A.R. Murugadoss alleges 64th National Awards was 'biased'

NEW DELHI: Looks like controversies and award events, now-a-days, go hand in hand. A very recent example to this is filmmaker A.R. Murugadoss' allegation against the 64th National Awards, terming it 'biased'. According Murugadoss, he can clearly witness the 'partiality' with the name of the winners, selected by ace filmmaker Priyadarshan-led jury. The director tweeted, "#NationalAwards Can clearly witness the influence & partiality of people in jury, it's biased."

#NationalAwards Can clearly witness the influence & partiality of people in jury, it's biased.

— A.R.Murugadoss (@ARMurugadoss) April 8, 2017

It was not only Murugadoss, 'Aligarh' director Hansal Mehta too expressed his consternation over the winners' choice. However, he clarified with his recent note that the disappointment wasn't directed at anyone. The director's note, on Twitter, read, "When I expressed my disappointment about the National Awards it was personal and not directed at anybody. I would like to believe that the jury has done its best within their understanding and framework. Aligarh was not considered worthy in the framework by the appointed juries just like Lunchbox was ignored in the year that Shahid won two national awards. I did not complain then and I am complaining now either. I've got to respect the decision and move on." Adding, "What hurts is that in some statement the chairperson who I respect and whose films I've often enjoyed says that (quoting Priyadarshan's statement on films around homosexuality). This statement is disturbing and sensitive. Priyadarshan sir, Aligarh did not meet the standards set by you and your jury- I accept that. But your views on homosexuality not figuring as a 'fantastic' social issue rankles."

When I expressed disappointment about the National Awards it was personal and not directed at anybody. I would.. pic.twitter.com/1bPzeOGmKA — Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) April 8, 2017

Basically, the doubts rose when Akshay Kumar was declared the 'Best Actor' for 'Rustom,' over many other deserving actors.