The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker as the Festival Director for the 57th edition of the International Film Festival of India. He is known for directing films like Lagaan, Swades, and Jodhaa Akbar.<h2>Ashutosh Gowariker appointed as the 57th director</h2>Gowariker will take over the role from Shekhar Kapur, who previously led the 55th and 56th editions of the festival. The event is held in Goa every year and is said to be one of Asia’s most popular cinematic gatherings.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/shah-rukh-khan-s-wankhede-controversy-ex-acp-reveals-what-really-happened-during-2012-clash-1777711033501">SRK’s Wankhede controversy: Ex-ACP reveals what really happened during the clash</a>&nbsp;The ministry, in its official statement, said, "Shri Gowariker is an acclaimed filmmaker with a distinguished contribution to Indian cinema. His association with IFFI spans several decades, reflecting his deep engagement with the evolution of cinematic arts and international film culture."<h2>Gowariker expresses gratitude</h2>Expressing his gratitude, the filmmaker said, "It gives me immense pride and joy to serve as the Festival Director for the prestigious 57th International Film Festival of India, Goa. I feel privileged to have witnessed the evolution of this festival. From attending it in 1984 to continuing my association over the years, right up to 2024, when I served as the Jury President for International Cinema."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/raja-shivaji-box-office-how-much-did-riteish-deshmukh-starrer-earn-on-day-1-1777704972911">Raja Shivaji box office: How much did Riteish Deshmukh starrer earn on day 1?</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Ministry of Information &amp; Broadcasting has appointed noted filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker as the Festival Director for the 57th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), to be held in Goa. Read More: <a href="https://t.co/DGHqKbmtZx">https://t.co/DGHqKbmtZx</a> <a href="https://t.co/lmto65IsZM">pic.twitter.com/lmto65IsZM</a>&mdash; Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/MIB_India/status/2050165964948516984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/karan-johar-reviews-the-devil-wears-prada-2-says-it-speaks-of-our-times-1777705108201">Karan Johar reviews The Devil Wears Prada 2, says it 'speaks of our times'</a>&nbsp;He further added, "To carry forward the legacy that has been created, nurtured, and expanded over the decades since 1952 by innumerable festival teams, is a great honour, accompanied by a renewed sense of responsibility. I look forward to working closely with the Ministry of Information &amp; Broadcasting and the Government of Goa."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/siddharth-anand-urges-fans-not-to-share-leaked-images-of-shah-rukh-khan-and-deepika-padukone-from-king-says-team-is-working-round-the-clock-1777645969262">Siddharth Anand urges fans not to share leaked images SRK &amp; Deepika from King</a><h2>About the International Film Festival of India</h2>IFFI was established in 1952 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in Asia. Over the years, the festival has become a big platform for showcasing global cinema and celebrating filmmaking excellence. The festival has now been permanently hosted in Goa since 2004. &nbsp;

Lagaan filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has been appointed as the Festival Director for the 57th edition of the International Film Festival of India. He has succeeded Shekhar Kapur, who led the 55th and 56th editions of the festival.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker as the Festival Director for the 57th edition of the International Film Festival of India. He is known for directing films like Lagaan, Swades, and Jodhaa Akbar. Ashutosh Gowariker appointed as the 57th director Gowariker will take over the role from Shekhar Kapur, who previously led the 55th and 56th editions of the festival. The event is held in Goa every year and is said to be one of Asia’s most popular cinematic gatherings. Also Read: SRK’s Wankhede controversy: Ex-ACP reveals what really happened during the clash The ministry, in its official statement, said, "Shri Gowariker is an acclaimed filmmaker with a distinguished contribution to Indian cinema. His association with IFFI spans several decades, reflecting his deep engagement with the evolution of cinematic arts and international film culture." Gowariker expresses gratitude Expressing his gratitude, the filmmaker said, "It gives me immense pride and joy to serve as the Festival Director for the prestigious 57th International Film Festival of India, Goa. I feel privileged to have witnessed the evolution of this festival. From attending it in 1984 to continuing my association over the years, right up to 2024, when I served as the Jury President for International Cinema." Also Read: Raja Shivaji box office: How much did Riteish Deshmukh starrer earn on day 1?

Lagaan filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has been appointed as the Festival Director for the 57th edition of the International Film Festival of India. He has succeeded Shekhar Kapur, who led the 55th and 56th editions of the festival.

After Shekhar Kapur, Lagaan filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker takes charge as director of 57th IFFI

&nbsp; The 71st National Film Awards were announced on August 1, Friday evening. This year, the winners' list was dominated by Bollywood films and stars, with Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, and Rani Mukerji taking home top honours. Since the announcement, debates have erupted online over the selection of winners, with netizens questioning the jury’s decision-making process.&nbsp;Among the points of discussion were snubbing of Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran. Directed and co-produced by Blessy, this Malayalam-language biographical survival drama was one of the most critically acclaimed films of 2024.&nbsp;The snub of both the film and Sukumaran’s performance has sparked intense debate across social media. Adding fuel to the fire was the controversial film The Kerala Story which received honours for Best Direction and Best Cinematography. This has led many to question how the jury selected the winners.&nbsp;Amid the controversy, jury member and filmmaker Pradeep Nair revealed that he raised serious objections to The Kerala Story winning awards.&nbsp;“As a Malayali on the panel, I raised serious objections. I questioned how a film that defames a state like Kerala and serves as propaganda could be considered for a national honour. I even conveyed my concerns directly to the jury chairperson," Nair said during a conversation with Onmanorama.&nbsp;He also noted how he was the only one who called Kerala Story a propaganda movie.&nbsp;“I was the only one who labelled it as propaganda. Others argued that even if it was controversial, it tackled a relevant social issue,” he said.&nbsp;The other notable contender was Sukumaran's movie which failed to secure a single win. Addressing that, Nair revealed that jury chairperson Ashutosh Gowariker felt that the movie lacked naturality and the performances didn't feel authentic.&nbsp;“He had seen the movie at a previous film festival in Goa and had serious concerns about the film’s adaptation and execution. Gowariker and others also felt the adaptation lacked naturality and the performances didn’t feel authentic,” he added. &nbsp;&nbsp;Actor KR Gokul's character received praise for his performance. Still, he was not awarded due to the overall quality of the movie.&nbsp;“K R Gokul’s character was widely appreciated by the jury for its freshness and impact. Still, he was not awarded as categories also considered the overall quality of the film,” Nair added. Gokul played the role of Hakim in the movie.Netizens have been strongly condemning the Goat Life being snubbed.&nbsp;One user wrote,''"The Goat Life" deserved a National Award, but looks like the jury forgot what cinema is. One of the finest films snubbed — proves again, sometimes the real joke is not on screen, but in the jury room. ‘’

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Prithviraj?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Prithviraj</a> gave his blood &amp; soul for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aadujeevitham?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aadujeevitham</a> ( <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheGoatLife?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheGoatLife</a> ) &amp; delivered an outstanding performance..!💎 National Awards failed here. Indians failed here. Art failed here. Talent failed here. Hardwork failed here.!!💔💯<a href="https://twitter.com/PrithviOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrithviOfficial</a> 🥺🥺🥺💔💔💔 <a href="https://t.co/vUleBTSZ5r">pic.twitter.com/vUleBTSZ5r</a>&mdash; Selva Ganesh💙 (@iam_strganesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/iam_strganesh/status/1951320973527097374?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Another user wrote,''#Prithviraj gave his blood &amp; soul for #Aadujeevitham ( #TheGoatLife ) &amp; delivered an outstanding performance..!💎National Awards failed here. Indians failed here. Art failed here. Talent failed here. Hardwork failed here.!!💔💯''

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;The Goat Life&quot; deserved a National Award, but looks like the jury forgot what cinema is. One of the finest films snubbed — proves again, sometimes the real joke is not on screen, but in the jury room. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheGoatLife?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheGoatLife</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aadujeevitham?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aadujeevitham</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalAwards</a> <a href="https://t.co/prI2NNwQW0">pic.twitter.com/prI2NNwQW0</a>&mdash; Sadaf Kamalee (@_im_kamalee) <a href="https://twitter.com/_im_kamalee/status/1951864748175143150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It hurts when a film like <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aadujeevitham?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aadujeevitham</a>, that moved hearts and shook souls, gets overlooked for Best Film and Best Actor. This wasn’t just cinema, it was a lived experience. What more do we expect from art?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalAwards2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalAwards2025</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aadujeevitham?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aadujeevitham</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheGoatLife?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheGoatLife</a> <a href="https://t.co/JLO4D46kO2">pic.twitter.com/JLO4D46kO2</a>&mdash; Trader shetty (@ShettyTrader) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShettyTrader/status/1951314947616416164?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Third user wrote, ''It hurts when a film like #Aadujeevitham, that moved hearts and shook souls, gets overlooked for Best Film and Best Actor. This wasn’t just cinema, it was a lived experience. What more do we expect from art?''

Prithviraj's film The Goat Life was snubbed at the National Awards, triggering a major backlash. Netizens are questioning how the jury could ignore this biographical drama while honoring other movies like The Kerala Story.

The 71st National Film Awards were announced on August 1, Friday evening. This year, the winners' list was dominated by Bollywood films and stars, with Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, and Rani Mukerji taking home top honours. Since the announcement, debates have erupted online over the selection of winners, with netizens questioning the jury’s decision-making process. Among the points of discussion were snubbing of Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran. Directed and co-produced by Blessy, this Malayalam-language biographical survival drama was one of the most critically acclaimed films of 2024. The snub of both the film and Sukumaran’s performance has sparked intense debate across social media. Adding fuel to the fire was the controversial film The Kerala Story which received honours for Best Direction and Best Cinematography. This has led many to question how the jury selected the winners. Amid the controversy, jury member and filmmaker Pradeep Nair revealed that he raised serious objections to The Kerala Story winning awards. “As a Malayali on the panel, I raised serious objections. I questioned how a film that defames a state like Kerala and serves as propaganda could be considered for a national honour. I even conveyed my concerns directly to the jury chairperson," Nair said during a conversation with Onmanorama. He also noted how he was the only one who called Kerala Story a propaganda movie. “I was the only one who labelled it as propaganda. Others argued that even if it was controversial, it tackled a relevant social issue,” he said. The other notable contender was Sukumaran's movie which failed to secure a single win. Addressing that, Nair revealed that jury chairperson Ashutosh Gowariker felt that the movie lacked naturality and the performances didn't feel authentic. “He had seen the movie at a previous film festival in Goa and had serious concerns about the film’s adaptation and execution. Gowariker and others also felt the adaptation lacked naturality and the performances didn’t feel authentic,” he added. Actor KR Gokul's character received praise for his performance. Still, he was not awarded due to the overall quality of the movie. “K R Gokul’s character was widely appreciated by the jury for its freshness and impact. Still, he was not awarded as categories also considered the overall quality of the film,” Nair added. Gokul played the role of Hakim in the movie. Netizens have been strongly condemning the Goat Life being snubbed. One user wrote,''"The Goat Life" deserved a National Award, but looks like the jury forgot what cinema is. One of the finest films snubbed — proves again, sometimes the real joke is not on screen, but in the jury room. ‘’

Prithviraj's film The Goat Life was snubbed at the National Awards, triggering a major backlash. Netizens are questioning how the jury could ignore this biographical drama while honoring other movies like The Kerala Story.

Prithviraj's The Goat Life snubbed at National Awards: Ashutosh Gowariker felt performances was not 'authentic'

ashutosh-gowariker

Ashutosh Gowariker, News on Ashutosh Gowariker, stories on Ashutosh Gowariker, articles on Ashutosh Gowariker, Ashutosh Gowariker stories at Wion, Ashutosh Gowariker news, Ashutosh Gowariker latest news

ashutosh gowariker

After Shekhar Kapur, Lagaan filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker takes charge as director of 57th IFFI

Ashutosh Gowariker felt Prithviraj's The Goat Life lacked 'naturality'