‘A reminder that I am on the right path’: Asif Ali on Special Jury Mention at Kerala State Film Awards

Kochi: Actor Asif Ali expressed his joy and gratitude after receiving a Special Jury Mention at the Kerala State Film Awards 2024 on Monday. Reflecting on the achievement, the actor shared that being nominated alongside the legendary Mammootty was in itself a significant honour.

"I hoped to win the Best Actor award, as it is every actor’s dream. I am extremely happy to have even reached the final round. It was a moment of pure excitement for me," Asif Ali told Mathrubhumi.

The actor received the recognition for his performance in the film ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’.

“This recognition is a reminder that I am on the right path. The award gives me a lot of courage to push forward in my career,” he added.

Asif Ali was in the running for the Best Actor award alongside stalwarts such as Mammootty, Vijay Raghavan, Tovino Thomas, and Soubin Shahir. However, it was Mammootty who clinched the Best Actor award for his nuanced performance in Bramayugam.

Mammootty's victory at the Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actor is historic, marking his 12th State Award and his eighth in the Best Actor category. The 74-year-old actor’s performance in Bramayugam has been widely praised, cementing his status as a legend in Indian cinema.

The 55th Kerala State Film Awards, announced by the Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian, also celebrated the creativity of the Malayalam film industry, with Manjummel Boys sweeping major awards, including Best Film and Best Director, and Shamla Hamsa winning Best Actress for her outstanding performance in Feminichi Fathima.