Director Blessy has expressed dismay over the National Awards jury's criticism of his film Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life), especially after receiving personal praise from jury chairman Ashutosh Gowariker during earlier interactions. Speaking to Onmanorama at the Kerala Film Policy Conclave on Sunday, Blessy said he was surprised by the apparent shift in stance.

“I heard the jury chairman mention that the film was denied awards due to technical shortcomings. But I remember him appreciating the film deeply during our conversations,” he said. Blessy recalled a detailed exchange with Ashutosh during a premiere in Mumbai as part of the film’s Oscar campaign. “He had praised the film highly and even compared it to Lawrence of Arabia, saying he hadn’t seen the desert portrayed so beautifully since then. That comment felt like an award in itself.”

According to Blessy, Ashutosh had also invited him for lunch the following day to continue their discussion on the film. “I couldn’t attend as I had to travel that night, but his words then were in stark contrast to what is being said now,” the director added. Calling the current criticism a case of “double standards,” Blessy questioned how someone who had earlier engaged with the film in such detail could later dismiss it on technical grounds.

Despite winning multiple honours at the Kerala State Film Awards, Aadujeevitham was completely overlooked at the 71st National Film Awards. Jury member Pradeep Nair later stated that the film was considered in several categories but ultimately did not make the cut due to concerns over its adaptation and authenticity.