Chekkan, which tells the story of a neglected Wayanad tribal artist, won the Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Social Responsibility. Chekan, written and directed by Shafi Eppikkad, is produced by Qatari expatriate Mansoor Ali under the banner of One to One Media.

In his reaction after winning the award, Shafi commented that such big recognition for budgeted films gives motivates all new artists entering the field. The film has already bagged several awards, including the Prem Nazeer Award for Best Singer.

All the songs in the Karthik Vishnu starrer Chekkan grabbed a lot of attention. The songs are composed by Sibu Sukumaran and sung by National Award winner Nanchamma and folk singer Manikandan Perumpadappu.

Shafi, a native of Malappuram, is currently preparing for the film ‘Koodal’ written and directed by Shanu Kakkoor with Bibin George and Marina Michael in the lead roles.