In a surprising turn of events at the 71st National Film Awards, director Manthira Moorthy’s Ayodhi, featuring M. Sasikumar in the lead, did not receive a single award—sparking widespread disappointment among Tamil cinema fans and critics.
Released in early 2023, Ayodhi earned critical praise for its poignant storytelling, social relevance, and powerful performances, particularly Sasikumar’s restrained yet moving portrayal of a man caught in the webs of caste and communal tensions. The film was lauded for its screenplay, realism, and message of religious harmony—leading many to consider it a strong contender for national recognition.
However, the announcement of the awards brought no mention of the film, shocking its admirers. Social media was soon flooded with reactions from fans who expressed their disbelief and frustration over the snub. “How could such a socially conscious and well-made film be completely ignored?” asked one user on X (formerly Twitter). Another wrote, “Ayodhi deserved at least a Special Jury mention for its message alone.”
Meanwhile, the Tamil film Parking emerged as a big winner, clinching three National Awards: Best Tamil Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor (MS Bhaskar). Composer GV Prakash Kumar also won accolades for Best Music Direction (Background Score) for his work in Vaathi, further highlighting Tamil cinema’s presence on the national stage.
Despite the accolades for other Tamil films, Ayodhi’s absence stood out starkly. Industry insiders speculate that the film’s subtle, grounded tone might have been overshadowed by more mainstream or technically ambitious projects.
The National Awards jury has not released detailed reasoning for individual omissions, but the exclusion of Ayodhi has reignited debates about the visibility and valuation of socially driven regional films in national forums.
While the film didn’t receive a trophy, its impact on audiences and its place in conversations around cinema with conscience remain intact. For Sasikumar, who has long been associated with rooted, emotionally resonant cinema—from Subramaniapuram to Ayodhi—the snub is unlikely to diminish the film’s standing among serious cinephiles.
As fans continue to voice their disapproval, one thing is certain: Ayodhi may have been overlooked by the awards, but it has found lasting recognition in the hearts of its audience.