Shah Rukh Khan’s National Award win leaves fans divided; Prithviraj Sukumaran’s 'The Goat Life' snub draws ire

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan clinching his first-ever National Film Award, nearly 33 years after his debut, for Jawan has rejoiced fans. Though fans are happy that 'King Khan' finally got the recognition, which was long overdue, the announcement has sparked division. On the other hand, fans of Malayalam cinema erupted after Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life) was snubbed.

Long Wait of Fans Ends as SRK Sets A Milestone

The big announcement of SRK's National Award win was made on August 1, 2025. Khan shares the Best Actor accolade with Vikrant Massey for Jawan and 12th Fail, respectively.

Many celebrated the win as a symbolic moment closing the chapter on decades of near-misses. Director Ashutosh Gowariker, who presented the award, drew attention to Shah Rukh’s past snub for Swades (2004), calling the moment a poignant full-circle milestone. Khan himself acknowledged the journey with heartfelt gratitude.

Online Factions: Cheers and Jeers Collide

While many fans hailed the award as a deserved honour, others reignited debates over previous omissions of Swades, Chak De! India, and My Name Is Khan, with viral posts reminding audiences of the long delay.

#ShahRukhKhan has Done #Swades , #Devdas , #ChakdeIndia , and #MyNameIsKhan 🔥

But No.. #NationalFilmAwards decide to give it to him for #Jawan 🤦‍♂️

A Film that doesn’t show even 10% of his Acting Potential🙏🙏

To Be Honest #Prithviraj Deserved This💯

What An Absolute Joke🤡 pic.twitter.com/hdmWAgCyfm

— Ak Van (@kingakkhanmal) August 1, 2025

The greatest scene in Indian cinema where acting at its peak. SRK truly deserved a National Award for this; it should have been given years ago.#NationalFilmAwards#ShahRukhKhanpic.twitter.com/azBGa7K5kY

— Binod (@wittybinod) August 1, 2025

The system that skipped Swades but honoured Jawan needs introspection. SRK deserved a National Award for Swades, not Jawan. Period. #ShahRukhKhan #NationalFilmAwards pic.twitter.com/LOWtv24ffR

— Hemant Batra (@hemantbatra0) August 1, 2025

Prithviraj Sukumaran's 'The Goat Life' Snub Draws Ire

While fans of the Jawan star have shared mixed responses across digital platforms over his maiden National Award win, Prithviraj Sukumaran’s 'The Goat Life' snub has sparked outrage among Malayalam cine lovers. The gruelling survival drama 'Aadujeevitham' (The Goat Life) was eligible for the 71st National Awards but received no recognition in any category—including Best Actor, Direction, Cinematography, or Music.

Malayali audiences noted the irony of 'The Kerala Story' winning awards for Best Direction and Best Cinematography at the same event while 'The Goat Life' was entirely ignored. The decision also drew criticism from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He stated it as an “insult to the noble tradition of Indian cinema”.

How can you deny best actor national award for #PrithvirajSukumaran in The GOAT movie & give it to a Jawan.

He should have won it hands down.

This is injustice and clearly proves national award jury is sold out to SRK PR lobby and these awards are a joke pic.twitter.com/km9pmVxqTM

— Ravi @ Prabhas Army (@RaviPrabhas333) August 2, 2025

He Deserves💔

National Awards failed here. Indians failed here. Art failed here. Talent failed here. We failed here..#prithvirajsukumaran #aadujeevitham pic.twitter.com/NL95fsZbvd

— 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐃 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲​™ (@trolldcompany) August 1, 2025

You are telling me SRK performance in Jawan was above this? This film got robbed at the national awards!This performance deserved OSCAR. We love you Prithvi 🥺❤️ #Aadujeevitham#PrithvirajSukumaran @PrithviOfficial pic.twitter.com/ZnS1kuoOtq

— 🍉 (@aatankkwadi) August 1, 2025

Notably, Aadujeevitham was celebrated widely, earning nine Kerala State Film Awards, including Best Actor for Prithviraj, and praise for technical excellence and music by A. R. Rahman.