'Barfi' was unfairly overlooked at the National Awards: Rajeev Masand

CNN-IBN's Entertainment Editor Rajeev Masand joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on the National Film Awards.

Q. Have the National Film Awards lost their relevance? Asked by: Ayush

A. On the contrary, I think this year they've proved they're just as relevant and on-the-ball if not more than the other Bollywood awards. They've correctly picked the films that represent the new sensibility in Indian cinema.

Q. Tamil films not much in the list this time.. usually they bag a lot.. atleast last year if I am not wrong.. What's wrong? Asked by: Anand

A. It was a great year for Indian cinema. Like Basu Chatterjee, the head of this year's jury said, it was hard to pick one film or one performance in each category, because across the country the quality of work in 2012 was exceptional. That can be the only reason some films got left out. You can only award one (or occasionally two) people/films in each category.

Q. 'Barfi' didn't get any awards.but the irony is this was the movie sent by India for Oscar nominations, what does this suggest? Are we sending wrong films for Oscar nominations? Asked by: chandu

A. Both are completely different things. I feel 'Barfi' was unfairly overlooked at the National Awards. I'm surprised none of the performances, the music or the technical achievements were considered.

Q. I think only Marathi, Hindi, Malayalam, and Bengali films have some quality. Besides these regions standard of films are really pathetic. Asked by: VIPIN

A. That is a ridiculously unfair generalisation.

Q. Did OMG really deserve the award? Not being cynical, just seeking expert opinion! Asked by: Poo

A. I think OMG had some smart, clever writing.

Q. Rajeev best actor Irrfan khan is good and some more why this special jury to Parineeti Chopra and all is required. How much do you thing these are been scaled on the talent artist have or its just lobbying make's the difference? Asked by: venkat

A. I don't know if lobbying plays a big role in these awards. But Parineeti was terrific in 'Ishaqzaade' and I think a Special Mention was entirely in order.

Q. Which film do you think which would have won a National award but missed out among the last years films. Asked by: Rohit

A. Over the years I was surprised 'Khamoshi' and 'Udaan' missed out. These two come to mind instantly.

Q. Parineeti is on the winner list as well! She deserves it as well- an actress to watch out for would you say? Asked by: ameet

A. She has shown so much promise so early in her career. She's definitely one to look out for.

Q. Rajeev, which actress' performance in last year's Hindi films, you think deserved a National Award? Which one was your most favorite? I personally there were better than Vidya Balan's in 'Kahaani' which got majorly applauded. Asked by: Rahul

A. I think 2012 was a great and very competitive year for actresses, particularly in Bollywood. For me Vidya Balan, Priyanka Chopra and Sridevi were the best among the films I'd watched.

Q. Hi Sir, 'Eega' deserves best movie for wholesome entertainment.what do you say Sir? Which awardee do you feel it don't deserve the award? Asked by: Srikar

A. I agree. I think 'Eega' definitely deserved to win 'Best Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment' along with Vicky Donor and Ustaad Hotel, both of whom were also very deserving winners.

Q. How is the jury which selects the winner in National awards selected.. Asked by: Raj

A. Selected by the Information & Broadcast Ministry

Q. I sincerely feel 'Eega' director Rajamouli deserves an award for himself.....could be given a special jury...what do you say? Asked by: chandu

A. I agree. S S Rajamouli's achievement with 'Eega' is no mean feat. He directed such a hugely engaging film while pushing the envelope of special effects further.

Q. Not one award for 'Barfi'!! the jury got scared after the hulla over sending it to the oscars? The film deserved music and acting awards at least. Asked by: ameet

A. It would be truly sad if that is the reason 'Barfi' was overlooked.

Q. The regional films are being addressed in National Awards only. Why the other awards named themselves with "Indian" don't consider languages other than Hindi...? Asked by: Elango B

A. Each state and each region has their own awards functions for their film industries. Bollywood has many. National Awards are the only ones which picks best films/performances/technical achievements from across the country.

Q. Nobody got dadasaheb phalkhe award? Don't they award every single year? Asked by: Ashok S

A. No announcement was made. It is not an annual award. They give it when they deem fit.

Q. hi Masand ! Don't you think that our jury leaves quiet many states unexplored? I mean there aren't good films only in Bollywood and other few languages(Bengali being the second best choice)? Look at the way you come out with the reviews..Tamil, Telugu or any other one. Cant' the jury also go that deep enough? Asked by: Abhishek Yadav

A. I don't think that they leave other regions out. For one, they have a Best Film Award in various languages/regions. Aside from that, so many technical and performance awards are won by regional technicians/filmmakers and actors.

Q. Are there actors / Technicians part of the jury in order to understand the nuances of the various dept of a film? Asked by: Kamya

A. Yes, the national awards jury is made up of filmmakers and technicians from across the country.

Q. What are your views about the Best Investigative Film - Inshallah Kashmir ? Asked by: Anonymous

A. I have not seen it unfortunately, but I intend to.