Filmmaker Sudipto Sen has been awarded Best Direction at the 71st National Film Awards for his work on the highly debated film The Kerala Story. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting via a video post on social media with the caption: "Sudipto Sen is being conferred with the award for the ‘Best Direction’ for 'The Kerala Story' at the 71st National Film Awards. #NFA2023 #NationalFilmAwards"
The Kerala Story, released in 2023, is a Hindi-language drama that presents a controversial narrative around religious conversion and terrorism in Kerala. The film, which claimed to be based on true events, depicts the alleged radicalization of Hindu women by extremist groups under the “love jihad” theory — a concept that has sparked polarizing reactions in India. While it saw massive commercial success at the box office, it also drew criticism for factual inaccuracies and a perceived political agenda.
Despite the controversy surrounding it, The Kerala Story secured two awards at the National Film Awards, underlining how impactful — and divisive — cinema can be in the cultural and political landscape of India. Sudipto Sen’s win for Best Direction adds a new layer to this conversation, prompting questions about the role of storytelling, artistic license, and ideological framing in state-sponsored recognition.
The 71st National Film Awards, which celebrate the finest in Indian cinema from the year 2023, were announced on August 1, 2025, and the award ceremony is scheduled for September 23, 2025, in New Delhi. The decision to honor The Kerala Story — in spite of its polarizing reception — is likely to keep the public discourse around the film alive.
With Sen now recognized at the national level, The Kerala Story continues to represent a unique case study of how films can transcend mere entertainment, becoming a focal point for broader social, political, and cultural debate.
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