Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Film Awards 2024 are likely to be announced on November 1, with intense competition expected in several major categories.

According to reports, Mammootty, Asif Ali, Vijayaraghavan, and Tovino Thomas have made it to the final round in the Best Actor category, while Mohanlal is said to be in contention for the Best Debut Director. A total of 36 films have reached the final stage of consideration.

Film circles are eagerly watching to see whether Mammootty will once again claim the Best Actor award for his powerful performance as Kodumon Potti in ‘Bramayugam’. Asif Ali is being considered for his roles in ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’ and ‘Level Cross’, while Vijayaraghavan’s performance in’ Kishkindha Kaandam’ and Tovino Thomas’s triple role in ‘A.R.M’. have drawn strong praise. Reports also suggest that Fahadh Faasil has reached the final round for his performance in ‘Aavesham’.

Also read: Vijayaraghavan on winning National Award

Among the films competing for Best Picture are ‘All We Imagine as Light’ and ‘Feminichi Fathima’, both of which received critical acclaim at film festivals.  Actresses Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Shamla Hamza, who featured in these films, are said to be leading contenders for Best Actress. Others in the running reportedly include Anaswara Rajan, Jyothirmayi, and Surabhi Lakshmi.

Popular titles include ‘A.R.M.’ (Ajayante Randam Moshanam), ‘Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil’, ‘Premalu’, ‘Varshangalkku Shesham’, ‘Sookshmadarshini’, ‘Marco’, ‘Bramayugam’, ‘Aavesham’, and ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’.

An seven-member jury headed by actor Prakash Raj is evaluating the entries. Fans and industry insiders are waiting keenly to see whether any surprise winners emerge when the results are announced.