Aadujeevitham National Film Awards snub: Netizens irked that film’s authenticity was questioned
Director Blessy’s Aadujeevitham, featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead, was based on a real story, and yet, the jury chose to award The Kerala Story, which was far from factual
Last Updated: 11.23 PM, Aug 02, 2025
Ever since the 71st National Film Awards were announced, there’s been a lot of public discourse and furore over the controversial movie, The Kerala Story, winning two awards, while several Malayalam films, including Prithviraj Sukumaran’s highly-acclaimed Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life), were snubbed. What’s really got the goat of netizens is that jury chairperson, filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker felt that the adaptation “lacked naturality”, while the performances didn’t feel “authentic”.
The Kerala Story more authentic than the real Kerala story?
That the jury instead felt that Adah Sharma’s performance as a Malayali was more authentic in a film that was under fire for misrepresenting facts about Kerala, including inflating the number of women converted to Islam and recruited to the Islamic State – 32,000 that was eventually brought down to 3 only – is the last straw, feel netizens. They reckon that the jury’s credibility is in question in snubbing Aadujeevitham.
The film, which won 9 awards at the 54th Kerala State Film Awards, failed to impress the jury, despite being submitted for consideration in multiple categories and meeting the December 31, 2023 censor deadline to be eligible. Aadujeevitham joined other critically-acclaimed Malayalam films like Kaathal, Iratta, 2018, Thadavu, that got overlooked by the jury.
It is being alleged that the real reason behind Prithviraj not getting a Best Actor Award and Aadujeevitham receiving any other recognition is the actor’s directorial venture L2: Empuraan, which touched upon the Gujarat riots and the Centre’s use of central agencies to hound and discredit opposition party leaders, as well as its desperate measures to find a solid footing in Kerala.
Prithviraj has received resounding support from audiences across languages, who’ve declared that even though he missed out on the award, he’s a winner in their hearts.
FAQs
Q. Was Aadujeevitham in contention for the 71st National Awards?
A. Aadujeevitham was censored within the stipulated deadline, December 31, 2023, and was sent for consideration in several categories, including acting, cinematography and music.
Q. Why didn't Aadujeevitham win any award at the 71st National Film Awards?
A. According to jury chairperson Ashutosh Gowariker, the adaptation from book to screen was not natural and the performances in the film lacked authenticity, owing to which Aadujeevitham was not considered for recognition in any category.