'Aadujeevitham' director Blessy slams Ashutosh Gowariker: 'The same person earlier praised the film'; 'Compared it to 'Lawrence of Arabia'

Filmmaker Blessy is heartbroken and disappointed after 'Aadujeevitham – The Goat Life' was overlooked at the 71st National Film Awards.

In a candid conversation with the media, he expressed his dismay at jury chairperson Ashutosh Gowariker’s changed stance on the film. What has particularly upset Blessy is that Ashutosh Gowariker, who once praised the film after a private screening in Mumbai, has now criticised its technical execution.


“I still remember what he told me after the premiere, he said 'Aadujeevitham' was the most beautifully shot desert film since 'Lawrence of Arabia'. That kind of praise coming from the director of 'Lagaan' meant so much,” Blessy recalled in an interview with On Manorama. “So when he now says it was technically weak, I can’t understand it. This feels like double standards.”

Lunch invite, phone calls, and then silence

Blessy also revealed that Ashutosh had called him after the Mumbai screening and had even invited him for lunch the next day—an invitation Blessy had to decline due to prior commitments. The sudden shift from admiration to rejection left him puzzled. “When someone praises a film in such detail, and then later dismisses it on technical grounds, it hurts—not just me but the entire crew who worked so hard.”




The Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer, which tells the harrowing real-life story of a migrant worker trapped in the Gulf, was considered a major contender but received no recognition at the National Awards.

Jury explains, but questions remain

Jury member Pradeep Nair previously told On Manorama that while the film was shortlisted, Ashutosh Gowariker and others had concerns about its narrative execution and performances. He also pointed out technical flaws in the award submission, like missing English translations for songs, which affected its eligibility in certain categories.

Despite this, Pradeep Nair admitted KR Gokul’s performance had impressed the jury—but didn’t earn a win due to the film’s “overall quality.”

Meanwhile, the lack of award has not affected 'Aadujeevitham' by any means, as the Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer has already captured hearts.