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You can't question the jury: Shoojit Sircar on SRK, Kerala Story National Awards row

You can't question the jury: Shoojit Sircar on SRK, Kerala Story National Awards row

India Today3 days ago
Amid ongoing debate over Shah Rukh Khan winning Best Actor and 'The Kerala Story' being adjudged Best Film at the recent National Film Awards, filmmaker Shoojit Sircar has emphasised that the final decision rests entirely with the appointed jury. He said that their decision should not be questioned.In an interview with Hindustan Times, he said, '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?"advertisementThe 'Piku' and 'Sardar Udham' director is currently serving on the jury of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) for the second year in a row, selecting the Best Short Films at the event. Though he usually avoids such roles, Sircar said he made an exception for IFFM.
'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 and being a judge. But for this, I made an exception,' he shared.Calling the process of judging cinema 'very difficult,' he outlined his approach, 'Before we start, we tell everyone that there are certain elements that they should take into consideration. There are technicalities where you can really possibly judge 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,' the filmmaker added.Recalling a moment from his own career when 'Sardar Udham' did not make the panorama selection for the 2021 International Film Festival of India, Sircar said, 'When Sardar Udham's panorama selection 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'.'The 2025 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne runs from August 14 to August 24.- EndsMust Watch
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