National Film Awards 2025, Politics, Propaganda, and the Plot
Why in News
The recently announced National Film Awards in India have sparked a heated debate for their political undertones. This year’s selections, particularly the recognition of The Kerala Story, reflect a deeper narrative—one where cinema, politics, and ideology intertwine. While some see the awards as celebrating cinematic excellence, others argue that they have become a platform to endorse the ruling dispensation’s ideological vision, sidelining critically acclaimed works in the process.
Introduction
The National Film Awards are among India’s most prestigious recognitions for artistic and cinematic achievement. They are intended to highlight cultural diversity, promote creative excellence, and reward innovation in filmmaking. However, recent editions of the awards have increasingly drawn criticism for what many perceive as politically motivated selections.
The controversy this year revolves around Sudipto Sen’s film The Kerala Story, which won major recognition including Best Director. The film has been accused of being “majoritarian propaganda” with a “hate-filled agenda disguised as cinema,” while others have defended it as highlighting uncomfortable truths.
The awards have once again raised larger questions: Are these honours truly about cinema, or have they turned into instruments of political storytelling?
Key Issues and Background
1. The Kerala Story Controversy
At the heart of this year’s debate is The Kerala Story, which portrays women from Kerala being forcibly converted and recruited by the Islamic State. The film’s narrative was widely criticised for exaggerations, particularly its claim that 32,000 women were converted to Islam—a claim dismissed by the Supreme Court, which labelled the film a “fictionalised account of events” without authentic data.
Despite this, the film was endorsed by the ruling political leadership and even granted tax-free status in several BJP-ruled states. Critics argue that this state support itself positioned the film less as an artistic creation and more as a political message.
2. The Award for Sudipto Sen
The jury’s decision to award Sudipto Sen Best Director was questioned by several cultural commentators. The head of the jury, Ashutosh Gowariker, justified the award by stating that Sen dealt with a “difficult topic with clarity.” However, detractors argue that clarity cannot compensate for factual inaccuracy or propaganda.
3. Bollywood and Politics – An Old Connection
Indian cinema has long had political undertones. Films in the past, like Garam Hawa, Tamas, and Dharam, reflected social challenges without directly serving political propaganda. But in the current environment, films like The Kashmir Files (2022) and The Kerala Story (2023) seem to serve a narrative closely aligned with the ideological leanings of the ruling party.
4. The Shah Rukh Khan Angle
Another surprising aspect of this year’s awards was Shah Rukh Khan receiving recognition after 33 years. With Jawan and Pathaan dominating the box office, Khan’s return to critical recognition suggests a recalibration by the jury. While his films were widely popular, the timing raises eyebrows, as his recent works were also politically loaded—tackling themes of justice, corruption, and governance.
Specific Impacts or Effects
1. Shaping Public Opinion Through Cinema
Films like The Kerala Story and The Kashmir Files do not merely entertain; they influence public perception. By portraying Islam as a religion susceptible to radicalisation, they may reinforce stereotypes and deepen social divides.
Cinema, amplified by WhatsApp forwards and social media, becomes a tool for creating simplified “us versus them” narratives. The line between entertainment and propaganda blurs when films are promoted by political leaders.
2. Reframing National Identity
The National Film Awards, in theory, celebrate diversity across Indian languages and cultures. However, when awards align with one-sided ideological perspectives, they risk redefining national identity in narrow terms. For instance, the renaming of the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Film on National Integration to Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social, and Environmental Values signals a shift in how national integration is being conceptualised.
3. Economic and Political Benefits
Award-winning films enjoy increased visibility, commercial success, and state support. Tax exemptions ensure wider reach, especially in small towns and rural areas where political messaging has greater electoral impact. The merger of cinema and electoral politics here is evident.
4. Marginalisation of Critical Cinema
Critically acclaimed films that question authority or highlight systemic issues often get sidelined. For example, films addressing Dalit oppression, women’s rights beyond communal contexts, or systemic economic failures do not receive equal recognition.
5. Cultural Polarisation
Awards influence future filmmakers. If politically aligned films keep winning, young filmmakers may feel pressured to cater to dominant narratives, stifling creativity and silencing alternative voices.
Challenges and the Way Forward
1. Balancing Art and Politics
Cinema is inherently political. Every film reflects societal values, tensions, or dreams. However, when awards become political endorsements, they risk losing credibility. The challenge lies in finding a balance where cinema can remain socially relevant without being hijacked by ideology.
2. The Role of the Jury
The selection of jury members is often opaque. Greater transparency is needed in how juries are formed and how decisions are made. Clear guidelines on evaluating artistic merit versus political message are essential.
3. Freedom of Expression vs. Responsibility
Filmmakers have the right to tell stories, but when those stories are presented as truth while lacking factual basis, it becomes problematic. Introducing disclaimers, as the Supreme Court mandated for The Kerala Story, is a step—but not sufficient.
4. Depoliticising State Support
Tax exemptions, state promotions, and political endorsements for specific films create a biased ecosystem. A neutral cultural policy is required to ensure that films are promoted based on merit, not ideology.
5. Audience Awareness
Ultimately, cinema’s impact depends on the audience. Encouraging media literacy and critical engagement with films can help viewers distinguish between art and propaganda.
Conclusion
The National Film Awards remain a powerful symbol of India’s cinematic landscape. But their increasing politicisation raises serious questions about artistic freedom, cultural representation, and democratic values. The Kerala Story’s recognition epitomises how cinema can be weaponised for political narratives.
At the same time, voices within the industry, from filmmakers to critics, continue to push back, demanding that the awards celebrate artistic brilliance, inclusivity, and truth, rather than partisan propaganda. The future credibility of the National Film Awards depends on whether India can reclaim cinema as a mirror to society rather than a megaphone for politics.
5 Questions & Answers
Q1. Why is The Kerala Story’s recognition at the National Film Awards controversial?
A1. Because it is accused of being propaganda that exaggerates forced conversions in Kerala without factual basis, aligning with the ruling party’s narrative rather than reflecting artistic merit.
Q2. How do political parties benefit from films like The Kerala Story or The Kashmir Files?
A2. These films reinforce ideological messages, shape voter perceptions, and gain traction through state support like tax exemptions, effectively turning cinema into a campaign tool.
Q3. What role does the National Film Awards jury play in this controversy?
A3. The jury is supposed to assess artistic and cultural merit, but critics argue their choices increasingly reflect political alignment rather than creative excellence.
Q4. What impact does politicisation of cinema have on filmmakers and audiences?
A4. Filmmakers may feel pressured to cater to dominant narratives for recognition, stifling creative diversity, while audiences risk being fed one-sided interpretations of society.
Q5. How can the credibility of the National Film Awards be restored?
A5. By ensuring jury transparency, depoliticising state support, balancing freedom with responsibility, and prioritising true artistic merit over ideological alignment.
