Filmmaker Sudipto Sen recently received the prestigious National Award for Best Director for his critically acclaimed film, The Kerala Story (2023). The award was presented by the President of India, marking a significant milestone in Sen’s career. Describing the moment as “surreal,” Sen shared his initial surprise and overwhelming emotions upon learning he had won, initially expecting the recognition to go to his technicians or actors.
“Success is one thing, and getting recognition with the country’s highest award is another,” Sen remarked, expressing his profound gratitude.
Receiving the award from President Draupadi Murmu was particularly meaningful for Sen. He noted, “In the film industry, the National Award is something which we work for years. To receive it from her was a beautiful feeling.”
However, Sen also reflected on what he considers his first major award: the overwhelming box office success that followed the film’s release. “When my film did so well at the box office and then on OTT, that was a huge award,” he stated. “For a filmmaker, nothing can be bigger than the audiences’ acceptance. That is number one, and I got that award already, I am content.” He humorously added that receiving the National Award on top of this audience validation feels like a “double whammy.”