The 71st National Film Awards were announced on August 1, 2025, and one of the most talked-about winners was ‘The Kerala Story’. The film won Best Direction and Best Cinematography, which surprised many and also started a big debate.
Gowariker Defends Awards Given To The Kerala Story
The movie was directed by Sudipto Sen and stars Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, and Siddhi Idnani. Since its release in 2023, the film has been surrounded by controversy because of its sensitive and political subject. Some people praised it, while others strongly criticized it.
To clear the air, Ashutosh Gowariker, the chairperson of the jury, shared why the film was given these awards. Speaking to the media, he said that the film’s cinematography was very realistic and simple. It didn’t try to look too fancy or dramatic, which helped tell the story in a clear and honest way. That’s why Prasantanu Mohapatra won the award for Best Cinematography.
As for Best Direction, Gowariker explained that handling such a difficult and controversial subject is not easy. But director Sudipto Sen managed to show the story with clarity and focus. The jury appreciated the effort and thought it deserved to be recognized.
However, not everyone agreed with the jury’s decision. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly opposed the awards. He posted on social media that the film spreads false information and tries to harm Kerala’s image by encouraging communal hatred. He said the jury’s decision hurt the feelings of people who believe in peace and unity.
Even with the backlash, the jury stood by its decision. Gowariker said that the jury looked only at the filmmaking quality, not the political message.
‘The Kerala Story’ winning two major awards shows how cinema can both entertain and spark serious discussions. Whether people agree or not, it’s clear that this film made a big impact.
Author: Purnima s
Purnima | Entertainment Blogger 4+ yrs writing fun blogs on movies, celebs & trends. Pop culture addict serving fresh, binge-worthy content!
