Kerala, India – The Kerala State Film Awards celebrated its latest edition with a grand array of winners, highlighting the vibrant fabric of regional cinema. At the forefront of this prestigious celebration was “Aadujeevitham” (Goat Life), a survival drama that starkly portrays the trials of a young Malayali man in the Gulf desert. The film earned accolades for its raw narrative and standout performances, earning Blessy the award for Best Director and Prithviraj Sukumaran the Best Actor (Male) accolade for his portrayal of the central character, Najeeb.
Adding to its laurels, “Aadujeevitham” also took home the award for Best Cinematographer, awarded to Sunil K.S. for his exceptional work in capturing the desolate beauty of the desert landscape. The film was further recognized as the Best Popular Film with Artistic Quality, bringing its total to seven prestigious awards.
Meanwhile, “Kaathal The Core,” featuring Mammootty, was declared the Best Film. The movie sheds light on the internal conflicts of the gay community, offering narrations that push the boundaries of conventional Malayalam cinema. Directed by Jeo Baby, the film has been lauded for its sensitive and thought-provoking content.
The competition for the accolades was fierce with entries ranging from Mohanlal’s “Neru” to Suresh Gopi’s “Garudan,” among others, showcasing the rich diversity of themes and storytelling techniques in contemporary Malayalam cinema.
In the actress category, Urvashi and Beena R. Chandran shared the Best Actress award for their performances in “Ullozhukku” and “Thadavu,” respectively. Their roles, marked by depth and complexity, were pivotal in bringing women’s narratives to the forefront of the regional cinematic landscape.
The awards ceremony was not just a celebration of veterans but also acknowledged up-and-coming talent in the industry. The Best Child Actor awards were clinched by Thennal Abhilash for “Sesham Mikeil Fathima” and Avirth Menon for “Pachuvum Albhutha Vilakkum,” highlighting the promising future of Malayalam cinema.
Among other accolades, the Best Background Score went to Mathews Pulikkal for his work in “Kaathal The Core,” and the Best Music Composer was awarded to Justin Varghese for “Chaaver.” Rohith MG Krishnan earned the Best Original Screenplay for “Iratta,” a film that also fetched him the Best Second Film award.
This edition of the Kerala State Film Awards not only celebrated artistic achievements but also served as a mirror reflecting the ongoing societal and thematic explorations within the Malayalam film industry. As new stories unfold and new talents emerge, the landscape of regional Indian cinema continues to evolve, promising richer narratives and more nuanced portrayals in the years to come.