Shoojit Sircar defends National Film Awards jury amid controversy over Shah Rukh Khan and The Kerala Story wins: ‘You can't question what…'

Indian Express

4 days ago

After the National Film Award winners were announced recently, many people expressed disappointment over Shah Rukh Khan winning the Best Actor award and The Kerala Story bagging the Best Film award. In a recent interview, Shoojit Sircar defended the National Film Awards jury, stating that it's the panel's call.
During a conversation with Hindustan Times, Sircar stated, 'I feel that there is no point debating this from the outside. You leave it to the jury. We might agree to disagree on many things, but finally, what matters is, who is the jury there. Because that jury is going to be your final word, and you leave it to their sensibility. You can't question what award they have given. I think we would rather question that before they start. Who is the jury? What are their sensibilities?'
Shoojit Sircar is also a part of the jury of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), for the second consecutive year. He is responsible for choosing the Best Short Films at the festival. Ahead of IFFM 2025, Shoojit spoke about the experience of judging and said, 'IFFM is very dear to me. The organisers are dear friends and this particular festival is almost like a family affair. This is my fifth or sixth visit there. I normally don't participate in juries. But for this, I made an exception,' he said.
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However, the director mentioned that judging cinema is 'very difficult'. 'Before we start, we tell everyone that there are certain elements that they should take into consideration. There are technical aspects that allow you to genuinely assess the craft. Then, you should celebrate the film that really makes a difference. And then, the voice and vision of the director are very important. You look at films that bring a lot of social change and have a long-lasting impact. Of course, there are technicalities to look into it, in terms of cinematography, editing, direction, actors, everything,' Shoojit explained.
'When Sardar Udham's panorama selection (for the 2021 International Film Festival of India) didn't happen, I was asked the same things. I will say what I said then: 'Whatever the jury has decided, I have to accept it',' he concluded.