Overview

• The Kerala Story received Best Director and Best Cinematography at the 71st National Film Awards announced on August 1
• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan denounced the jury’s choice as an insult to Kerala’s secular cinematic tradition
• Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan alleged the BJP-led jury politicized the awards to promote hate narratives
• Jury chair Ashutosh Gowariker defended the unanimous decision by praising the film’s stark cinematography and clear direction
• Director Sudipto Sen challenged critics to watch the film and noted that the censor board vetted every dialogue and scene