The excitement is palpable as the 55th Kerala State Film Awards gear up for announcement on October 31, 2024. This year’s nominations list has turned heads, with some of Malayalam cinema’s biggest names competing neck-to-neck across major categories.
Best Actor Category: Mammootty Leads, But It’s a Close Battle
Veteran actor Mammootty is the frontrunner for Best Actor for his remarkable portrayal of Kodumon Potti in Rahul Sadasivan’s atmospheric horror thriller Bramayugam. His nuanced performance has been widely hailed as one of his finest in recent years.
However, Asif Ali is giving tough competition, earning critical acclaim for three standout roles this year — Level Cross, Kishkindha Kaandam, and Adios Amigo, each showcasing his versatility and emotional depth.
Meanwhile, Mohanlal has been shortlisted for Malaikottai Vaaliban, directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, while Tovino Thomas (ARM) and Vijayaraghavan (Kishkindha Kaandam) round out the category with impressive performances.
Best Actress Category: Powerful Performances Shine
According to Mathrubhumi, the Best Actress race is equally competitive. Shamla Hamsa’s bold performance in Feminichi Fathima has struck a chord with audiences, while Shruti Jayan and Meera Vasudev impressed in Am Aa.
Nazriya Nazim, returning with Sookshmadarshini, has also made it to the shortlist, earning praise for her compelling portrayal in the mystery drama.
Most Popular Film: From ‘Manjummel Boys’ to ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’
The Most Popular Film category features some of 2024’s biggest hits. Manjummel Boys, Premalu, Bramayugam, ARM, and Kishkindha Kaandam have all resonated with audiences. Adding prestige to this year’s list, Mohanlal’s directorial debut Barroz and his performance-driven Malaikottai Vaaliban are also among the final contenders.
Best Film: Artistic Brilliance at Its Peak
The Best Film category celebrates creative excellence with strong contenders such as Bramayugam, Feminichi Fathima, Am Aa, and Victoria. Each of these films showcases bold storytelling and cinematic innovation that define the spirit of Malayalam cinema today.
Jury Led by Prakash Raj Gears Up for Verdict
A distinguished seven-member jury, chaired by acclaimed actor Prakash Raj, is currently evaluating 36 shortlisted films out of 128 entries. The panel includes industry veterans Ranjan Pramod, Jibu Jacob, Bhagyalakshmi, Gayathri Ashokan, Nithin Lukose, and Santhosh Echikkanam, ensuring a fair and insightful assessment of this year’s remarkable lineup.
Final Thoughts
The Kerala State Film Awards 2024 promise an exciting finale, with legends like Mammootty and Mohanlal sharing the spotlight with new-age performers like Asif Ali and Nazriya Nazim. As the jury deliberates, fans eagerly await to see who will take home the golden laurels this year.
Sekar Rao