Thiruvananthapuram: On the 80th birth anniversary of legendary writer and filmmaker P. Padmarajan, the Padmarajan Trust, in association with Air India Express, announced the winners of the 34th Padmarajan Awards, honouring outstanding contributions to Malayalam literature and cinema. The collaboration also includes the Air India Express “Tales of India” Award, which recognises the first major literary work by a young writer.

The Padmarajan Awards, instituted in memory of the iconic storyteller whose work continues to inspire generations, this year recognise:

In Literature:

Best Novel: Pattunoolppuzhu by S. Hareesh

Best Short Story: Idamalayile Yakoob by P. S. Rafeeque

In Cinema:

Best Director & Screenwriter: Fasil Muhammed for Feminichi Fathima

Air India Express “Tales of India” Award:

Aiswarya Kamala for her debut novel, Virus

The literary jury comprised writer Unni R, G. R. Indugopan, and Pradeep Panangad. The film award jury included filmmaker T. K. Rajeevkumar, cinematographer S. Kumar, and film critic Vijayakrishnan.

The winners will be felicitated at a special ceremony on 30th May 2025 at Tagore Theatre, Thiruvananthapuram, as part of the 80th birth anniversary celebrations of Padmarajan. The event will be graced by Padma Bhushan Mohanlal as Chief Guest and presided over by Shri Saji Cherian, Hon’ble Minister for Culture, Government of Kerala.

While the winners of the Padmarajan Film and Literary Awards will receive a cash prize and citation, the Air India Express “Tales of India” Award includes a custom-designed crystal memento in the scale of a Boeing 737-8 aircraft tail, and a complimentary round-trip flight to any destination across Air India Express’s expansive network of 38 domestic and 17 international destinations.

As the airline with the widest international connectivity from Kerala, Air India Express operates around 145 weekly flights from Kochi, 100 from Kozhikode, 70 from Thiruvananthapuram, and 65 from Kannur, connecting the State to the rest of India and beyond. As a tribute to Kerala’s cultural heritage, one of the newest Boeing 737 8 aircraft in the airline’s fleet features a tail design inspired by the traditional Kasavu textile art, celebrating the timeless elegance of the State’s handwoven tradition.

The award announcement was made at a press conference attended by Mr. Vijayakrishnan (Chairman), Mr. Pradeep Panangad (General Secretary), and Mr. A. Chandrasekhar (Secretary) of the Padmarajan Trust, along with the jury chairpersons and Mr. PG Prageesh, Head – Corporate Communications, Air India Express.