The 71st National Film Awards, announced on August 1, 2025, stirred significant debate, particularly surrounding the recognition of The Kerala Story. The film, directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Shah, secured two prestigious awards: Best Direction and Best Cinematography. As jury chairperson, filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker faced scrutiny for these decisions, given the film’s polarizing narrative. This article explores Gowariker’s reasoning behind the awards and the broader context of the controversy.

The Kerala Story: A Polarizing Narrative

Released in 2023, The Kerala Story portrays the alleged forced religious conversions and recruitment of women from Kerala into the Islamic State (IS). The film, starring Adah Sharma, sparked intense debate upon release. While it gained tax-free status in BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, it faced bans in West Bengal and halted screenings in Tamil Nadu due to law-and-order concerns. Critics, including Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accused the film of spreading misinformation and communal discord, intensifying the controversy surrounding its National Award wins.

Gowariker’s Defense of the Cinematography Award

As the head of the Feature Film Jury, Ashutosh Gowariker addressed the rationale behind awarding The Kerala Story for Best Cinematography. He praised cinematographer Prasantanu Mohapatra for delivering visuals that were “stark and realistic.” Gowariker emphasized that the cinematography never overshadowed the narrative, maintaining a grounded approach that enhanced the storytelling. “The images were created within the realm of things, and we applauded that,” he told NDTV, highlighting the jury’s appreciation for the technical finesse that supported the film’s intense subject matter.

Clarity in Direction: Sudipto Sen’s Recognition

Gowariker also defended the Best Direction award for Sudipto Sen, acknowledging the challenges of tackling a sensitive topic. He noted that the film addressed a complex social issue with clarity, a quality the jury felt deserved recognition. “It’s a difficult topic, and to convey that with the kind of clarity that he did, we felt it deserved recognition,” Gowariker explained. Despite deliberations within the jury, the decision to honor Sen was unanimous, reflecting the panel’s belief in the film’s directorial merit, even amid its controversial reception.

The Controversy and Differing Perspectives

The awards sparked sharp criticism, notably from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who called the decision a “grave insult” to the state, alleging the film tarnished Kerala’s image. Jury member Pradeep Nair revealed he opposed the film’s selection, labeling it as propaganda, though he was outvoted by others who saw it as addressing a relevant social issue. This divide underscores the broader tension between artistic recognition and political sensitivities, with The Kerala Story at the center of the storm.

Gowariker’s Legacy and the Weight of the Decision

Ashutosh Gowariker, known for critically acclaimed films like Lagaan and Swades, brought his seasoned perspective to the jury. His role as chairperson added weight to the awards’ credibility, yet it also placed him in the spotlight of this controversy. By standing by the jury’s choices, Gowariker highlighted the importance of evaluating films on artistic and technical merits, even when their narratives provoke strong reactions. The debate surrounding The Kerala Story reflects the complex interplay between cinema, politics, and public perception in India’s diverse landscape.

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