From art to mass appeal: Are the National Awards losing relevance? Experts answer

India Today

11 hours ago

Once hailed as India's highest recognition for cinematic excellence, the National Awards are now at the centre of debate. The August 1 announcement sparked chatter that the honours have drifted from their roots, which were once dominated by socially conscious or indie-style cinema, to celebrating big-ticket blockbusters. From Allu Arjun's 'Pushpa' (2021) to Shah Rukh Khan's 'Jawan' (2023), some cinephiles argue the shift marks a tilt towards the commercial, raising questions over whether the awards are losing their original vision.advertisementWhy was SRK not recognised for performances in Swades (2004) or Chak De! India (2007), which many believe was more deserving? Is the definition of 'independent cinema' itself misunderstood? And, most importantly, do the National Awards still carry the same weight in an era where every accolade is dissected online? India Today spoke to industry veterans for answers.Filmmaker-actor Viveck Vaswani addressed the commercial aspect, stressing that every film is commercial because it requires selling a ticket. He said, "What is not commercial? The production needs to pay his team, and how can he do that without making a commercial film? It's not one, only and unless no one is getting paid. It's not even a piece of art, as hundreds of crafts come together to make one film. So there is no question of whether we are moving towards it, as commercialisation has been around forever."
The filmmaker also suggested that the term 'independent film' is often misunderstood: "Someone like Rakesh Roshan is the biggest independent filmmaker for me, as he never sold his negatives or made deals with any studio for his film."Naming Sunil Darshan as another example, for holding on to his film rights. Vaswani added, "So for me, Anurag Kashyap is not an independent filmmaker because most of his films are funded by Viacom 18 or 20th Century Fox. Those are studio products. The content of a product doesn't make it independent or non-independent. Making a gareeb art film with no money and then saying I'm an independent filmmaker is stupid. It is the money that determines what kind of film you'll make. If someone is paying you unlimited money without the expectations of any return, and you make a film for your personal joy, that's independent in the true sense."
Shah Rukh Khan won National Film Award 2023 for Best Actor for 'Jawan' (2023).
Two-time awardee Pavan Malhotra also weighed in, noting that a National Award does not necessarily change things, professionally. One may receive a little more respect from the industry, but it does not automatically translate into more work.advertisementFor him, however, both of his wins came as a surprise. Malhotra was given the Special Jury Award for 'Faqir' in 1998 and Best Supporting Actor for 'Fauja' in 2023. While the recognition may not alter the course of an artist's career, he believes it holds deep meaning for any nation-loving individual."Just the fact that I will take the award from the President of my country was a special feeling. I remember the first time when I won it, I kept thinking what I would tell him when I reached the stage (K. R. Narayanan was the president at that time). I was almost lost when I saw an army officer standing behind him, and instantly, I uttered the term 'Jai Hind'. I continue to use that as a greeting. I am a patriot, and for me, more than an actor, this honour means a lot as an Indian," Pavan Malhotra said.Vaswani also questioned whether these awards, even though bestowed by the nation, retain relevance today. He said, "The moment we enter the social media space, every actor, filmmaker, award, every little piece of content is analysed by the threadbare. And hence, everything has lost its relevance because there's so much noise. I don't know what the truth is anymore. But then, you could say a National Award is as good or bad as the Padma Shri. Maybe, the Veer Chakra has far more relevance because it's about the army, and one has to really excel in war or probably die to get it. There is proof of bravery and courage."Shah Rukh shared the National Film Award 2023 for Best Actor alongside actor Vikrant Massey for Vidhu Vinod Chopra's '12th Fail'.- EndsTrending Reel