By Shiwani

Copyright india

Filmmaker Sudipto Sen has been awarded the Best Direction trophy at the 71st National Film Awards for his 2023 Hindi-language drama The Kerala Story. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the honour through a social media post captioned: Sudipto Sen is being conferred with the award for the ‘Best Direction’ for The Kerala Story at the 71st National Film Awards. #NFA2023 #NationalFilmAwards
Released in 2023 The Kerala Story sparked intense debate across India. The film revolves around the alleged radicalisation of Hindu women by extremist groups under the controversial “love jihad” theory. While it claimed to be based on true events and achieved strong box office success critics argued it presented factual inaccuracies and carried a politically charged message.
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Why was the film controversial?The film’s narrative touched sensitive religious and political nerves leading to polarised opinions. Some hailed it as a bold exploration of a little-discussed issue while others accused it of misrepresenting communities and pushing a divisive agenda. Despite or perhaps because of this the movie managed to dominate public conversations and social media debates making it one of the most talked-about films of 2023.
What does Sudipto Sen’s win signify?By awarding Sudipto Sen the Best Director title the National Film Awards have reignited discussions about the role of storytelling and creative license in cinema. Artistic interpretation ideological framing and controversial subject matter all come into focus when a film with such mixed reception receives state-sponsored recognition. It’s a reminder that cinema is not just entertainment; it can also be a tool for social and political discourse.
When will the awards be celebrated?The 71st National Film Awards which honour the best in Indian cinema from 2023 were announced on August 1 2025. The award ceremony is scheduled for September 23 2025 in New Delhi. In addition to Best Direction The Kerala Story bagged another award highlighting its impact despite or perhaps because of the controversies surrounding it.
Sudipto Sen’s recognition at the national level ensures that The Kerala Story will continue to be analysed discussed and debated. Whether praised for cinematic technique or critiqued for its ideological stance the film exemplifies how movies can transcend traditional storytelling becoming focal points for social political and cultural conversations.
Highlights:
Sudipto Sen wins Best Direction for The Kerala Story at the 71st National Film Awards.
The 2023 film drew massive box office success despite sparking nationwide controversy.
Award ceremony scheduled for September 23 2025 in New Delhi.