After a year’s gap, cinephiles are keenly watching whether Mammootty will once again win the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor. As the 55th edition of the awards is set to be announced on October 31, expectations are high across the Malayalam film industry.

Mammootty’s exceptional performance as Kodumon Potti in Rahul Sadasivan’s ‘Bramayugam’ has made him a strong favourite for the Best Actor award. However, Asif Ali is also emerging as a top contender with his impressive performances in ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’, ‘Level Cross’ and ‘Adios Amigo’. His distinct portrayals across these three films have drawn much appreciation.

Other strong competitors in the Best Actor category include Mohanlal for ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’, Tovino Thomas for ‘Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM)’ and Vijayaraghavan for ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’. The jury, however, might spring a few surprises with unexpected winners.

36 films in final round of evaluation

The Kerala State Film Awards will be declared on October 31, with 36 films reaching the final stage of evaluation. The preliminary jury shortlisted these 36 entries, and their final screenings have now concluded.

An expert panel led by actor Prakash Raj, consisting of seven members, is evaluating the films in the final phase. ‘Bramayugam’, ‘Feminichi Fathima’, ‘Am Aa’ and ‘Victoria’ are among the front-runners for Best Film.

Top contenders for best actress

Shamla Hamsa for ‘Feminichi Fathima’, Shruti Jayan and Meera Vasudev for ‘Am Aa’, Nazriya Nazim for ‘Sookshmadarshini’ are leading the race for the Best Actress award.

The critically acclaimed ‘Feminichi Fathima’, which has made waves at national and international film festivals, is expected to shine at the state awards as well. Tough competition is anticipated across major categories such as Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress and Most Popular Film.

Popular films in final round

‘Manjummal Boys’, ‘Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM)’, ‘Premalu’, ‘Sookshmadarshini’, ‘Bramayugam’ and ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’ are among the finalists for the Most Popular Film category.

Mohanlal’s directorial debut ‘Barroz’ and ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’, directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery and starring Mohanlal, have also reached the final round. There is speculation that Mohanlal might even receive the Best Debut Director award.

The 2024 Kerala State Film Awards will honour the best films from 128 entries submitted this year. Two separate committees handled the preliminary selection process before shortlisting the final contenders.