Thiruvananthapuram: Malayalam actor-director Balachandra Menon has claimed that last-minute interventions altered the results of the 1997 National Film Awards, depriving him of two top honours for his film Samantharangal. The revelations came on Saturday as Menon marked his 50th year in cinema.

Menon told reporters that he was initially set to win Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Feature Film for Samantharangal. “When the award decisions were final, I was the sole Best Actor. My film was the Best Feature Film. I was the Best Director. But at the moment when these three awards were supposed to be confirmed for me, manipulation happened,” he alleged.

He further claimed that individuals from Kerala played a role in changing the outcomes. “Those from Kerala managed it cleverly, and that is how the awards changed,” Menon said.

Jury details revealed

Menon clarified that he has not personally investigated the alleged interference. “I am only revealing what the jury member told me,” he explained to Mathrubhumi News.

According to Menon, the initial jury decision had awarded all three top honours to Samantharangal. “Later, due to interventions, the awards were redistributed. If all three had gone to Samantharangal, it would have been a landmark moment in the history of Indian cinema,” he added.

Reflecting on a career milestone

Marking five decades in cinema, Menon said he chose to speak now because the moment felt right. “Looking back at 50 years in cinema, this is a touching memory. Losing it at the last minute naturally brings disappointment,” he reflected.

1997 awards outcome

Ultimately, Menon shared the Best Actor award with Suresh Gopi for Kaliyattam. Jayaraj received Best Director for Kaliyattam, and the Kannada film Thaayi Saheba was selected as Best Feature Film.