Jury head compared it to Lawrence of Arabia: Blessy on Aadujeevitham’s National Award snub for The Kerala Story

Malayalam director Blessy opened up about Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Aadujeevitham being snubbed for the 71st National Film Awards despite the jury head praising the film and its cinematography last year

A still from Aadujeevitham, Blessy and a still from The Kerala Story

Despite Malayalam actors such as Urvashi and Vijayaraghavan winning Best Supporting Actors (even though they were the leads in the respective films), the 71st National Film Awards have left a bitter aftertaste. Most of it stems from The Kerala Story , which a majority of the audience have labelled as a ‘propaganda movie’ being honoured with major awards including Best Cinematography and Best Director, and also films such as Prithviraj Sukumaran and Blessy’s Aadujeevitham being snubbed.

After the awards were announced, those who were shocked that Aadujeevitham wasn’t considered, tried justifying saying that the movie was a 2024 release. However, the film’s team were quick to clarify that the movie was censored in 2023 and had made it to the shortlist of films considered by the jury, headed by Ashutosh Gowarikar for the 71st National Film Awards.

Blessy counters claims about Aadujeevitham’s technical aspects

When asked about Aadujeevitham’s snub, Pradeep Nair, who was a jury member, told Manorama that the jury chairman had watched the film at the International Film Festival of India, Goa, and “had serious concerns about the film’s adaptation and execution”. “Gowariker and others also felt the adaptation lacked naturality and the performances didn’t feel authentic,” Pradeep said.

Director Blessy, speaking on the sidelines at the Kerala Film Policy Conclave in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, countered these claims. “When we were in Mumbai as part of the Oscar campaign of Aadujeevitham, he had called me and appreciated the film. We spoke at length. I still remember what he told me, ‘I haven’t seen a film that has showcased the desert as beautiful as this since Lawrence of Arabia’. I immediately told him that it’s an award for me to get this sort of feedback from someone who had shot Lagaan. He even invited me to lunch the next day.”

Also read: Aadujeevitham National Film Awards snub: Netizens irked that film’s authenticity was questioned

Blessy, who is gearing up for his next movie with Mohanlal, said that he chose to respond because he has heard claims that the jury chairperson denied the film because it was “technically not sound”.

FTII students call decision to award The Kerala Story ‘dangerous’

Ashutosh, in an interview with NDTV, offered his explanation for choosing Sudipto Sen’s The Kerala Story for giving the awards for Best Cinematography and Best Director categories. “Its cinematography was very stark and realistic. It didn’t ever try to overpower the narrative,” he said.

This has drawn criticism from several quarters, including the students from the Film and Television Institute of India, who issued a statement against NFDC’s decision to award The Kerala Story— calling the decision, “not simply disappointing — it is dangerous”. “When a government-endorsed body elevates a film that spreads misinformation and paranoia against minorities, it is not merely ‘recognising art’ — it is legitimising violence,” said the statement.

Also read: 12th Fail to The Kerala Story: Where to watch on OTT guide of 71st National Film Award winners

FAQs

Q. Why didn't Aadujeevitham win National Awards?

A. Pradeep Nair, a member of the jury, cited Aadujeevitham had technical problems and its performances lacked authenticity. He also said that the jury chairman Ashutosh Gowariker too had concerns about the movie. Aadujeevitham director Blessy, however, countered these claims, saying that the jury head had actually praised the movie in an earlier interaction in 2024.

Q. Where to watch The Kerala Story on OTT?

A. Director Sudipto Sen's The Kerala Story is available on ZEE5 , accessible via OTTplay Premium. The controversial film stars Adah Sharma in the lead role.

Q. Is Aadujeevitham based on a true story?

A. Aadujeevitham, the movie, is based on Benyamin's eponymous novel which takes inspiration from the real-life story of Najeeb Muhammed, a migrant worker from Arattupuzha, Haripad. Prithviraj Sukumaran essayed his role in the movie, directed by Blessy.

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