### Veteran Filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan Criticizes National Film Awards
Veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan has strongly criticized the recent National Film Awards, claiming that the recognition once known for its integrity has lost credibility.
> "The worst films are winning awards these days," Gopalakrishnan stated during a media interaction, expressing frustration over what he described as a dilution of artistic standards and the growing influence of politics and regional biases in the selection process.
### Concerns About Selection Integrity
Gopalakrishnan lamented that in earlier years, awards were earned on merit and artistic excellence rather than external factors. He attributed the current decline to committees driven more by favoritism than creative merit.
The filmmaker emphasized that the National Film Awards, once a symbol of cultural and cinematic integrity, now appear disconnected from true artistic evaluation.
> "Earlier, the jury members were selected for their deep understanding of cinema. Now it seems the credentials of jurors do not align with the responsibility of judging the best films of the nation," he remarked.
### Legacy of Adoor Gopalakrishnan
Adoor Gopalakrishnan, celebrated for his contributions to Malayalam cinema with acclaimed works such as *Elippathayam* and *Kodiyettam*, has long been regarded as one of Indian cinema’s most thoughtful auteurs. His critique reflects concern over a perceived cultural decline in both standards and independence of national institutions promoting art.
> "Cinema is an art form that deserves sincerity and craft, not compromise," he added.
### Broader Industry Reaction
His comments have sparked a broader conversation within the Indian film community. Filmmakers, critics, and industry veterans echoed similar sentiments, pointing out inconsistencies and questioning the transparency of the awards system.
While some defended the awards as evolving with audience tastes, others agreed that the essence of artistic merit appears to have been overshadowed by commercial and political considerations.
***
**Author’s Summary:** Adoor Gopalakrishnan condemned the recent National Film Awards, accusing them of favoring weak films and undermining artistic merit once central to the institution’s legacy.
more
Mint — 2025-11-30