Urvashi Criticizes National Award Jury for Supporting Actress Honor

Actress Urvashi has publicly criticized the National Award jury after receiving the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in the Malayalam film Ullozhukku. The announcement was made on August 1, 2023, by the jury led by chairperson Ashutosh Gowariker. Urvashi earned this accolade for her portrayal of Leelamma in the film directed by Christo T, which also featured actress Parvathy Thirvothu.

In a conversation with Manorama News, Urvashi expressed her discontent over being categorized as a supporting actress, arguing that her role was equal to that of the lead. “Is there any standard scale for acting?” she questioned. “Or is it that after a certain age, this is all you’ll get?” Her remarks highlight a broader concern regarding the criteria used for award classifications.

Urvashi further emphasized that receiving such an honor should evoke pride rather than be accepted without question. “This is not pension money to be silently accepted. How are these decisions made? What criteria is followed?” she asked, suggesting that the award’s significance is diminished when no clear rationale is provided. In her determination to seek clarity, she has reportedly reached out to Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi to investigate the decision-making process and advocate for the recognition of Malayalam cinema.

Kerala Chief Minister Condemns Award for Controversial Film

In related news, Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala, has condemned the National Film Awards’ recognition of the controversial film The Kerala Story, which addresses religious conversions in the state. Following the announcement of the awards, Vijayan reiterated his opposition to the film, which he previously criticized upon its release in 2023.

The Chief Minister took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his concerns, claiming that awarding the film “lent credibility” to a narrative aligned with the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar. He stated, “By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Kerala’s image and sowing seeds of communal hatred, the jury has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar.”

Vijayan further articulated that the jury’s decision undermines the traditions of Indian cinema, which have historically championed “religious brotherhood” and national integration. He condemned the move as a tactic to use cinema as a means to promote communal agendas and urged every Malayali, along with supporters of democracy across the nation, to protest against this perceived injustice.

The responses from both Urvashi and Vijayan highlight the ongoing discussions about representation and the impact of awards in the film industry, raising questions about the standards and ethics governing such recognitions. As the conversation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these criticisms will influence future award deliberations and the broader landscape of Indian cinema.