BT talks to former jury members and winners, on what they think about this decision made by the Directorate of film festivals
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; April 27, 2019)

The Directorate of Film Festivals has stated that the winners of the 66th National Film Awards will be announced only after the general elections wrap up. Usually, the announcement is made in April, with the awards ceremony held in May. However, this year, with the 17th Lok Sabha polls underway, there has been a change in plans.

The statement reads, “Since the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in force, and it facilitates a level playing field to all political parties and the candidates and inter alia seeks to ensure that the power of media is not used in such a manner which affects the general conduct and level playing field during the election process, it has been decided to declare the awards after the election process is over and the MCC concludes.”

The National Film Awards honours the best in Indian cinema at a prestigious event that is held in the capital every year. Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who headed the National Awards jury last year, told BT, “I think it’s a wise decision. These days, anything and everything is seen through the prism of elections and the political leanings of an individual, though some things may have no connection with politics. If you look at social media, you will know what I am saying. Any comment is seen as pro or anti someone or some party. Cinema and something like National Awards must not be dragged into all of this. It makes sense to announce the winners after the elections.”

Filmmaker C V Reddy, who was part of the jury a few years ago and has headed the committee that selects India’s entry for the Oscar Awards, too, agrees. “Yes, there is a date for the function which is adhered to every year. The announcements are usually made by this time, but with the elections underway, I think this decision is better. They are following the rules of the Election Commission,” he said. However, for filmmaker Rajesh Mapuskar, one of the jurors last year, it is “disappointing” that the wait has gotten longer. “Everyone associated with Indian cinema awaits these awards. Changing their dates and increasing the waiting period is a little disappointing. I wish they had stuck to their original dates,” he expressed.

Actor Manoj Bajpayee, who has won National Awards in the past, added, “There must be some valid reasons for the directorate to make such a decision. It’s an independent body that decides on the awards, but maybe this is a hectic time for all the officials across government offices. I think this must be a move to keep things smooth and focussed. There is really nothing for anyone to read into this.”