The 71st National Film Awards, announced on August 1, 2025, in New Delhi, have ignited a firestorm of debate, particularly among Malayalam cinema fans. The critically acclaimed Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life), directed by Blessy and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, was shockingly overlooked despite high expectations. Meanwhile, The Kerala Story and Jawan clinched major honors, leading many to question the awards' credibility.
Aadujeevitham's Critical Acclaim and Snub
Aadujeevitham, a survival drama based on Benyamin’s award-winning novel, portrays the harrowing journey of Najeeb, a Malayali migrant enslaved in Saudi Arabia. Prithviraj Sukumaran’s transformative performance, marked by a drastic 31 kg weight loss, earned widespread praise and nine Kerala State Film Awards, including Best Actor and Best Director. Despite its censor clearance on December 31, 2023, making it eligible, the film failed to secure any National Awards. Jury chairperson Ashutosh Gowariker reportedly cited concerns over the film’s adaptation and authenticity, a decision that has stunned fans and critics alike.
Controversial Wins for The Kerala Story and Jawan
The awards for The Kerala Story (Best Direction for Sudipto Sen and Best Cinematography) and Jawan (Best Actor shared by Shah Rukh Khan and Vikrant Massey) have fueled the controversy. The Kerala Story, criticized for its polarizing narrative, was selected for addressing a "major social issue," despite objections from jury member Pradeep Nair, who argued it defamed Kerala. Fans on social media platforms like X have called the decision "propaganda-driven," with posts highlighting the irony of The Kerala Story winning over Aadujeevitham, often dubbed the "real Kerala story." Shah Rukh Khan’s win for Jawan has also divided opinions, with many arguing Prithviraj’s raw, emotional portrayal deserved recognition.
Public and Political Backlash
The snub has sparked outrage, with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan labeling the awards an "insult to Indian cinema’s noble tradition." A cryptic Kerala Police post on social media, mirroring Aadujeevitham’s themes, amplified public discontent, hinting at jury bias. Some speculate that Prithviraj’s directorial project L2: Empuraan, which touches on sensitive political themes, may have influenced the jury’s decision, though no evidence supports this claim.
Why the Controversy Matters
The debate underscores broader concerns about the National Film Awards’ selection process. Fans argue that Aadujeevitham’s technical brilliance, emotional depth, and global acclaim—bolstered by AR Rahman’s Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best Background Score—set a benchmark unmatched by the winners. The exclusion of Aadujeevitham from categories like Best Actor, Direction, and Cinematography, coupled with a reported technical lapse in submitting translated lyrics, has left many questioning the jury’s judgment.
As Malayalam cinema continues to push boundaries, the 2025 National Awards have highlighted a divide between critical acclaim and institutional recognition. Will this controversy prompt a reevaluation of the awards’ credibility? Only time will tell.
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