N.E. said that the jury ignored Vinayan’s ‘Nineteenth Century’ in deciding the state film award. Director Vinayan replied to Sudhir’s note. Vinayan said that he is thankful for Sudhir’s good words about the film and the truth is that he did not even expect so many awards. N.E. said that the 19th century felt neglected when he read the news about the state film awards. Posted by Sudhir NE said that the film was not considered for any important section, how could the art direction which was full of excellence be ignored, and the fate of Velayudhapanikar, who was left out of history, also happened to the film that told his story. Sudhir said in the note. Ajayan Chalissery was a 19th century production designer.
Meanwhile,
The film won the Best Dubbing Artist – Male (Shoby Thilakan), Best Music Director (M. Jayachandran) and Best Female Singer (Mridula Warrier) awards.
N.E. Full text of Sudhir’s note
“This was the main doubt that came to my mind when I read the details of the state film award in the morning newspaper. Directed by Vinayan, the film ‘Pathanathaam Sandhalam’ did not seem to be considered in any important category. It seemed to be neglected in most sections. The ‘nineteenth century’ was one that was awe-inspiring in terms of technological excellence.
How could the art direction, which was full of excellence in that film, be ignored even if you pretend not to see anything else? Why was it not rated as a socially relevant film? There are so many questions. Totally a bit of a mess. Director Vinayan will not be new in this. He is an artist who is destined to get used to all that. Even then, it will cause pain in moviegoers. The bottom line is that even a film that beautifully told the story of a man called Velayudhapanikkare who did not get the place he deserved in the history of Kerala, his misfortune befell him.
Thanking NE Sudheer, director Vinayan wrote: ”NE said about my film. Thanks Sudhir for your kind words. But once the award is made before a jury, the complaint is irrelevant. The truth is that I did not even expect this much. Didn’t you give three awards? I am indebted to Academy Chairman Ranjith.
