Madhu Ambat
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Film Awards will be delayed this year following the delay in appointing the jury and due to the coronavirus outbreak. Normally, the awards are announced within March. But this year, the jury chairman and members were selected later than usual and also the COVID-19 outbreak affected the film industry. The Kerala State Chalachitra Academy is unable to decide over the dates in the current situation.
After Sreekumaran Thampi withdrew himself from the jury, veteran cinematographer Madhu Ambat is appointed as jury chairman. Directors Salim Ahmed and Abrid Shine, cinematographer Vipin Mohan, writer T D Ramakrishnan, music composer Berny, actress Archana, editor Bhoominath, dubbing artist Radhakrishnan and Chalachitra Academy secretary will be the members. However, no official announcement in this regard has been made. Ajoy Chandran will take charge as the new secretary on Monday.
As the government restrictions regarding the coronavirus prevention is in effect till March 31, no works related to the award determination can be completed during this time. A total of 119 movies are competing and it takes at least 20 days to evaluate all of them. It is assumed that the award could be announced only after April.
Chalachitra Academy general council was reorganised a few days ago adding five members including actors Indrans and Premkumar. But Indrans withdrew from this as some of the movies in which he acted are in competition category.
Sreekumaran Thampi also withdrew because two movies in which he penned lyrics are competing for award. Other members inclduing Manju Warrier and Premkumar will continue in the general council.
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