Malayalam cinema has received accolades that it can be proud of in the National Film Awards announced yesterday. Malayalam won eight awards, including the country’s best director and singer awards, while a Malayali also won the best actress award for a Tamil film. These awards are an inspiration to the Malayalam film industry, which is trying to recover from the Covid crisis.
Ayyappan and Koshy, scripted and directed by KR Sachidanandan aka Sachi, with artistic excellence and the right ingredients for commercial success, bagged four awards. Sachi being selected as the best director is both elated and nerve wracking. When Malayalam was about to receive the best works of art from that artist, the sun set prematurely like midnight. Let’s be proud that Sachi’s talent has been recognized. Nanchamma from Attappadi Adivasiur, who was discovered by Sachi through Ayyappan and Koshi, caught the attention of the country as the best singer. This achievement of Nanchamma reminds us that no matter where the mountain is hidden, true talent will emerge. Bijumenon Ayyappan, who brought to life the strong character of Ayyappannayar, also won the best supporting actor award for Koshi. Mafia Sasi and his team, who directed the action scenes in this film, have won awards.
Aparna Balamurali won the National Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Bommi in Surarai Potril, directed by Sudha Kongara. Thiruvananthapuram resident Shalini Ushanayar shared the National Award for Best Screenplay by writing the screenplay of Surarai Potrin along with Sudha Kongara. Shalini is a big promise for cinema. Acting in this film itself gave Malayalees’ favorite Tamil actor Suriya an opportunity to share the best actor award with Ajay Devgn. Surarai Potter also won the Best Film in India award and will bring a lot of excitement to women filmmakers.
Anoop Ramakrishnan, who won a special mention for the best book, is no longer with us. Anoop also left us prematurely. Sreesankar for Sound Writing for Malik, Vishnu Govind for Art Director Award, Anees for Art Director, Kavya Prakash for Special Jury Mention for Vank, Mondaya Nixham director Senna Hegde for Best Malayalam Film, Cinematographer Nikhil S. Praveen for Non-fiction category, Shobha Tharoor for Narration Award, Nandan, the director of the best educational film, is famous in Malayalee.
This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s Swayamvaram and G. Aravindan’s Thumb Cannes Film Festival screening in the Classic category. It is heartening to see a strong line-up emerge to win awards in their succession. Many new talents who have won national awards in previous years are struggling to make a new film. The state government should provide incentives to them. Our congratulations to all the award winning artists.