FTII Students Criticize National Awards Recognition for The Kerala Story

The recent decision to honor “The Kerala Story” at the National Film Awards has sparked significant controversy, with students from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) leading the dissent. The FTII Students’ Association has publicly condemned the awards, arguing that recognizing the film legitimizes what they describe as divisive and misleading narratives.

In detailed statements, the FTII community expressed their concern that awarding “The Kerala Story” as Best Film and honoring its director Sudipto Sen risks endorsing content that, in their view, sows communal discord under the guise of cinema. The students called the jury’s choice both “disappointing and dangerous,” asserting that the film serves more as a tool for propagating harmful stereotypes and less as an authentic work of art.

Their condemnation echoes similar criticism from other public figures, including Kerala’s Chief Minister, who called the award a blow to the legacy of Indian cinema rooted in harmony and inclusivity. While “The Kerala Story” has enjoyed box office success and official acclaim, the backlash highlights growing debate about the responsibilities of national film institutions and the evolving boundaries between artistic expression and political messaging within Indian cinema.