Latest news with #JeoBaby
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Malayalam filmmaker Jeo Baby strongly reacts to 'The Kerala Story' getting National Award: 'Such misrepresentation…'
Malayalam filmmaker Jeo Baby recently shared how the National Awards have lost their value in the current era. In an interview, the director, who helmed projects like 'Kaathal - The Core' and 'The Great Indian Kitchen', stated that movies that spread the propaganda of the ruling parties are honoured with the awards. Jeo Baby on National Film Awards In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Jeo Baby shared that in the last decade, he has witnessed this pattern. He added that the awards have not lost their significance now, as the government is pushing the plots and scripts that align with the one who is ruling. He said, "Why have these awards when the movies cannot be treated on merit? What's the value of these awards?" Jeo Baby on ' The Kerala Story ' The filmmaker further stated that 'The Kerala Story' not only misrepresented the facts about the state but also its "script, direction and acting" were not according to the National Film Awards standards. He further shared that he has no "disappointment" at a personal level. However, the director added that he is not happy with 'The Kerala Story' getting the award. He emphasised that the movie was not made properly. He said, "Such misrepresentation of facts is quite scary." Earlier, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan had expressed his disappointment after 'The Kerala Story' was announced as the winner in the Best Direction and Best Cinematography categories at the National Awards. The 71st National Film Awards were announced on August 1, 2025. More about the film Meanwhile, the film's story revolves around three Kerala women who are forced to follow Islam and eventually made to join ISIS. The movie was backed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah , while Sudipto Sen helmed the project. It was released in May 2023 and earned over Rs 300 crore at the box office.
India Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Malayalam director Jeo Baby questions National Film Award for The Kerala Story
Director Jeo Baby, who has helmed films like 'Kaathal - The Core' and 'The Great Indian Kitchen', recently reacted to the 71st National Awards winners. While mentioning 'The Kerala Story', he emphasised how National Awards have lost their value over the in a recent interview with Hindustan Times, stated that films that "back the agenda of the ruling parties", are given preference at the National Film Awards. He said, "For the past 10 years or so we have seen this pattern. Movies that seem to back the agenda of the ruling parties have won awards at the national level. These awards seem to have no significance now, as they are encouraging plots and scripts that only the people in power believe in. Why have these awards when the movies cannot be treated on merit? What's the value of these awards?"advertisementThe 'Kaathal - The Core' director also stated that 'The Kerala Story' not just misrepresented facts, but also its "script, direction and acting" were not at par with National Film Awards standards. "No. Personally, I've no such disappointment. But the awards given to 'The Kerala Story', a movie that misrepresented facts, is hugely disappointing. Not only was the movie full of lies, it was also shoddily made. The script, direction and acting were below par. Such misrepresentation of facts is quite scary," he added. Recently, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also criticised the National Award win for 'The Kerala Story'. The Kerala CM in his X post wrote, "By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Kerala's image and sowing seeds of communal hatred, the jury of the #National FilmAwards has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar (sic)."He further wrote, "Kerala, a land that has always stood as a beacon of harmony and resistance against communal forces, has been gravely insulted by this decision. It is not just Malayalis, but everyone who believes in democracy, must raise their voice in defence of truth and the constitutional values we hold dear. (sic)"The film's director, Sudipto Sen, in an interview with India Today said, "I have, I have a mixed bag reaction. Number one, I'm sure he did not see the film. I would request, he's a very, very senior politician and a very, very revered politician, so I would request him to watch the film."'The Kerala Story' won two awards at the 71st National Film Awards - Best Direction, and Best Cinematography. The film follows a group of Kerala women who are coerced into embracing Islam, sexually abused and are eventually made to join from 'The Kerala Story', there were also mixed reactions to actor Shah Rukh Khan winning Best Actor for 'Jawan'. Director Blessy also expressed disappointment over 'The Goat Life' being snubbed by the 71st National Film Awards were announced on August 1, 2025.- EndsMust Watch
News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
After Urvashi, Jeo Baby SLAMS National Film Awards: 'Standards Have Fallen...'
Last Updated: Filmmaker Jeo Baby questions the credibility of the National Film Awards, criticises The Kerala Story, and says politically driven films are being rewarded. The recently announced National Film Awards have sparked significant backlash, especially from members of the South Indian film industry. At the heart of the controversy are questions about credibility, merit, and alleged political bias. Many have expressed dismay over Shah Rukh Khan winning Best Actor for Jawan instead of acclaimed performances by Mammootty in Kaathal – The Core and Prithviraj Sukumaran in Aadujeevitham. The recognition given to The Kerala Story—a film widely criticized for peddling propaganda—has only intensified the criticism. Filmmaker Jeo Baby, known for socially resonant films like The Great Indian Kitchen and Kaathal – The Core, did not hold back in a recent interview with Hindustan Times. He questioned the integrity and value of the awards in today's climate. 'For the past 10 years or so, we've seen a pattern. Movies that seem to align with the agenda of ruling parties are winning awards at the national level. These awards seem to have no significance now, as they are encouraging plots and scripts that only the people in power believe in," Jeo said. 'Why have these awards when the movies cannot be treated on merit? What's the value of these awards?" he added. When asked whether he felt let down that Kaathal – The Core, which sensitively explored a homosexual relationship, was overlooked, Jeo clarified that it wasn't about personal disappointment, 'Personally, I've no such disappointment. But the awards given to The Kerala Story, a movie that misrepresented facts, is hugely disappointing. Not only was the movie full of lies, it was also shoddily made. The script, direction and acting were below par. Such misrepresentation of facts is quite scary." He also lamented the overall decline in the standards of national recognition, 'Previously, movies that won national awards were held in high esteem—even internationally. But the standards seem to have fallen. Awards to undeserving movies are an embarrassment. Our image internationally will be dented if this continues. It's not fair to the domestic viewers either." Jeo concluded by revealing that filmmakers often participate in the process not for recognition of their storytelling, but to ensure their technical crew has a shot at national honors,'Sometimes we send our entries only because we feel the technical crew should not miss out on winning a possible award." First Published: August 07, 2025, 16:10 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Jeo Baby questions ‘value' of National Awards if ‘movies cannot be treated on merit', says films backing agenda win now
The National Film Awards announced last week have been the subject of ridicule in many quarters of the movie industry, especially down south. Shah Rukh Khan winning the best actor award over Mammootty's performance in Kathal - The Core and Prithviraj's efforts in Aadujeevitham had raised eyebrows, and so did the awards given to The Kerala Story, which was widely called a propaganda movie. Jeo Baby, director of Kaathal - The Core and The Great Indian Kitchen, talks about how national awards have lost their value over the years. Excerpts from an interview: Malayalam filmmaker Jeo Baby has questioned the National Award wins for The Kerala Story this year. Jeo, what's your reaction to the National Film Awards this year? For the past 10 years or so we have seen this pattern. Movies that seem to back the agenda of the ruling parties have won awards at the national level. These awards seem to have no significance now, as they are encouraging plots and scripts that only the people in power believe in. Why have these awards when the movies cannot be treated on merit? What's the value of these awards? Are you personally disappointed that Kaathal - The Core did not win any award? Was it because it dealt with homosexuality? No. Personally, I've no such disappointment. But the awards given to The Kerala Story, a movie that misrepresented facts, is hugely disappointing. Not only was the movie full of lies, it was also shoddily made. The script, direction and acting were below par. Such misrepresentation of facts is quite scary. Previously, movies that won national awards were held in high esteem, even internationally. But the standards seem to have fallen. Awards to undeserving movies are an embarrassment. Our image internationally will be dented if this continues. It's not fair to the domestic viewers either. Sometimes we send our entries only because we feel the technical crew should not miss out on winning a possible award. What's the kind of defence mechanism that independent movie makers can adopt? I would say let's fight this with outstanding movies. Good art is the best defence against fascism. The trolls on social media are a good indication of what people think of these national awards. The audience is mature in many parts of the country, and they can see through this. Don't you think poor selections like these can demotivate good filmmakers? The good filmmakers should stop making movies for awards. Let them concentrate on their craft. There's a lot of good talent in the industry. They should view these awards in a humorous way. Do you think the jury was under pressure? I'm not sure. Maybe they have instructions from the top. Many of the best movies ever made, even globally, are those that challenged norms, were anti-establishment and spoke truth to power. Yes, I agree. That's why I say that directors should not think of awards as an end goal. Let them make movies without fear or favour.
News18
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Jeo Baby's Malayalam Film Victoria Selected For Shanghai International Film Festival
The Malayalam film Victoria, directed by Sivaranjini J, is the only Indian film selected for the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival. Indian cinema is shining bright again. The Malayalam film Victoria, directed by first-time filmmaker Sivaranjini J, has been officially selected for the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF). And guess what? It's the only Indian film at the festival this year! The film will be shown in the Asian New Talent section, which highlights new and exciting voices in cinema. The festival will take place from June 13 to June 22, 2025, and will also feature films from countries like Iran, Japan, China, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. Popular director Jeo Baby, known for Kaathal, shared the happy news online. He posted, 'Proud moments for Indian cinema. The one and only Indian movie @ 27th Shanghai international film festival. Congrts @ 🙌🏼 this movie produced by KSFDC." Victoria follows the story of a young woman named Victoria, a beautician working in a small town. Her quiet life takes a dramatic turn when she decides to run away with her Hindu boyfriend, going against her strict Catholic family. Things get even more confusing when a neighbour leaves a rooster with her for a religious offering! It's a story full of emotions, challenges, and unexpected moments. The movie stars Meenakshi Jayan, Sreeshma Chandran, Jolly Chirayath, Steeja Mary, Darsana Vikas, Jeena Rajeev, and Remadevi. It deals with important topics like religious pressure, women's freedom, and cultural identity. Victoria is backed by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) and was funded through the Women Empowerment Grant, a special initiative to support women directors. The film had its world premiere at the International Film Festival of Kerala in 2024, where it won the FIPRESCI Award for Best Malayalam Film. That's not all, even Kiran Rao will also be part of the festival as a jury member. The main jury is headed by Giuseppe Tornatore, the famous director of Cinema Paradiso. The Shanghai International Film Festival is the largest film festival in Asia and China's longest-running international cinema event. The first festival was established in October 1993. It is the only Chinese festival accredited by the FIAPF. The festival is held over a ten-day period every June. SIFF is organized by China Film Administration, China Media Group, and the Shanghai government. First Published:
