53rd Kerala State Film Awards: Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam named Best Film; Mammootty, Vincy Aloshious, Mahesh Narayanan bag top honours

In contrast to previous years, this year’s event saw a remarkable clash of industry giants as numerous prominent figures like Mammootty, Kunchacko Boban, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Darshana Rajendran, Bindu Panicker, Lijo Jose Pellissery, Ratheena, and Kamal KM competed against each other in various categories.

In a massive win, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, bagged the award for Best Film from a mammoth list of 154 movies. In a neck-and-neck competition, Mammootty clinched the Best Actor award for the film Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, while Vincy Aloshious was bestowed with the prestigious Best Actress title for the film Rekha. Mahesh Narayanan was named the Best Director for the movie Ariyippu.

While Kamal KM won the award for Best Writer for the film Pada, Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval won the award for Best Screenplay (Original) for the film Nna Thaan Case Kodu, and Rajesh Pinnadan bagged the award for Best Screenplay (Adaptation) for the film Oru Thekkan Thallu Case.

Speaking on the occasion, minister Saji Cherian said that among the total 154 films submitted for consideration, 49 movies made it to the last round. He also noted that as many as 19 debutant filmmakers submitted their works for the awards which, he said, shows that the industry is moving ahead in the right direction.

Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairman Ranjith and vice-chairman Premkumar were also present on the occasion. Ranjith said that jury chairman Goutam Ghose appreciated the diversity in the films the industry created in 2022.

While Avasavyuham was named the best film last year, its director Krishand RK had bagged the top honours of Best Film and Best Screenplay Writer (original). On the other hand, Syam Pushkaran won the Best Screenplay (adapted) for his work in Joji.

The last edition of the ceremony also witnessed seasoned actor Revathy bagging her first ever Kerala Film State Award in the Best Actress category for her gripping performance in Bhoothakaalam. Subsequently, Biju Menon (Aarkkariyam) and Joju George (Madhuram, Freedom Fight, Thuramukham and Naayaattu) shared the Best Actor award among themselves.

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