‘Truth survived, despite everything’: Sudipto Sen responds to CM Pinarayi’s attack on ‘Kerala Story’ winning National Film Award

New Delhi: The 71st National Film Awards have stirred political and public debate, with The Kerala Story director Sudipto Sen defending his film’s double win — Best Director and Best Cinematography — against strong backlash from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Sen told the press that the film is a “surreal” culmination of more than a decade of research and dedication. “It was an arduous journey of 10–12 years,” he said, highlighting the challenging circumstances under which the film was developed. “More than 5 crore people watched the film in theatres, and over 20 crore on OTT. Their blessings were the first award. But the National Award… that’s the biggest recognition in the nation. It’s surreal.”

Responding to Vijayan’s public condemnation of the award decision, Sen took a restrained stance. “I’m not a politician,” he said. “Pinarayi sir is a seasoned politician. I’m not entitled to comment on his comments.” However, he pointedly invoked the late Kerala leader VS Achuthanandan, stating: “I believe his soul will be happy that we made a film based on his warnings that Kerala might go the way of ISIS.”

Sen further emphasised the film’s clearance by India’s censor board: “Every scene was scrutinized for two months. Not a single cut was inflicted. I stand by every word, every visual in the film. Our conviction is being vindicated.”

The comments come in the wake of a strongly worded statement from CM Vijayan, who said he felt "gravely insulted" by the jury's decision to honour a film that, in his words, "spreads blatant misinformation" and promotes "communal hatred." On X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation… the jury has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar.”

The CM further called on all who believe in democracy to speak out: “Kerala has always stood as a beacon of harmony… It is not just Malayalis, but everyone who believes in democracy, who must raise their voice in defence of truth.” The Kerala Story is currently streaming on Zee5.