NIRMAL YESODA
AK Balan, the cultural minister of Kerala announced the 50th edition of 2019 Kerala State Film Awards. Newbies were the frontrunners in this edition. Lijo Jose Pallissery was named the best director for his movie ‘Jallikettu’. Suraj Venjarammoodu was named the best actor for his performances in movies that include, ‘Android Kunjappan’, and ‘Vikrithi’. Kani Kusruti bagged the award for the best actress for her spectacular performance in the movie ‘Biriyani’.
‘Vasanthi’ bagged the award for Best Picture. The second Best Film went to ‘Kenjira’.
Fahadh Faasil was named the best character actor for his role in the movie ‘Kumbalangi Nights’. Swasika was named as best character actress for ‘Vasanthi’.
Sushin Shyam bagged the award for the best music director (songs) for ‘Kumbalangi Nights’. For his song beginning with Aathmaavil, Najeem Arshad was named the best male singer. Madhushree Narayanan became the best female singer.
Vineeth bagged the award for the best dubbing artist (Marakkar: Arabikkadalinte Simham, Lucifer). In the female category, Shruthi Rajendran won the award of the best dubbing artist (Kamala).
Ratheesh Pothuval who directed the movie ‘Android Kunjappan’ got the award for the best debutante filmmaker. Siddharth Priyadarshan got the special jury mention for crafting impeccable VFX for the film ‘Marakkar: Arabikkadalinte Simham’.
Nivin Pauly also received a special jury mention in the acting category for his performance in the movie ‘Moothoon’. In the female category, Anna Ben also received a special jury mention for her performance in the movie ‘Helen’.
This year’s list had a healthy mix of movies helmed by experienced directors as well as relatively new directors such as Madhu C Narayanan’s ‘Kumbalangi Nights’, Ratheesh Balakrishna Poduval’s ‘Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25’, Mathukutty Xavier’s ‘Helen’, Manu Ashokan’s ‘Uyare’, Gireesh AD’s ‘Thanneermathan Dinangal’ and PR Arun’s ‘Finals’.
Nearly 71 movies were helmed by debutants which is unique to this year’s state awards and majority of them were gone to newbies.
The actors list too saw veteran artistes such as Mammootty (Unda, Mamangam) and Mohanlal (Lucifer, Marakkar) with Asif Ali, Shane Nigam, Suraj Venjaramoodu and Nivin Pauly for the Best Actor(Male) award, while Manju Warrier, Parvathy, Anna Ben and Kani Kusurti were competing for the Best Actor (Female) honour.
