Alphonse Puthren's blockbuster movie "Premam" won the largest number of accolades during the Asianet Film Award and Vanitha-Cera Film Awards, but the Nivin Pauly-starrer was not even considered for the Kerala State Film Awards 2015.
"'Premam' is a good entertainer for sure, but there are some criteria we have to consider during the selection process of the State Awards. The movie doesn't match up to the standards of the State Awards as its making was not perfect. It's not because Alphonse Puthren doesn't know film-making. His previous bi-lingual movie 'Neram' was a perfect flick. But when it comes to the making of 'Premam', Alphonse's lazy attitude towards film-making was evident. Therefore, 'Premam' was not a strong contender during the selection process of the prestigious award in any category," Kerala State Film Award jury chairman Mohan told entertainment portal Southlive.
Even Tamil filmmaker AR Murugadoss had pointed out the State Award snubbing "Premam". "No awards for ‪#‎premam‬!! It's nt fair !! (sic)," he had posted on his Facebook page.
Malayalam director Aashiq Abu, who often responds to many issues on social media, had also expressed his dissatisfaction with the jury's statement on why "Premam" was not considered for the award.
Although "Premam" was the most popular Malayalam movie of the year, the fact that it wasn't even considered for the State Award made the netizens react negatively to the jury's decision. They have been criticising the jury members for not considering the flick for even the technical categories. The songs of "Premam" became instant hits even before the film hit the theatres May 29, and its technical aspects were highly appreciated at recent award shows.
"Premam," starring Sai Pallavi, Madonna Sebastian and Anupama Parameshwaran as the female leads, has become one of the highest-grossing Malayalam movies of all time, and also completed 250 days of theatrical run at the Chennai box office.
Check out some social media reactions here:
Rajaneesh Vilakudy
Statement of the decade. "Premam is a film lazily made." That too from the state film award jury.
Rahul K Shaji
Jury chairman needs an award for his foolishness. The words from Jury about movie Premam and it's director is not acceptable for the movie lovers. Alphonse Puthran always care about perfection on his movies. Totally disatisfied with Kerala State Awards for ignoring the best talents and crafts.
Manu Suresh
Jury have done it again! No offence to Kerala state award winners, but tis event is hitting new rock bottom standards year after year. One doubt. Even though most of the new gen films have been lavishly blessed with state awards, its strange to see "Premam" not winning any. It have excelled in many departments to say the least!! Wat an irony!
