Overview

• Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life was completely ignored at the 71st National Film Awards, failing to secure a single honour.
• Jury chairperson Ashutosh Gowariker and members concluded the adaptation lacked naturality and that performances felt inauthentic.
• The producers’ failure to submit English translations for song lyrics disqualified the film from contention in Best Lyrics and Best Male Playback Singer categories.
• Director Blessy accused Gowariker of double standards after the chairperson had previously compared the film’s desert cinematography to Lawrence of Arabia.
• Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty publicly challenged the snub, arguing Prithviraj Sukumaran’s performance was more deserving than the eventual Best Actor winner.