Reward for decade-long journey: 'Kerala Story' director on National Award
What's the story
Sudipto Sen, the director of The Kerala Story, has been awarded the Best Director at the 71st National Film Awards. The film sparked nationwide debate and widespread controversy upon its release in 2023. In an exclusive chat with India Today, Sen called the honor a validation of years of research and hard work.
Director's perspective
It feels great, says Sen
Sen said, "Naturally, I'm feeling great." "But I would have been even happier if the film had also received the principal award. Still, it's a vindication of what we set out to communicate." The Kerala Story, starring Adah Sharma, was released in 2023 and became a box office hit despite polarizing discourse and controversy.
Film's success
'We already got our award in audience blessings'
Sen recalled how The Kerala Story started as a modest project but received massive attention and appreciation post-release. He said, "We already got our award in the form of audience blessings. Even two years after release, people are still talking about the film on social media." "On OTT platforms, we were in the top 10 for nearly 35 weeks out of 70. That's the kind of love and engagement we witnessed."
Director's journey
A decade of hard work culminated in this win
Sen started working on the project in 2012, and his Kerala-based collaborator Ambika JK has been involved since 2010. "We didn't expect it to become so big. After a decade of research and struggle, this award feels like a reward for that journey," he added. The film also won the National Award for Best Cinematography.
Film's journey
On initial backlash
Sen acknowledged the initial backlash but insisted that the narrative changed once people watched the film. "Yes, there was controversy in the beginning, but that faded as audiences realized the film wasn't about religion—it was about a very real and serious issue." "ISIS's model of recruitment had impacted parts of Europe and America, and we were showing how it had roots in India too, particularly Kerala," Sen explained.
Film's intent
Controversy helped us, added Sen
Sen added that The Kerala Story was often misinterpreted due to political sensitivities in the country. "People assumed it was Islamophobic, but it wasn't. Once they saw it, they understood it was about terrorism—not religion." "And ironically, the controversy helped us. We didn't need to spend on publicity. People organically found their personal connection to the film."
Kerala CM's anger
Meanwhile, Kerala CM is disappointed with the film's victory
The controversy around the movie has resurfaced after the National Awards. On Friday night, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote on X, "By honoring 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 #NationalFilmAwards has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar." "Kerala...has been gravely insulted by this decision." The Kerala Story is currently streaming on ZEE5.