‘Malayalis… not fools’: Kerala Police's cryptic post adds to Aadujeevitham Vs Kerala Story debate amid national award row

A cryptic Facebook post by Kerala Police has added fuel to the ongoing public debate surrounding the 71st National Film Awards. Though intended as a warning against illegal immigration, the post mirrored the visual tone and message of Aadujeevitham — a Malayalam film that failed to win any award.

Opening with the line “We are Malayalis… not fools!!” and featuring a caption in the image saying “What is the point in going?”, the post indirectly resonated with the disappointment felt by many over the film’s complete omission. It reflected the broader sentiment in the state that the hardships portrayed in Aadujeevitham — and the efforts behind it — were unjustly overlooked.

While the post later shifted to highlight the risks of overseas migration without proper documentation, the initial reference struck a chord with audiences already angered by the jury's decisions.

Jury’s decision draws backlash

Kerala’s social media has been abuzz since the announcement of this year’s National Film Awards. Many are irked that, while the controversial The Kerala Story won Best Director and Best Cinematography, Aadujeevitham, directed by Blessy and featuring actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, was left without recognition.

The film, which was reportedly shortlisted in 14 categories from South India, did not win a single award. In contrast, clips of the film have gone viral since the results, shared widely with messages of disbelief and disappointment.

A comment described the National Award decision as a "failure". According to the individual, it is not just a failure of the film, but of Indians as a whole. “Art, talent, and we ourselves have failed equally,” he remarked.

Despite a film like Aadujeevitham and an unforgettable performance by an actor like Prithviraj, the film did not win an award. Instead, Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan received recognition. The credibility of the National Film Awards is rapidly declining, according to several reactions.

Comments continue to pour in, stating that Malayalis will always remember the hard work Prithviraj put into Aadujeevitham.

Central jury process questioned

Six Malayalam films — Ullozhukku, 1947 Pranayam Thudarunnu, Pookkaalam, Oh Baby, Aadujeevitham, and Mahal — were initially shortlisted by the regional jury. Subsequently, at the special request of Malayalam jury member Pradeep Nair, four more — Iratta, Kaathal, 2018, and Thadav — were sent to the central panel with the consent of jury chairperson Ashutosh Gowariker.

One Malayali jury member raised a formal objection to The Kerala Story, arguing that the film promoted harmful propaganda against the state of Kerala. According to Nair, this objection was noted, but most members of the central jury still endorsed the film.

Technical details worked against Aadujeevitham

Reports suggest that Aadujeevitham did not meet the overall expectations of the jury. Ranjith Ambadi’s work in make-up and Rafeeq Ahamed’s lyrics were pushed for by the Malayalam jury member but lost out.

Kerala’s political leadership slams Centre

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly criticised the Centre’s decision to award The Kerala Story, describing it as a politically motivated act that undermines Indian cinema’s secular and pluralistic legacy.

Vijayan said that although Malayalam cinema achieved other notable wins, honouring a film that “tarnishes Kerala’s image” and promotes “communal falsehoods” is a blow to India’s cultural credibility. He further warned that the Sangh Parivar was using cinema as a propaganda tool and called on citizens to resist such misuse of art.

Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan also denounced the award, calling it a “hate campaign” meant to divide communities and target Kerala’s pluralistic fabric. He congratulated Malayalam artists who were recognised, but made it clear that The Kerala Story’s selection was unacceptable.