What Filmfare Award Winners Did Not Deserve to Win? A Critical Perspective

Every industry has its share of controversies, and the film industry is no exception. The Filmfare Awards, one of the most prestigious honors in Bollywood, often spark debates among fans and critics alike. While many awards are well-deserved, some choices leave room for interpretation. In this article, we explore a few instances where Filmfare winners might not have fully deserved their accolades, based on critical analysis and the broader context of their performances and the films they starred in.

Salman Khan and 'Sultan'

Salman Khan: Often dubbed as the 'big boman' of Bollywood, Salman Khan's career boasts a long list of successful films. However, the 2016 Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his role in Sultan is a topic of discussion among many film enthusiasts. Many argue that Amir Khan was a more deserving recipient for the award by winning the same year for his role in Dangal.

Amir Khan in Dangal: While Amir Khan did win the Best Actor award for Dangal, his role was not the protagonist. He plays the character of Vasu, who is a powerful wrestler and the first coach for the Khilari boxing academy where the story takes place. However, the protagonist is Kushwaha (Azharuddin Mohammed Khan), a son who begins to train with wrestlers.

Salman Khan in Sultan: In contrast, Salman Khan took on the role of Sultan Mallah, a prominent wrestler and the protagonist of the film. His portrayal was considered by many as an outstanding performance, with a complex and nuanced character development. Despite Amir Khan's critical acclaim, the lead role demanded more emotional depth and a transformational arc, which Salman delivered with precision.

Supporting vs. Protagonist

The distinction between supporting roles and protagonist roles is crucial in evaluating an actor's performance. In Dangal, Amir Khan's role was undoubtedly significant, but it was not the central focus. His character, Vasu, played an essential role in the narrative, but the film centered on the journey of the protagonist, Kushwaha. This distinction is often overlooked when considering awards, as many fans and critics can be swayed by the actor's star power and the overall success of the film.

Emotional Depth and Transformation

Emotional Depth: Critics often commend actors who bring layers to their characters, showcasing a range of emotions and persona. In Sultan, Salman Khan's performance was lauded for its emotional depth. His character, Sultan Mallah, undergoes a profound transformation, from a proud, powerful wrestler to a vulnerable, loving husband. This transformation required a delicate balance of athleticism, charisma, and emotional nuance, an aspect where Salman Khan excelled.

Transformation: The role of Sultan Mallah required not only physical prowess but also a significant transformation in terms of vulnerability and emotional presence. This aspect of the role was executed flawlessly by Salman Khan, making his performance more intense and memorable. By contrast, Amir Khan in Dangal played a supporting role that was equally important but less complex in terms of transformation and emotional intensity.

Why Salman Khan Was More Deserving

The argument for Salman Khan's Best Actor award in Sultan hinges on the role's complexity and the transformative journey his character undertakes. While Amir Khan's performance in Dangal was undoubtedly commendable, the role of Vasu was less central to the narrative. The protagonist, Kushwaha, was the driving force of the story, with a character arc that required Amir Khan to craft a deeply emotional and nuanced performance.

Additionally, Salman Khan's portrayal of Sultan Mallah was more enduring and impactful, resonating with audiences on a broader scale. His performance showcased a range of emotions, from bravado to vulnerability, which contributed significantly to the film's success and critical acclaim.

Conclusion: A Call for Balanced Judgement

The Filmfare Awards, like any other accolade in the film industry, are a reflection of the public's opinion and the judges' tastes. While debates about deserving winners are healthy and encourage critical discourse, it is essential to consider the broader context of a performance, a role's significance, and the actor's emotional and transformative journey. In the case of Salman Khan in Sultan, his role was more protagonist-driven and required a high degree of emotional depth and transformation, which aligns more with the criteria for the Best Actor award.

The Filmfare Awards, much like any other form of recognition, can sometimes miss the mark, but by engaging in thoughtful analysis and critical discourse, we can ensure a more balanced and fair system of awards in the future.

References:

Bollywood Informer: Why Salman Khan Deserved the Filmfare Best Actor Award for Sultan IMDb: Sultan (2016) and Dangal (2016) The Hindu: Filmfare Awards 2017: Salman Khan Wins Best Actor for Sultan