20th Annual Life OK Screen Awards/ Viewpoint

Two decades may be but a footnote in the annals of history, insufficient for chronicling a lifetime of excellence, but I am happy to say that the Screen Awards in the last 20 years have covered significant ground in honouring good work in Hindi and Marathi cinema by way of Jury-based awards. Integrity and the courage to support the new and the unconventional have been articles of faith for The Indian Express Group and the awards in these years have carried forward that ethos, so essential for creativity to flourish. In this context, I am proud to say that our Editor, Priyanka Sinha Jha has carried forward the tradition of integrity and hard work that all Express Group editors have been known for.
Our Jury for this year, has, as always, some of the most eminent names in the film business. They have given up a lot of their time to watch the nominated films, deliberate on them and make tough decisions on the winners. They have done this out of their love and commitment for films and film-making, and I thank them sincerely for their contribution to these awards.
The 20th Annual Life Ok Screen Awards, like all years, were a celebration of good cinema. Cinematically, the year gone by has been a strong indicator of the robustness of our film industry, which is growing exponentially. If there was an economic slowdown, it didn’t show up in the movies business, with Rs.200 plus crore records being made and remade.
But it wasn’t just feel-good, escapist fare all the way. The nation’s rage against corruption and the aam aadmi’s voice found its way even in our cinema. Glamour and reality existed almost in equal parts within the 70mm canvas.
Biopics like Shahid, the romantic The Lunchbox, the political thriller Madras Cafe co-existed with blockbusters like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Chennai Express, Dhoom 3, Krrish 3 and Raanjhaana. Also, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was adapted in Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag beautifully captured Milkha Singh’s inspiring life story. Marathi films were excellent as well, with major releases like Anumati, Duniyadaari, Balak Palak, Investment, Pitruroon and Samhita.
2013 was a clear indication of the rapid strides that Indian cinema is making striking that near perfect balance between art and commerce. Clearly, the show will go on for a long, long time to come.