The 71st National Film Awards, announced on August 1, 2025, have stirred considerable debate, especially concerning the recognition of "The Kerala Story." The film, directed by Sudipto Sen and starring Adah Sharma, secured awards for Best Director and Best Cinematography. This win has been met with both applause and criticism, given the controversies surrounding the film's narrative of religious conversion and its depiction of events in Kerala.
Ashutosh Gowariker, the chairperson of the Feature Film Jury, has addressed the uproar, explaining the jury's decision to honor "The Kerala Story" despite the opposition. Gowariker noted that the cinematography in "The Kerala Story" was "stark and realistic" and didn't "try to overpower the narrative". He added that the images were created "within the realm of things," which the jury appreciated. Regarding Sudipto Sen's win for Best Director, Gowariker stated that the film tackled a "difficult topic" with a clarity that the jury felt deserved recognition. He emphasized the challenge of conveying such a sensitive subject matter effectively, and the jury applauded Sen's handling of it. Gowariker mentioned that the jury made a unanimous decision to award the film.
"The Kerala Story" has been a lightning rod for controversy since its release in 2023. The film portrays women from Kerala who are allegedly forced to convert to Islam and recruited by the Islamic State (ISIS). The film initially claimed that 32,000 women from Kerala had been radicalized and sent to Syria and Yemen, a figure that was later retracted after accusations of promoting misinformation. Critics have accused the film of being a distorted and misleading account that promotes a "love jihad" narrative and fuels communal divisions. Some states, like West Bengal, banned the film, while others, such as Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh, granted it tax-free status.
The film's National Award wins have sparked political backlash, particularly in Kerala. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly condemned the awards, accusing the film of spreading misinformation and communal hatred. Vijayan stated that the jury had "lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar" and that the award was an insult to Kerala's secular traditions. He urged everyone who believes in democracy to raise their voice in defense of truth and constitutional values. Kerala's Cultural Affairs Minister, Saji Cheriyan, echoed these sentiments, alleging that the award was part of a political agenda to create fear and division within the country. He questioned the criteria used to select the film for the award, suggesting it was based on the interests of a particular group rather than artistic merit.
Despite the controversy, the film's producer, Vipul Amrutlal Shah, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. He acknowledged the tough competition and stated that he was glad the jury recognized the film's merits. The debate surrounding "The Kerala Story" and its National Film Awards highlights the complex intersection of artistic expression, social responsibility, and political discourse.
