After the controversy Malayalam actors, Fahadh Faasil and Parvathy returned to Kerala without receiving the national awards.

The maximum winners stay away from the function after learning on Wednesday that only 11 awards will be presented by President Ram Nath Kovind. In a break from tradition, Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani and her junior minister Rajyavardhan Rathore presented most of the awards. Except Director Jayaraj and singer Yesudas, rest of the Malayalam winners too boycotted the event.

It has been reported that the chairs reserved for those who refused to receive has been removed from the hall.