Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, widely praised for his performance in Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life, responded gracefully to his film’s exclusion from the 71st National Film Awards, emphasizing that cinema’s true worth lies in the connection with its audience, not institutional recognition.
At the BOTIM Onamamangam 2025 event held in Sharjah, where he received the People’s Choice Award for his role as Najeeb, Prithviraj addressed the snub:
“A film is not made for ten people to sit and grade on it or for a jury to judge. Nor is it created for international festivals, though those are certainly valuable… movies are made for the audience, for people who buy tickets, come to theatres, and enjoy the experience. In that sense, viewers have already given Aadujeevitham its biggest award. For that, I am grateful.”
Aadujeevitham: Acclaim, Controversy, and Box-Office Success
Directed by Blessy and adapted from Benyamin’s 2008 best-selling Malayalam novel, Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life chronicles the survival story of Najeeb, a Malayali labourer stranded in the Saudi desert. The film, with music by Academy Award winner A.R. Rahman and cinematography by Sunil K.S., was released in March 2024 to widespread acclaim and commercial success. It grossed approximately ₹157–158 crore, making it one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.
At the 54th Kerala State Film Awards held in August 2024, Aadujeevitham dominated, winning nine accolades, including Best Director for Blessy and Best Actor for Prithviraj.
Yet, despite its achievements, the film was entirely overlooked at the 71st National Film Awards announced in August 2025, losing out even as controversial films like The Kerala Story received honours.
Why the Snub? Jury Cites Eligibility and Authenticity Concerns
Reports indicate two key factors behind the film’s omission. First, Aadujeevitham missed the official eligibility window, having been certified by the CBFC only in early 2024, yet it was still evaluated. Nonetheless, that may have worked against it.
Second, jury members, including panel chairperson Ashutosh Gowariker, reportedly found issues with the film’s execution. Feedback included remarks that Prithviraj’s performance felt “inauthentic”, and that the overall adaptation lacked naturalness.
The film’s director, Blessy, expressed his disappointment publicly, suggesting the decision reflected possible “double standards” within the judging process.
Industry Reaction: Discontent and Debate
The National Awards’ decision triggered uproar among fans and the film fraternity alike. Social media was flooded with clips and tributes, with many calling Prithviraj’s performance among the decade’s best.
Veteran actress Urvashi also weighed in, pointing to systemic bias and the undue influence of politics. She drew attention to her own past experience, when she won Best Supporting Actress for a lead role, and demanded greater fairness in the process.
Similarly, Kerala’s education minister questioned the integrity of the selection process, maintaining that deserving Malayalam cinema was being sidelined.
Prithviraj Focuses on Cinema’s True Calling
Rather than expressing bitterness, Prithviraj chose to highlight the film’s emotional impact and resonance. He remarked that the story of Najeeb reaching and touching lives was, in itself, a victory beyond awards.
His comments resonate with a broader sentiment that cinema’s success should ultimately be measured by engagement and empathy, not just trophies. As he summed up, in the end, the audience’s connection with the film is what truly matters.
By – Sonali