Kochi: The controversy surrounding the 71st National Film Awards shows no signs of easing, as more voices continue to criticise the jury’s evaluation process. Even among the winners, dissatisfaction is growing over what many see as flawed adjudication. Among the most vocal critics is acclaimed actor Urvashi, who has publicly questioned the committee's decision to classify her and veteran actor Vijayaraghavan as supporting actors - despite both having played lead roles in their respective films. She also strongly condemned the complete omission of Aadujeevitham - The Goat Life from the honours list.
Urvashi expressed her disappointment over what she believes was the deliberate sidelining of director Blessy’s Aadujeevitham, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, due to the controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan. In an interview with The News Minute, she asked, “How could they ignore Aadujeevitham? You have an actor (Prithviraj) who gave immense time and effort, undergoing a physical transformation to portray Najeeb’s gut-wrenching suffering. We all know it is because of Empuraan. Awards cannot get political.”
Empuraan, the much-awaited sequel to Lucifer (2019), directed by and starring Prithviraj, had sparked controversy when right-wing groups protested scenes allegedly referencing the 2002 Gujarat riots. Though the film had already received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the makers later made voluntary changes in response to the backlash. The film, written by Murali Gopy, forms the second part of a planned trilogy.
Urvashi, who won Best Supporting Actress at the 71st National Film Awards, strongly criticised the jury for categorising central characters as supporting roles. She argued that such decisions not only misrepresent the role of the actor but also deny actual supporting actors the recognition they deserve. “If they select lead characters for supporting role awards, what happens to the real supporting actors? Where is the motivation for them to better their craft? How did the jury determine what was a lead and what was a supporting role?” she asked.
Reflecting on a similar experience two decades ago, Urvashi recalled how she remained silent when she was awarded Best Supporting Actress for her role in Achuvinte Amma (2005), despite being one of the film’s leads. The film had marked her return to cinema after a six-year hiatus. At that time, she chose not to speak out, out of respect for actor Sarika, who won Best Actress for her performance in Parzania. “Sarika was also making a comeback after personal struggles, and it didn’t feel right to protest then,” Urvashi said. “But this time, I have to speak up - not just for myself, but for the younger actors. There are so many talented artists in the South who will keep getting sidelined if we don’t raise our voice. National Awards must be given purely on talent - nothing else.”
The actor, widely regarded as one of the finest in Indian cinema, stressed that her protest is rooted in principle, not personal grievance. “I don’t crave awards, but when they come, they should leave you feeling honoured - not like this. The jury should not underestimate the South and assume we’ll be content with whatever is handed to us.”
She also made it clear that her criticism stems from a place of independence. “I can speak because I am not dependent on any political party. I pay my taxes and I have no fear. I am raising this not for me, but for those who walk behind me. I don’t want someone telling them, ‘Even Urvashi stayed quiet when she won - why are you protesting?’”
While Urvashi’s performance in Ullozhukku earned her the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress - her sixth in that category - it was only considered for Best Supporting Actor at the national level. Meanwhile, Aadujeevitham went on to win nine Kerala State Film Awards, including Best Director for Blessy and Best Actor for Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Urvashi concluded that she will decide whether to accept the National Award based on the response she receives from the public and the industry.