Mammootty Crowned Best Actor at Kerala State Film Awards, ‘Manjummel Boys’ Dominates
The Kerala State Film Awards were announced Thursday, with veteran actor Mammootty taking home the Best Actor award for his compelling portrayal of Kodumon Potty in the critically acclaimed film Bramayugam. The blockbuster Manjummel Boys led the winners’ list, securing 10 awards across various categories.
Minister for Culture and Films Saji Cherian announced the awards at a ceremony held at Ramanilayam in Thrissur, in the presence of the seven-member jury led by Prakash Raj. The jury lauded Mammootty’s performance, noting his ability to brilliantly embody two distinct characters – Kodumon Potty and Chaathan – within a single performance, a feat described as particularly challenging.
Shamla Hamza was recognized as Best Actress for her powerful performance in Feminichi Fathima, a film that previously garnered accolades at the International Film Festival of Kerala. The film centers on Fathima, a young wife who challenges patriarchal norms through acts of defiance within her household. Director Fazil Muhammed received the award for Best Debutant Director for his work on Feminichi Fathima.
Manjummel Boys’ sweeping success at the awards underscores its popularity and critical acclaim. The film was awarded Best Film, while Chidambaram, previously known for Jan-e-Man, received the award for Best Director. Further accolades for Manjummel Boys included wins for Ajayan Chalissery as Best Art Director, Shijin Melvin for Best Sound Design, and Shrik Warrier as Best Colorist. Vedan was honored with the Best Lyricist award for his work on the song “Kuthanthram” from the film.
Soubin Shahir and Sidharth Bharathan shared the award for Best Character Artist (Male), recognized for their performances in Manjummel Boys and Bramayugam, respectively. Lijomol Jose received the award for Best Character Artist (Female) for her role in Nadanna Sambhavam.
Beyond the major awards, Prasanna Vithanage’s story writing for Paradise, starring Roshan Mathew and Darshana, was also recognized. Darshana received a special mention for her performance in the same film. Jyothirmayi received a special jury mention for her work in Bougainvillea. Notably, actors Asif Ali and Tovino Thomas also received special mentions from the jury for their performances.
Zeba Tommy was awarded Best Playback Singer (Female) for her contribution to ‘Am Aah,’ while K S Harishankar received the award for Best Playback Singer (Male) for his work in ‘ARM.’ ARM, directed by Jithin Lal, also won the award for Best Visual Effects. Sayanora, recently lauded for her dubbing work in Lokah, was recognized as the Best Dubbing Artist for her contribution to Mohanlal’s directorial venture, Barroz. Sameera Saneesh was adjudged the Best Costume Designer for her work in Rekhachitram. Christo Xavier received the award for Best Background Music in Bramayugam, while Sushin Shyam was recognized as Best Music Composer.
The awards also acknowledged contributions to film criticism and literature, with CS Meenakshi winning Best Book on Cinema in Malayalam for Penpaattuthaarakal: Malayala Cinemapattukalile Pennavishkarangal, and Dr. Valsalan Vathussery winning Best Article on Cinema for Maarunna Naalukettukal: Malayala Cinemayude Maarunna Bhavukatvawum.
Premalu was recognized as the Best Popular Film, reflecting its resonance with younger audiences. Payal Kapadia received a Special Jury Award in Any Category for Women/Transgender for All We Imagine As Light.
The Kerala State Film Awards continue to celebrate excellence and innovation within the Malayalam film industry, highlighting both established talents and emerging voices.
