National Film Awards 2023: Jai Bhim, Karnan, Sarpatta Paramarai snubbed, fans protest ‘Joke is on the country’

The year 2021 was otherwise recognised for being dominated by movies from the South; in fact, streaming platforms played a major role in making films from the South easily accessible to audiences across the country. This was the year in which Dhanush delivered an acclaimed performance in the Tamil film Karnan, and Fahadh Faasil won plaudits for his work in the Malayalam films Joji and Malik.

While the thriller Nayattu bagged the Best Original Screenplay honour, it was noted that neither of its three leads — Kunchako Boban, Joju George and Nimisha Sajayan — were awarded for their work. Speaking of Sajayan, her widely acclaimed performance in the film The Great Indian Kitchen also went unnoticed by the jury, led by filmmaker Ketan Mehta. Malayalam film producer G Suresh Kumar, who was also a member of the jury, revealed in an interview with Asianet News that eight Malayalam-language films made it to the final round of consideration.

The Telugu superhit RRR was also seemingly snubbed in the major categories, but picked up honours in technical categories and was named the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Tamil contenders Jai Bhim, Sarpatta Parambarai, and Master went home completely empty-handed.

Here are some reactions on Twitter (formerly X) about films from the South being snubbed at this year’s National Film Awards.

Jai Bhim these movie didn’t include in National Film award. Do you know why because no one dares to show the truth of our Casteist society.#NationalFilmAwards2023 pic.twitter.com/2QSvpbbswz

— The Dalit Voice (@ambedkariteIND) August 24, 2023

Movies like Pushpa are for entertainment

Movies likes Jai Bhim are for awards.

But Pushpa got a national award, while Jai Bhim couldnt even make the nominations. #NationalFilmAwards2023 pic.twitter.com/cESGSAY4AB

— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) August 24, 2023

Pa Ranjith deserves the Best Director National Award for Sarpatta Parambarai because he has given the best sports drama in a decade when everybody was giving cringefest mediocre films one after another in this dead genre. pic.twitter.com/SeM10orwTs

— Chaitanya. (@illusionistChay) August 24, 2023

Sarpatta Parambarai, Jai Bhim and Karnan were the three best Indian movies of 2021, yet they were overlooked during the national awards.

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While the propaganda movie ‘Kashmir Files’ won the award for the best film on national integration.

The Joke is on the country. pic.twitter.com/fvUNKJImZU

— Advaid അദ്വൈത് (@Advaidism) August 25, 2023

The National Film Awards will be presented at a later date by the President.