The National Film Awards delivered some exciting news this Friday, and among the big winners was the much-talked-about film, ‘The Kerala Story’. This 2023 release scooped up two major honors: Best Director and Best Cinematography. The film’s director, Sudipto Sen, shared his joy about this recognition.
Sen wasted no time in dedicating these awards to the girls of Kerala. He believes this achievement will help spread awareness about their struggles. He hopes the team’s hard work will bring their stories to light.
A Special Win for the Filmmaker
Speaking to news agency ANI, Sudipto Sen expressed how special this moment felt. He shared that winning a National Award is truly a wonderful feeling. He added that for any filmmaker, going through challenges and many ups and downs, reaching such a high point with the country’s biggest award feels incredibly meaningful. Sen also made sure to praise his entire team for their huge contribution, thanking them wholeheartedly.
He emphasized that making ‘The Kerala Story’ was a complete team effort. It’s a victory for everyone involved, he noted. The film wasn’t created in Mumbai’s studios, but rather, the team traveled to small villages and towns across Kerala. They worked hard to gather facts for the story on the ground, making the whole experience unique.
Spotlight on Visual Storytelling
Sen also highlighted the excellent work of the film’s cinematographer, Prashantanu Mahapatra, who also received a National Award. Sen called Mahapatra one of the most discerning cinematographers in the country. He mentioned that he had worked with Mahapatra on his very first film and first feature film. Sen admired Mahapatra’s deep understanding of cinema, light, and how to frame scenes. He specifically noted how beautifully Mahapatra captured the stunning landscapes of Kerala and Ladakh in the film.
Producer’s Thoughts on a Box Office Hit
The film ‘The Kerala Story’ was produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. Sudipto Sen shared his gratitude for Shah, who showed faith in him. Shah, in turn, described the film’s win as both splendid and satisfying. It’s worth remembering that ‘The Kerala Story’ was a big success at the box office, making these awards an even sweeter victory for the team.