'Aadujeevitham’ National Award miss: Prithviraj Sukumaran says , 'That man’s story reaching people was enough'

After 'Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life' failed to make it to the winners list at the 71st National Film Awards, fans of Prithviraj Sukumaran were visibly disappointed. Many expected the actor’s intense and committed performance in the survival drama to earn national recognition.


In a recent interview with Mid-Day, Prithviraj Sukumaran shared that awards were never the end goal. “I wanted the film to work. I wanted people to like my performance, and most importantly, I wanted the world to know that man’s story. All three happened,” he said. “If I get a National Award, great; if I don’t, congratulations to whoever gets it.”

Jury’s decision sparks debate

While the film received critical acclaim and connected with audiences, Aadujeevitham didn’t make the final cut for the National Awards jury. Jury chairperson Ashutosh Gowariker reportedly felt the film lacked a natural flow and that Prithviraj’s performance didn’t come across as authentic.

There are several criticisms aimed at 'The Kerala Story' win. Talking to On Manorama, the jury member and filmmaker Pradeep Nair added that, as a Malayali, he opposed the film’s portrayal of Kerala, describing it as “leaning towards propaganda.”

The film's message remains its greatest victory

'The Goat Life', directed by Blessy, tells the harrowing true story of Najeeb, a migrant worker trapped in the desert under brutal conditions. It was a project close to Prithviraj’s heart, one that required immense physical and emotional effort over years of production. As ETimes review puts it, "What to say about Prithviraj, except that he lives the character and is superb as Najeeb, who is completely lost and at wit’s end in this unfamiliar region. Quite apart from the stunning body transformation, he brings the right mix of innocence and vulnerability to the role. The cinematography by Sunil KS and KU Mohanan give the film the feel of a masterpiece. The desert is stark under their gaze and adds to the emotions of the storytelling. AR Rahman’s soulful music is already a hit on social media."

Prithviraj Sukumaran will also be working in 'SSMB29' starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra directed by ace filmmaker SS Rajamouli. The expectations are high for 'SSMB29'.