Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding the National Film Awards, urging people to respect the jury’s decision and avoid questioning award outcomes after the fact. Speaking to Hindustan Times ahead of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025, Sircar stressed that art is subjective and award results should be viewed through that lens.

"I feel that there is no point debating this from the outside," Sircar said when asked about the criticism over Shah Rukh Khan winning Best Actor and The Kerala Story being named Best Film. "You leave it to the jury. We might agree to disagree on many things, but finally, what matters is, who is the jury there. Because that jury is going to be your final word, and you leave it to their sensibility. You can't question what award they have given. I think we would rather question that before they start."

Recalling a similar situation from his own experience, Sircar added, “When Sardar Udham's panorama selection (IFFI 2021) didn't happen, I was asked the same things. I will say what I said then, 'Whatever the jury has decided, I have to accept it'.”

Currently serving on the jury at IFFM for the second year in a row, Sircar also opened up about the challenges of judging cinema, particularly short films. He acknowledged the difficulty of objectively evaluating art but said the jury does its best to remain fair and consistent.

'Judging is very difficult,' he admitted. "Before we start, we tell everyone that there are certain elements that they should take into consideration. There are technicalities where you can really possibly judge the craft. Then, you should celebrate the film that really makes a difference. And then, the voice and vision of the director are very important. You look at films that bring a lot of social change and have a long-lasting impact."