13/02/2026
The decision to award Jawan a National Award has taken many viewers by surprise and has once again reopened debates around the standards guiding Indiaâs most prestigious film honours. For a section of the audience, the recognition felt unexpected, as they felt the filmâs narrative depth and ex*****on were uneven. This has revived long-standing questions about how films are evaluated and whether the award process consistently reflects artistic merit.
At the same time, cinephiles continue to point toward Vicky Kaushalâs portrayal of Field Marshal Sam Manekshawâa performance widely admired for its restraint, emotional intelligence, and disciplined transformation. Despite strong critical acclaim, the absence of even a nomination has intensified discussions around transparency, consistency, and jury criteria.
For many observers, this contrast highlights a deeper concern: when audience and critical consensus differ sharply from official recognition, the credibility of awards can come under scrutiny. Indian cinema is rich with talent and sincerity, and viewers naturally expect awards to honour performances that push boundaries and uphold excellence.
This conversation is not about diminishing one film to elevate another. It reflects a broader hope for an awards system that feels fair, balanced, and firmly rooted in genuine cinematic craft rather than perception or popularity.