Shoojit Sircar backs National Film Awards jury amid ‘The Kerala Story’ and ‘Jawan’ buzz

After this year’s National Film Awards were announced, social media was buzzing with mixed reactions. Many people felt upset about Shah Rukh Khan winning Best Actor and ‘The Kerala Story’ being named Best Film. While some debated whether these choices were fair, filmmaker Shoojit Sircar had a clear message, the jury’s decision is the final word.

Speaking to ‘Hindustan Times’, Sircar said there is no point in arguing about the results from the outside.

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“You leave it to the jury. We might agree or disagree, but what matters is who is on that panel. That jury is your final word. You can’t question the award after it’s given. If there’s anything to question, it should be before the process starts; who is the jury and what are their sensibilities?” he said firmly.

Shoojit Sircar himself is no stranger to the process of judging films. He is on the jury of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) for the second year in a row, tasked with selecting the Best Short Films. For him, IFFM is more than just another festival, it’s personal.

“IFFM is very dear to me. The organisers are close friends, and the festival feels like a family affair. This is my fifth or sixth visit. I usually don’t join juries, but I made an exception for this one,” he shared.

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However, the director admits that judging films is not easy. “Before we start, we tell everyone there are certain things they should consider. First, the technical side, cinematography, editing, acting, direction. Then, there’s the heart of the film, does it make a difference? Does it have a voice and vision that stands out? We also look for films that bring social change and leave a lasting impact,” he explained.

For Sircar, the craft and the message of a film go hand in hand. A good film, he believes, must not only be well-made but must also say something meaningful. That’s why, as a jury member, he takes the role seriously and avoids personal bias.

He also recalled facing similar questions in the past. When his critically acclaimed ‘Sardar Udham’ did not make it to the Panorama section of the 2021 International Film Festival of India, people asked him how he felt. His answer then was the same as now: “Whatever the jury has decided, I have to accept it.”