How does Tillotama Shome’s performance in Sir find its way only in the Critics’ category? Does this mean that the five nominees in the mainstream category for best actress Deepika Padukone (Chhapaak), Janhvi Kapoor (Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl), Kangana Ranaut (Panga), Taapsee Pannu (Thappad) and Vidya Balan (Shakuntala Devi) were more popular and hence, better performances? If popularity is the criteria then we might as well nominate Sara Ali Khan in Coolie No.1.
Hands down, Tillotama Shome’s performance in Sir was the finest lead performance of the year. Curiously Vidya Balan’s performance in Shakuntala has earned her a place in both the popular and critics list. Does this guarantee her at least one award?.
In the best-actor category, I see some truly undeserving names. We have Ajay Devgn (Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior), Amitabh Bachchan (Gulabo Sitabo), Ayushmann Khurrana (Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan), Irrfan (Angrezi Medium), Rajkummar Rao (Ludo), Sushant Singh Rajput (Dil Bechara). Irrfan for Angrezi Medium will sadly compete with the other posthumous nominee Sushant Singh Rajput for Dil Bechara.
The best director category has Anurag Basu’s best work in years Ludo competing with Shoojit Sircar’s not-so-best work in years Gulabo Sitabo. Diversity is definitely not a problem here. Quality is. Ludo leads with maximum nominations this year, registering its name in 18 categories followed by Thappad in 17.
Image Source: Instagram/tillotamashome, spotboyeachive images, youutube/t-series/zeemusicco
Image Source: Instagram/tillotamashome, spotboyeachive images, youutube/t-series/zeemusicco