The announcement of the 71st National Film Awards sparked controversy after The Kerala Story, directed by Sudipto Sen, won Best Direction and Best Cinematography. The awards, presented by filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, honored films released in 2023.
New Delhi: The declaration of the 71st National Film Awards stirred a controversy after The Kerala Story, directed by Sudipto Sen, won two awards for Best Direction and Best Cinematography. The results were declared by film director Ashutosh Gowariker for films released in the year 2023. The cinematography of the movie was done by Prasantanu Mohapatra and follows the fictionalized story of a group of young women from Kerala who are radicalized and recruited by ISIS. The central character, Shalini, portrayed by Adah Sharma narrates her journey from being a Hindu college student to being manipulated, converted to Islam, and eventually trafficked to Syria.
When asked by a reporter about the decision, Ashutosh Gowariker stated that the panel was in complete agreement in selecting The Kerala Story for the awards. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the jury of the National Film Awards has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar. “By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Kerala’s image and sowing seeds of communal hatred, the jury of the #NationalFilmAwards has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar. Kerala, a land that has always stood as a beacon of harmony and resistance against communal forces, has been gravely insulted by this decision. It is not just Malayalis, but everyone who believes in democracy, must raise their voice in defence of truth and the constitutional values we hold dear,” he stated.
Education Minister V Sivankutty wrote, "Congrats to all the National Film Awards 2025 winners from Kerala, especially Christo Tomy, for 'Ullozhukku', Urvashi and Vijayaraghavan for supporting roles. However, recognising 'The Kerala Story', a film that spreads hate and baseless allegations, devalues all other awards.
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The film's screening at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa had also turned chaotic after two delegates from Kerala protested against the movie. They were detained at the Panaji police station and debarred from the festival. Doordarshan had also screened it, which drew widespread condemnation in the state.
Korah Abraham, a journalist at The News Minute, wrote, “If you think your life is a joke, cheer up. Because Kerala Story just got a national award for best cinematography. There can't be a bigger joke.” Another user questioned the nature of these awards, “Best Cinematography - Kerala Story? Is this the actual National Awards that are being announced? Or is it some spoof/parody that’s going on.”
