Acclaimed South Indian actor Urvashi has openly criticised the 71st National Film Awards jury, raising serious questions about the credibility of the selection process. Despite playing the central character in Ullozhukku, she was named ‘Best Supporting Actress’—a ’decision she described as baffling and potentially disrespectful. She has yet to confirm whether she will accept the award, pending an official explanation.
Urvashi questioned the parameters used by the jury, highlighting what she sees as glaring oversights. She pointed in particular to the total exclusion of Aadujeevitham, Blessy’s acclaimed survival drama, and its lead actor, Prithviraj Sukumaran, from all major categories. “How could Aadujeevitham be ignored? Everyone knows it’s because of Empuraan. Awards should never be influenced by politics,” she asserted, referencing the controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan, which faced backlash over its depiction of the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Further elaborating her concerns in a separate interview with Manorama News, Urvashi asked, “How are these decisions made? What criteria are followed?” She added pointedly, “This is not pension money to be silently accepted.” For the actor, the honour of receiving a national award should come with clarity, fairness, and pride — not confusion or quiet resignation.
In Ullozhukku, directed by Christo Tomy, Urvashi portrays Leelamma—a grieving mother navigating personal loss and an evolving bond with her daughter-in-law. The role was widely regarded as the emotional core of the film, not a secondary character. “If lead roles are being classified as supporting, what incentive is left for actual supporting actors to hone their craft?” she asked.
This isn’t the first time Urvashi has encountered such ambiguity. In 2005, she received the same award for Achuvinte Amma, again for a lead role. Though she chose not to protest then, she now believes it’s time to speak up — especially for younger artists. “I have nothing to fear. I pay my taxes. I don’t owe any political allegiance. If I stay silent, the next generation will be told, ‘Even Urvashi didn’t object — why are you?’”
The actor also expressed disappointment over the limited recognition given to seasoned performer Vijayaraghavan, who received the Best Supporting Actor award for Pookkaalam, despite playing the protagonist. “How do they determine who deserves what? This kind of selective honouring is unfair, especially to actors who may not get such roles again.”
On the practice of sharing awards between multiple winners, she was unequivocal: “First place should go to one person. This is not a school competition.”
Her critique of the National Awards extends beyond personal grievances. “There are so many brilliant actors in the south who constantly get overlooked. The awards should be based on artistic merit alone, not politics or appeasement.”
Urvashi praised previous instances of protest, such as Fahadh Faasil and Parvathy Thiruvothu’s refusal to accept their national awards in 2018 when the president was not present to confer them. “They set an example. When the union government gives you an award, you should be able to question it — not feel pressured to accept it silently.”
When asked why most dissent seems to come from southern artists, Urvashi credited the region’s educational and cultural environment. “We’re more aware, and that gives us the courage to question. There may be consequences, but someone has to bell the cat.”
Despite being honoured with over 750 roles in a four-decade-long career, Urvashi says recognition should feel earned — not forced or patronising. She is still awaiting a response from the award organisers. “No one has reached out to clarify anything or even to ask why I’ve spoken up. Whether or not I accept the award depends on what I hear from them.”
Her remarks have reignited debate about the credibility of the National Film Awards and the importance of maintaining transparency and respect in honouring artistic talent. For Urvashi, an award without integrity is not worth celebrating.
