Is the 2019 National Film Awards Biased? A Personal Reflection

As a movie enthusiast from Kerala, I have a deep appreciation for a variety of film industries, including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and other regional languages. In my personal experience, 2019 witnessed a remarkable output of high-quality films, particularly from the Tamil film industry. Notable gems such as Pariyerum Perumal and Peranbu did not receive an award, highlighting what I believe to be a biased approach to acknowledging and rewarding these masterpieces.

The Controversy Surrounding Awards

It is a well-known fact that certain film industries have been consistently overlooked in the award ceremonies. In addition to issues of regional representation, the best and most deserving performances often go unacknowledged. Films like Uri: The Surgical Strike and Andhadhun were critically acclaimed and starred exceptional actors. Despite this, award recognition for Vicky Kaushal and Ayushmann Khurrana was not as prominent as it should have been. Even top-notch performances by others were underappreciated.

My Personal Take

As a mere movie enthusiast without any film industry background, I must admit my opinions are purely based on a love for cinema and a keen eye for quality. My own personal watch-list includes many films that did not win awards, alongside those that did. After watching and analyzing these movies, both winners and non-winners, my conclusion is that there is a certain bias in the jury's decisions. This is a personal opinion, but one that is deeply felt.

It's Time for Us to Make Our Own Judgments

The best way to address this issue is to watch the films in question, both the winners and the nominees, and judge for ourselves. We can form our own opinions and perhaps express our views through social media, discussions, and personal reviews. After all, our experience as viewers and movie buffs is what ultimately decides which films and performances resonate with us.

My Favorite Cassurations

Best Film in the Social/Educational Category - One of my favorite movies of 2019 was 'Malankara' (also known as 'Setter' in Tamil). This film had a perfect blend of social realism and entertainment, making it a merit to be recognized in the Best Film on Social/Educational Issues category. The sheer excellence in storytelling, screenplay, direction, and performances made it a standout.

Best Actor - Aftab Shivdasani, one of India's most versatile actors, was awarded for his performance in 'Malankara.' Personally, I feel he deserves it as he has demonstrated immense skill and range in his roles. He is a testament to the enduring quality and depth of acting in India.

Best Male Playback Singer - I would have preferred the award for Best Male Playback Singer to go to Sonu Nigam, who has produced some of the most soul-stirring and timeless tracks in recent years. His rendition of the song 'Kulfi' from '102 Not Out' and 'Marham' from 'SP Chouhan' Offence is simply unmatched. However, I am delighted for Arijit Singh, who won the award for his remarkable performances.

Conclusion

The National Film Awards are undoubtedly a significant event for the Indian film industry, but they must strive to be more inclusive and unbiased. As a movie enthusiast, I believe that our judgment is just as valuable as the jury's and that it's time for us to start acknowledging this. Judge for yourself, share your opinions, and let the talented artists continue being celebrated for their remarkable work.