The announcement of the National Film Awards 2023 has stirred up a whirlwind of emotions within the realm of Indian cinema. Among the fervor of celebrating cinematic excellence, the notable absence of accolades for exceptional talents like Manikandan and Lijo Mol has left netizens fuming. This year’s awards saw the crowning of Allu Arjun as the Best Actor for his remarkable performance in ‘Pushpa: The Rise,’ and the Best Actress trophy being shared between Alia Bhatt for ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ and Kriti Sanon for ‘Mimi.’ However, the omission of Manikandan and Lijo Mol from the winner’s circle has ignited intense debates online, raising questions about the selection process and deserving recipients.

The omission of Manikandan and Lijo Mol in Jai Bhim from the list of awardees has ignited a storm of criticism from netizens and cinephiles alike. Known for their exceptional performances, the duo had been expected to secure a well-deserved place among the winners. Manikandan’s portrayal and Lijo Mol’s emotive performance were not only praised by audiences but had also gained critical acclaim. Their absence from the list has left many perplexed, prompting some to question the criteria and transparency of the National Film Awards selection process.

also read: Bigg Boss 7 To See This Most Controversial Celebrity As Contestant??

One of the central points of contention arises from the comparison of the winning actresses, Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon, with Lijo Mol Jose’s performance. While both Bhatt and Sanon delivered noteworthy performances in their respective films, the overwhelming sentiment among netizens is that Lijo Mol’s portrayal was equally if not more deserving of recognition. The shared award for Best Actress between Bhatt and Sanon has prompted discussions on whether the performances truly warranted such an honor when compared to Lijo Mol’s exceptional acting prowess.

Another sore spot in this year’s National Film Awards lies in the recognition of films with different thematic contexts. The inclusion of a movie like ‘The Kashmir Files,’ perceived by some as propagandistic, has led to accusations of bias in the selection process. This juxtaposition has only fueled the fire of public outrage, with many considering it a reflection of skewed priorities and an affront to the artistic integrity that the awards should uphold.

also read: “I Walked When I Was 9 days Old” – Teen Kid Clarified After Getting Trolled

Checkout the Reactions Below:

NATIONAL AWARDS juries didn't think Manikandan and Lijo Mol deserved to win the awards while a propaganda movie like The Kashmir Files won an award. JOKE is on the juries.#69thNationalFilmAwards#NationalFilmAwards2023 #NationalAwards https://t.co/pibjNEwBDV

— George 🍿🎥 (@georgeviews) August 24, 2023

Yes ! And @jose_lijomol and #manikandan are also more deserving for their exceptional performance 💔

— El Professor (@nikampratik358) August 25, 2023

Does Alia Bhatt or Kriti Sanon deserve the best actress award compared to Lijomol Jose’s performance ? 🌝 pic.twitter.com/AyxDETZUKi

— Jegan (@JeganSammu) August 25, 2023

How on earth did the Jury members of the #69thNationalFilmAwards conclude that Pallavi Ghosh in 'Kashmir Files' and Pankaj Tripathi in 'Mimi' did better acting than Lijomol Jose and Manikandan in 'Jai Bhim' ? . Completely unfair! pic.twitter.com/w9hMlc5Hwh

— Aatheeshwar Balakrishnan (@Aatheeshwar_B) August 25, 2023

More than Manikandan, Lijomol jose deserved an award https://t.co/vEw5T5jYl5

— Arthur Dayne (@Karthi_kn14) August 25, 2023

Awards doesn’t deserve these characters 💯 @Manikabali87 @jose_lijomol @arya_offl #NationalAwards #JaiBhim #SarpattaParambara #Manikandan #NationalAwards2023 #69thNationalFilmAwards pic.twitter.com/I0ESdnIgy8

— OVOP.exe (@Narcissisttamil) August 25, 2023

Yes ! And @jose_lijomol and #manikandan are also more deserving for their exceptional performance 💔

— El Professor (@nikampratik358) August 25, 2023

If #Manikandan and #LijoMol don't win a National Award for #JaiBhim, it will be the biggest fault of National Awards why Politics for cinema? #BJP #NationalFilmAwards2023 #NationalAwards #Suriya #Dhanush #Aarya #SarpattaParambarai #Karnan pic.twitter.com/d6BZbUssuG

— Mani P (@ManiP92234380) August 25, 2023

If #Manikandan and #LijoMol don't win a National Award for #JaiBhim, it will be the biggest fault of National Awards. pic.twitter.com/Hjk9wUt9q2

— Anshu Kumar (@AnshuArsan11) August 25, 2023

Real talented Actors are insulted…!!!

"Jai Bheem" Manikandan

lijomol jose

— Jaya Surya 007 🏹🏹🏹🐅🐅🐅🐟🐟🐟🚩🚩🚩 (@Ssurya0073) August 25, 2023

Social media platforms have become the battleground for expressing dissent and disappointment over the awards’ outcomes. Netizens are taking to Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms to voice their opinions on the matter. Many are asserting that Manikandan and Lijo Mol’s performances stood out for their authenticity and emotional depth, making them more deserving contenders for recognition. The fervent online discussions have led to trending hashtags and passionate debates surrounding the perceived injustice.

also read: Celebrities Just Can’t Keep Calm After Chandrayaan Landed On Moon!!

The National Film Awards 2023 have undeniably stirred up a whirlwind of controversy and dissatisfaction, with the omission of talents like Manikandan and Lijo Mol at the center of the storm. While the industry celebrates the achievements of actors like Allu Arjun, Alia Bhatt, and Kriti Sanon, the outrage from netizens emphasizes the need for a more transparent and inclusive selection process. As the cinematic world continues to evolve, discussions sparked by such events shed light on the broader questions of artistic recognition, representation, and the role of national awards in honoring excellence.