Double Standards? National Awards Jury Exposed?

Blessy has finally broken his silence after his critically acclaimed film Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) received no recognition at the 71st National Film Awards. Expressing his disappointment, he made a strong remark against jury member Ashutosh Gowariker, accusing him of double standards in the selection process.

Blessy recalled that Ashutosh had previously compared The Goat Life to Lawrence of Arabia and even invited him to lunch. He questioned how someone who praised the film’s visual detailing so highly could later dismiss it as part of the jury. According to Blessy, this contradiction clearly shows double standards at play.

The director’s comment came in response to the jury’s official reasoning that Aadujeevitham was “not technically sound enough.” Blessy rejected this explanation, revealing that Gowariker had enthusiastically appreciated the film at a Mumbai festival screening and had spoken highly about its technical finesse.

He questioned the transparency of the awards process and raised doubts about the credibility of certain jury members. The filmmaker pointed out how Gowariker’s public praise of the film sharply contradicts his stand during the jury deliberations, calling this a serious concern for filmmakers across the country.

While The Kerala Story won major honours, Aadujeevitham, which was celebrated for its stunning cinematography and survival-themed narrative, did not win a single award. Blessy’s statement has added fuel to the ongoing debate over bias and politics in national awards, with many now questioning whether jury members’ personal opinions are affecting what should be an unbiased process.