the second consecutive year, Sircar illuminated the complexities involved in evaluating cinematic works, particularly short films. He acknowledged the challenges in maintaining objectivity but expressed his commitment to fairness in judgment. “Judging is very difficult,” he stated, highlighting the need for jurors to consider various elements, such as technical craftsmanship and the social impact of the films.
Sircar elaborated that jurors strive to celebrate films that resonate on social levels and have enduring relevance. “There are technicalities where you can judge the craft,” he mentioned, “but the voice and vision of the director are paramount.”
As discussions regarding the National Film Awards continue to provoke mixed reactions, Sircar’s emphasis on the jury’s authority reminds audiences of the subjective nature of film appreciation and the value of respecting the decisions made by industry experts.
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