Thiruvananthapuram: The 54th Kerala State Film Awards have captured the attention of film enthusiasts as the competition enters its final stage. The jury, chaired by acclaimed director and screenwriter Sudhir Mishra, is deeply engaged in discussions. The primary jury includes directors Priyanandanan and cinematographer Alagappan N, director Lijo Jose Pellissery and writer N S Madhavan are also part of the esteemed panel.
Initially, over 160 films were in contention, but this number has come down to fewer than fifty. Films showcased at the last International Film Festival of Kerala are also in the running. Screenings are currently taking place at two theatres within the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy's headquarters in Kazhakootam. The final screenings are expected to conclude shortly, with the winners to be announced on August 16.
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Notably, Kaathal – The Core, directed by Jeo Baby and starring Mammootty, Kannur Squad, directed by Roby Varghese Raj and featuring Mammootty, and Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life, directed by Blessy and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, are strong contenders for the Best Film category. The jury is reportedly facing tough decisions, especially with the possibility of some unreleased films also being considered.
Reports suggest that the Best Actor award could see fierce competition between Mammootty, for his roles in Kannur Squad and Kaathal – The Core, and Prithviraj for his performance in Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life. In the Best Actress category, Ullozhukku, directed by Christo Tomy and starring Urvashi and Parvathy, is also in contention.
Last year, Mammootty won the Best Actor award for his role in Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam. He has won the State Award for Best Actor six times throughout his illustrious career. If Urvashi secures the Best Actress award for Ullozhukku, it will be her sixth such accolade, adding to her previous wins for Mazhavilkavadi (1989), Varthamana Kalam, Thalayana Manthram (1990), Kadinjool Kalyanam, Kakkathollayiram, Bharatham, Mukha Chithram (1991), Kazhakam (1995) and Madhuchandralekha (2006).
Prithviraj has won the Best Actor award twice, for his performances in Vaasthavam and Celluloid. Parvathy, on the other hand, won the Best Actress award in 2015 for her roles in Charlie and Ennu Ninte Moideen, and again in 2017 for Take Off.
Published: 14 Aug 2024, 01:29 pm IST
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