Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; April 21, 2014)

If the fate of some films is any indication, winning a National Award is not enough for the movie to get a theatrical release. Three films — The Coffin Maker, Liar’s Dice, Astu, and Kaphal — that won National Awards this year are yet to get a proper Friday release. Saeed Mirza, who heads the jury for National Awards, concedes that this is a reality. “It is true that many award-winning films have not released yet. It could be lack of marketing and distribution; it could be a certain socio-political and economic situation, but that’s no reason to deny their validity. It doesn’t deter us from judging these films for the National Awards.”

In such a scenario, should the government make it mandatory for National Award-winning films to get at least a one-week release in cinema halls? Mirza replies with a matter-of-fact question: “ Who does one put pressure on in order to get these film screened in cinema halls?” Actor Adil Husain, who is best known for his role in Gauri Shinde’s English Vinglish (2012), stars in the National Award-winning film, Lessons in Forgetting. He wants the government to formulate a policy where feted movies get a theatrical release.
He says, “My film got a limited release through PVR Director’s Rare, but they don’t really have enough money to market the film and reach out to a wider audience. I think there is a need to make it mandatory for cinema halls to screen such films for at least a week.”

Veena Bakshi, who directed the Naseeruddin Shah-starrer, The Coffin Maker — it won this year’s National Award for the Best Feature Film in English and is yet to release in cinemas — says, “We have been in talks with a corporate house even before the film bagged a National Award and now we are hoping that winning this honour will help the film get some distributors. But yes, I feel that the loss of traditional distributorship is affecting the sale of films like these.”

The success of films like Ship of Theseus and The Lunchbox has definitely added to filmmakers’ confidence. Veena adds, “The success of Ship of Theseus lies in the fact that it opened in five theatres and its audience grew due to word of mouth. These films will not set the cash register ringing within a weekend. But it will bring in audiences over time.”

In the earlier days, films, once completed, would be screened for distributors, who’d then go with their gut feeling. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh says, “Back then, films were sold territory-wise. Also, winning a National Award is often construed as a sign of the film being more art-house and thus offering less commercial viability. This attitude has not really changed. Unlike in the West, where, if a film is nominated for the Oscars, it immediately gets screened in cinema halls.” Similarly,

Geetanjali Thapa (right) may have won the Best Actress award for her work in Liar’s Dice. But the film, that was completed more than a year ago, hasn’t got a theatrical release. Nawazuddin Siddiqui (below, right), who plays a lead role in the film, says, “The film has been doing the rounds of the festival circuit for some time now. Thanks to the National Award, the film should now get a better release. The film’s producers are planning to release it soon.” He also feels that often films are victims of ‘bad luck’. “Even a beautiful film like Ankhon Dekhi barely got noticed due to the lack of marketing,” he says.

It may be pointed out here that Nitin Kakkar’s film, Filmistaan (below, left), bagged the National Award for the Best Feature Film in Hindi in 2012. But the film is releasing in June this year — thanks to UTV and Shringar Films — after a gap of two years. Shyam Shroff from Shringar films adds, “When we came on board as its distributors, Filmistaan was already ready and it had received its certification. It was a mutual decision to edit the film further and give it a major marketing fillip. We even recorded an additional audio track and then UTV came on board. Of course, all this happened over time.”

Bikas Mishra, the editor of the website Dear Cinema, points out that a new wave of cinema has now hit Bollywood. “These are films that have been reaching out to audiences both in terms of storytelling and distribution. Ship of Theseus found a supporter in Kiran Rao and UTV; the documentary Gulabi Gang has now won the award for the Best Film on Social Issues. These are exciting times for independent filmmakers as the channels of release have certainly expanded. Then again, releasing such a film continues to be challenging because you still need a star-presenter or a mainstream studio to back your indie production.”

Other instances include the Usha Jadhav-starrer Dhag (2012), which won three National Awards in 2012; the film released in theatres only last month. Marathi films such as Shala, Anumati, and Samhita too released more than a year after winning top honours. Another example is Priyadarshan’s bilingual film, Kanchivaram, that also released a year after it bagged won two National Awards.

Zinia Sen & Ruman Ganguly (BOMBAY TIMES; April 19, 2014)

Jaatishwar, a film on rebirth, which had a golden run at the 61st National Film Awards, is in the eye of a storm. The producers of the movie that went on to win four National awards in the categories of Best Music Direction, Best Make-up Artist, Best Costume Design and Best Male Playback Singer, are yet to clear the dues of four of its key cast and crew members.

Among them is the Best Music Direction awardee Kabir Suman. The Bengali composer who was signed on for 5 lakh, is yet to get his dues worth 1.5 lakh. In fact, Suman had last spoken to co-producer Rana Sarkar from DAG Creative Media on Wednesday, when the National Awards were announced. “After he broke the news to me, I asked him to clear my dues. He didn’t give me a clear answer and hung up soon after. At this age, why should I go around asking people for money? When I was given an advance of 50,000 and asked to start work on the project, I didn’t dither. If there’s a deadline for work, there should be one for remuneration too,” says a miffed Suman.

The singer-songwriter has also spoken to the film’s director, Srijit Mukherji. “After the advance payment, I was only given money in small amounts. I spoke to Srijit before he left for the US. He was extremely apologetic and wanted to pay from his own pocket. But that was not fine with me. I said, ‘Why should you give me money?’ Even after scripting a success story, the producers are yet to pay up. But when they bring out the film’s DVD, I’m sure they will have ‘Four National awards’ printed on it. This isn’t professional behaviour,” he says.

Jaatishwar’s leading lady, Swastika Mukherjee, who is yet to receive near about 2 lakh for the movie, says, “I was promised the rest of my remuneration on the day of the dubbing, but I still haven’t received it.” Rahul, another actor in the film, says, “I’m yet to be paid 1 lakh.”

J K Ray from Reliance Entertainment, which has produced the film, clarifies, “From my side, I have cleared all the dues. My only contract was with Srijit and I have followed it to the letter. The only artistes left to be paid are Swastika Mukherjee, Jisshu Sengupta and Rahul. Their contracts were with Rana Sarkar. As far as Kabir Suman is concerned, I’m aware that he is yet to get his full payment. That part is being handled completely by Srijit. Once he returns, Suman’s dues will be cleared. I think Rana is cash-strapped at the moment and the delays are because of that. I think all payments will be made in May.” Rana Sarkar, who’s the focus of all attention, was not available for comment.

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; April 18, 2014)

Anurag Kashyap’s film, The Lunchbox, may have not won any National Awards this year, but it seems that the filmmaker has made his peace with it. “I don’t care. The good thing is that some good choices were made this year. As a result, a few deserving films were awarded.”

It may be pointed out that last year, The Lunchbox, directed by Ritesh Batra, was not chosen as India’s official entry in the foreign language category for the Oscars.

Back then, Anurag expressed his displeasure on Twitter saying, “Feeling very very disappointed. I can’t comment on the film (The Good Road), which I have not seen, but it better make it to the final five. First time and I really mean it, this is the first time I was really excited because we knew we had a chance, and I was waiting for it.

I don’t know who the federation is, but it goes to show why we completely lack the understanding to make films that can travel across borders.

We should make a clear policy — you want to send the best film, then send the National Award winner or send the one most likely to win. It proves one thing — this whole exercise is pointless. We should just quietly make our films.” Not only did he share this elaborate post in order to vent out his anger at the system, but he also went on to delete his Twitter account. “Bye bye twitter. Enough feeding the wannabe journal,” was his last post.

Looks like this time around, he has decided to move on and not make any controversial comments.

MUMBAI MIRROR (April 17, 2014)

For complete list of winners of 61st National Awards, CLICK HERE 

RAJKUMMAR RAO BEST ACTOR (SHAHID)  
Wow, I’m so thrilled I’m almost crying. And I know the real Shahid Azmi (Shahid was the biopic of the slain activist-lawyer) is even happier today. All through the shoot I could feel his presence, telling us what to do and what not to.

I loved the script and requested Hansal sir (director Hansal Mehta) to cast me as Shahid. It wasn’t an easy film. When we were doing the scene where the police tortures me, I got so emotional that I cried for an hour after the pack-up. It’s gratifying to win the Award that I’d heard about so much about when at the FTII. I had hoped that I would replicate Mithun Chakraborty’s Mrigayaa triumph day. It was my parents who let me know that my day had come.

It’s a double thrill as Hansal sir has won the Best Director award. In less than a month, we’ll be back together in Citylights. Our double honour could only benefit the film. Will we win again next year? I don’t work for awards or money. I like to live a character like Shahid. Let me enjoy this moment for now.


HANSAL MEHTA BEST DIRECTOR (SHAHID)
This award is a validation of Shahid Azmi’s conviction, everything that he stood for and the battles he fought. We made the film with honesty and love, and this is a victory of tenacity and human spirit. And what makes it even more special is the fact that people are saying that every award this year is absolutely right and deserving.

I know Shahid, wherever he is, is smiling at us, but to be honest had he been still around, I don’t know if I would have made a film on him. Unsung heroes like him fight for the under-privileged without getting any limelight.

It was his demise that caught the attention of a filmmaker like me and it was sheer desperation that drove me to make the film the way I wanted to, without bowing down to the demands of a star or a studio.

Hopefully now, after this award, I can make the films I want to without compromising to a system which celebrates mediocrity.

I’m really happy that Rajkummar Rao has also bagged the award for the Best Actor. He’s the finest actor amongst the younger generation and today it feels like there are two awards in my family.  

—As told to Roshmila Bhattacharya

SAURABH SHUKLA: BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (JOLLY LLB) I’m sitting alone in my office letting the news sink in. I didn’t even know the National Awards were supposed to be announced. The news came as a surprise and changed the course of my day, and may be what is to follow.

All these years I’ve worked in so many films, hoping that some day, some role would fetch me a National Award. Little did I know that Jolly LLB would make the dream come true. I hope the award instils respect for actors like me in the industry and we’re taken more seriously from here on. 


SUBHASH KAPOOR 
It’s uncanny, my friend and I were chatting about the National Awards just two days ago in remote Satara. And today, my wife who probably saw the news on TV, called me to break the news. It’s unbelievable. In my heart I wanted Saurabh Shukla to be honoured for his performance. He’s won, and so has the movie. It’s a double bonus for the team and me. It was brave of Fox Star to back such an unconventional film like Jolly LLB. Their faith has paid off and it’s a proud moment for the studio too. Our biggest reward was that the audience liked our spin on the system. But in terms of awards, it can’t get bigger than this for a filmmaker!
 
(Subhash Kapoor is the writer-director of Jolly LLB)
 
— As told to Rachana Dubey

RESULTS OF ONLY FEATURE FILMS

Best Feature Film – Ship Of Theseus (English-Hindi) [Director – Anand Gandhi]
Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director – Fandry (Marathi) [Director – Nagraj Manjule]

Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment – Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (Hindi) [Director – Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra]

Nargis Dutt Award For Best Film On National Integration – Thalaimuraigal (Tamil) [Director – Balu Mahendra]

Best Film On Social Issues – Tuhya Dharma Koncha (Marathi) [Director – Satish Manwar]
Best Film On Environment Conservation/preservation – Perariyathavar (Malayalam) [Director – Dr Biju]
Best Children’s Film – Kaphal (Hindi) [Director – Batul Mukhtiar]

Best Direction – Hansal Mehta (Shahid [Hindi])

Best Actor – Rajkummar Rao (Shahid [Hindi]) and Suraj Venjaramoodu (Perariyathavar [Malayalam])

Best Actress – Geetanjali Thapa (Liar's Dice [Hindi])

Best Supporting Actor – Saurabh Shukla (Jolly LLB [Hindi])

Best Supporting Actress – Amruta Subhash (Astu [Marathi]) and Aida  El-Kashef (Ship Of Theseus [Hindi])






Best Child Artist – Somnath Avghade (Fandry [Marathi]) and Sadhana (Thanga Meengal [Tamil])

Best Male Playback Singer – Rupankar (E Tumi Kemon Tumi…Jaatishwar [Bengali])

Best Female Playback Singer – Bela Shande (Khura Khura…Tuhya Dharma Koncha [Marathi])

Best Cinematography – Rajeev Ravi (Liar's Dice [Hindi])

Best Screenplay (Original) – P Sheshadri (December 1 [Kannada])

Best Screenplay (Adapted) – Panchakshari (Prakruti [Kannada])

Best Dialogues – Sumitra Bhave (Astu [Marathi])
Best Audiography – Nihar Ranjan Samal (Madras Cafe [Hindi]), Bishwadeep Chatterjee (Madras Cafe [Hindi]), D Yuvaraj (Swapaanam [Malayalam])

Best Editing – V.J. Sabu Joseph (Vallinam [Tamil])

Best Production Design – Ashim Ahluwalia, Tabsheer Zutshi, Parichit Paralkar (Miss Lovely [Hindi])

Best Costume Designer – Sabarni Das (Jaatishwar [Bengali])

Best Make-Up Artist – Vikram Gaikwad (Jaatishwar [Bengali])

Best Music – Kabir Suman (Jaatishwar [Bengali])

Best Background Score – Shantanu Moitra (Na Bangaaru Talli  [Telegu])

Best Lyrics – Na. Muthukumar (Ananda Yaazhai…Thanga Meengal [Tamil])

Special Jury Award – Mahesh Limaye (Yellow [Marathi]), Ashim Ahluwalia (Miss Lovely [Hindi])

Best Special Effects – Intermezzo Studio, Alien Sense Films Pvt Ltd (Jal [Hindi])

Best Choreography – Ganesh Acharya (Maston Ka Jhund...Bhaag Milkha Bhaag [Hindi])

Best Feature Film in Each Language:

Assamese - Ajeyo

Bengali – Bakita Byaktigato

Hindi – Jolly LLB

Kannada – December 1

Konkani – Baga Beach

Malayalam – North 24 Kaadham

Marathi – Aajcha Diwas Majha

Tamil – Thanga Meengal

Telegu - Na Bangaaru Talli

English – The Coffin Maker

Khasi – Ri

Special Mention Award – Gauri Gadgil, Sanjana Rai  (Yellow [Marathi]), Anjali Patil  (Na Bangaaru Talli [Telegu])

Source: Press Information Bureau, Govt of India (http://www.pib.nic.in) (http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=104863)