Prakash Raj said he was “deeply disappointed” by what he called the “compromised” nature of the National Awards. “I have no hesitation in saying that the National Film Awards are not free from bias,” he stated. “When they called me to chair the Kerala Film Awards jury, they said, ‘We want an experienced outsider, and we will not interfere.’ I could make decisions independently. That doesn’t happen at the National Awards.”

Without naming any specific film, Raj appeared to take a dig at The Kashmir Files, saying, “When films like ‘Files’ and ‘Piles’ win multiple awards, it reflects poorly on the honesty of both the jury and the government. It’s disheartening when genuine artists like Mammootty are overlooked.”

Mammootty, who won the Kerala State Award this year, is celebrated as one of India’s most accomplished actors. Over his five-decade career, he has earned three National Film Awards, seven Kerala State Film Awards, and numerous other honors, including 14 Filmfare and 11 Kerala Film Critics Awards.

Raj’s comments have reignited debate over the transparency and credibility of the National Film Awards, often considered India’s highest recognition for cinematic excellence. While the Kerala jury’s independent decision-making has drawn praise, Raj’s remarks suggest a widening perception that politics and favoritism continue to influence national-level cultural recognitions.

Film industry observers now await an official response from the Directorate of Film Festivals, which oversees the National Awards.