Blessy Malayalam screenwriter and director questions over double standards
Blessy Malayalam screenwriter and director questions over double standards
Veteran Malayalam director and screenwriter Blessy Ipe Thomas has eventually come out of his silence zone following his critically acclaimed film Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) which went unrecognized at the 71st National Film Awards. Voicing his utter disappointment, he made a strong remark against jury member Ashutosh Gowariker, accusing him of double standards in the selection process.
Blessy recounted that Ashutosh had earlier compared “The Goat Life to Lawrence of Arabia” and had invited him to lunch. He questioned how someone who heaped praises on the the film’s visual detailing so highly could later dismiss it as part of the jury. As per Blessy, this contradiction aptly shows double standards at play.
Reportedly, the director’s comment came in response to the jury’s official reasoning that Aadujeevitham was “not technically sound enough.” Rejecting this explanation, Blessy revealed that Gowariker had shown appreciation to the film at a Mumbai festival screening and was of high praise over about its technical finesse.
He went on to question the transparency of the awards process and raised doubts on the credibility of certain jury members. The filmmaker pointed out how Gowariker’s public appreciation to the film sharply contradicts his stand amidst the jury deliberations, calling this a serious concern for filmmakers across the country.
Although, “The Kerala Story” bagged major honours, Aadujeevitham, which celebrated for its stunning cinematography and survival-themed narrative, was deprived of a single award. Blessy with his 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.
News Edit KV Raman
