Film director and national film awards jury panel chief Priyadarshan has said that Bollywood films remained far behind regional cinema this year. “Most regional films were supporting social issues, while Bollywood films mostly had their focus on love and homosexuality. Regional cinemas are made from heart and reflect Indian culture,” said Priyadarshan to THE WEEK.
Priyadarshan said that Indian cinema was not just limited to Bollywood. “Why should we give unnecessary importance to Bollywood, which is not highlighting any social issues?” He spoke to THE WEEK after announcing the 64th national film awards on April 7.
Priyadarshan lambasted people who said that actors Akshay Kumar and Mohanlal won the best actor and special jury awards, respectively, because of their close proximity to the director. “This is rubbish. Last year, when Amitabh Bachchan won the best actor award, director Ramesh Sippy, who is Bachchan’s friend, was the head of the jury panel. Likewise, when director Prakash Jha was the head of the jury, Ajay Devgn won the best actor award. Why aren’t the same questions being asked to them? The jury selecting Akshay and Mohanlal has nothing to do with the friendship I share with them.”
There was also criticism among people on how Aamir Khan’s performance in Dangal was overlooked for the best actor award. “The final choice for the best actor was between Akshay and Mohanlal. The jury chose Akshay. Why should I give the award to a person who is not interested in awards? Aamir has said many times that if he wins an award, he would not accept it, as he doesn’t believe in one.”
The national film awards would be presented by President Pranab Mukherjee on May 3. Akshay Kumar won the best actor award for the Hindi film Rustom, and Malayalam actor Surabhi Lakshmi won the best actress award for her performance in Minnaminungu. Zaire Wasim won the best supporting actress award for Dangal.
While Marathi film, Kasaav, was given the best feature film award, Neerja was adjudged as the best Hindi film. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal was given the special jury award for his performances in two Malayalam films and a Telugu film.
