Kani Kusruti and Suraj Venjaramoodu bagged the Best Actress and Best Actor awards respectively at the 50th Kerala State Film Awards. The awards were announced by state cultural minister AK Balan on Tuesday.
Vasanthi, written and directed by brothers Shinos Rahman and Sajas Rahman won the Best Film award and Lijo Jose Pellissery was adjudged the best director for his film Jallikattu.
While Kani clinched the award for her performance in Biriyaani, Venjaramoodu was nominated for Vikruthi and Android Kunjappan Version 5.25. The award for Best Character Actor was given to Fahadh Faasil for his work in Kumbalangi Nights and Swasika Vinay won the Best Character Actress for Vasanthi. Kenjira, directed by Manoj Kana, won the award for Second Best Film.
Director Ratheesh Poduval won Best Debut Director for Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 and the Rahman Brothers swept away the award for Best Original Screenplay. Actors Nivin Pauly, Anna Ben and Priyamvadha Krishna also won Special Jury awards for their performances in Moothon, Helen and Thottappan, respectively.
Jyothish Sankar won Best Art Director award for films Kumbalangi Nights and Android Kunjappan Version 5.25. Catherine Biji was adjudged the Best Child Artist (Female) for her performance in Nani and Vasudev Sajeesh Marar won the Best Child Artist (Male) for his performance in Sullu and Kallanottam.
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According to a Manorama online report, 119 films were in the running for awards at this year’s Kerala State Film Awards. Even films pending release such as Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham, directed by Priyadarshan and starring Mohanlal, and M Padmakumar‘s Mamankam, starring Mammootty, were screened for the jury.
Virus, Moothon, Uyare, Thanneer Mathan Dinangal, Kenjira, Unda, Driving License, Ambili, Prathi Poovan Kozhi, Porinju Mariyam Jose, Kallanottam and Stand Up are a few films that were vying for top honours this year.