Posted in Marketing

Shoojit Sircar Reacts To The Kerala Story & Shah Rukh Khan’s Big National Award Wins: ‘I Normally Don’t…’

Author Admin Estimated read time 3 min read



Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar is serving as a judge for the second year at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), choosing the Best Short Films. Ahead of the 2025 IFFM, Shoojit spoke to Hindustan Times about his experience and the challenge of judging art.

Sircar said he usually avoids judging cinema, but made an exception for IFFM. “IFFM is very dear to me. The organisers are dear friends and this particular festival is almost like a family affair. This is my fifth or sixth visit there. I normally don’t participate in juries and being a judge. But for this, I made an exception,” he said.

Shoojit explained that judging cinema is tough because it’s subjective. He shared his approach: “Before we start, we tell everyone that there are certain elements that they should take into consideration. There are technicalities where you can really possibly judge the craft. Then, you should celebrate the film that really makes a difference. And then, the voice and vision of the director are very important. You look at films that bring a lot of social change and have a long-lasting impact. Of course, there are technicalities to look into it, in terms of cinematography, editing, direction, actors, everything.”

Shoojit Sircar on The Kerala Story and Shah Rukh Khan’s Wins

When asked about the recent National Film Awards, where Shah Rukh Khan won Best Actor and The Kerala Story was named Best Film, sparking surprise, Shoojit stressed the subjective nature of art. “I feel that there is no point debating this from the outside,” he said, adding, “You leave it to the jury. We might agree to disagree on many things, but finally, what matters is, who is the jury there. Because that jury is going to be your final word, and you leave it to their sensibility. You can’t question what award they have given. I think we would rather question that before they start. Who is the jury? What are their sensibilities?”

Reflecting on his own experience, Shoojit shared, “When Sardar Udham’s panorama selection (for the 2021 International Film Festival of India) didn’t happen, I was asked the same things. I will say what I said then: ‘Whatever the jury has decided, I have to accept it’.”

The 2025 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne runs from August 14 to August 24.
See Also: Mukesh Khanna Strongly Defends Shah Rukh Khan’s National Award Win For Jawan: ‘For The Past 40 Years Now…’





Source link

Related