Mammootty and Jyothika in Jeo Baby’s film ‘Kathal‘
By Web Desk
Thiruvananthapuram: The state film awards for the previous year are expected to be announced by the Cultural Minister on August 16. The screening of films competing for the awards has been completed, and the process is in the last stage. Films like Blessy’s Aadu Jeevitham, Jeo Baby’s Kaathal, Jude Anthany Joseph’s 2018, and Kristo Tomy’s Ullozhukku are in contention for the Best Film award. However, it is also possible that an outstanding film which was not released might win.
It is rumored that some of the films rejected by the preliminary jury in the first round are being re-evaluated by the final jury. Typically, the main awards are given to about ten films identified as the best by the final jury. Aadu Jeevitham, Kaathal, 2018, and Ullozhukku have received international attention. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see if actors like Prithviraj, who played Najeeb in AaduJeevitham, or Mammootty, who played Mathew in ‘Kathal’, and Police Officer George in ‘Kannur Squad’, will win Best Actor awards. Last year, Mammootty won Best Actor for his role in Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam. Fans are hopeful that he might win the award for the second consecutive year.
In Ullozhukku, Parvathy Thiruvothu and Urvashi have delivered noteworthy performances. Films by Kalyani Priyadarshan and Jyothika are also competing. Among the 160 films in contention, many have not yet been released. Some of these films have excellent performances and significant artistic and technical contributions and could potentially win awards. Unexpected awards are a unique feature of the state film awards, and this year might have its share.
In summary, the jury, chaired by Sudhir Mishra, might face some difficulty finalizing the award list. If an award is given to one film over another, it will need to be justified. There is a possibility that some awards might be shared. Media predictions do not always align with the final results, and some films highlighted by the media may not even make it to the final list. This uncertainty is a hallmark of the state film awards.
Hit films like Mohanlal’s Neru and Suresh Gopy’s Garudan are also in the competition. Other films competing include Faalimy, Pookalam, Sheshom Mike-il Fathima, Gaganachari, Pranaya Vilasam, Kadhina Kadoram Ee Andakadaham, Neymar, Ottu, and 18 Plus. Among these, 84 films have been directed by debutants. It is currently a golden period for newcomers in Malayalam cinema, which might also be reflected in the awards.
