Thiruvananthapuram: Culture Minister Saji Cherian said the 55th Kerala State Film Awards were announced “without any complaints,” while responding to criticism over the absence of awards in the children’s film category.

Addressing the media, Cherian said four children’s films were submitted for consideration, of which two reached the final round, but the jury concluded that none met the creative standards required for an award.

“I understood the situation after Prakash Raj explained it. The jury independently decides the awards, and the results are announced in front of the media, a practice introduced after I became minister. The same process was followed yesterday. There have been no complaints about the awards announced in the last five years,” he said.

The minister added that the government would focus more on encouraging children’s cinema in future editions.

“Just as we promote SC/ST filmmakers and women, we will extend similar support to creative children’s films. If such films are produced, the government can step in to encourage them and make changes to how children’s awards are decided next year. We will also hold discussions with stakeholders in the film industry,” Cherian said.

He clarified that the jury members were disappointed at not finding a film deserving recognition, but emphasised that it should not be viewed as a government failure.

“The jury didn’t find any film worthy of an award and felt regret about it. We should take it as a challenge and improve. Criticism doesn’t bother us; it helps us move forward,” he said.

Cherian confirmed that an award for children’s films will be introduced next year and highlighted the need for quality and creativity in Malayalam cinema.

“Hundreds of films are being made in Kerala, but most fail to make an impact. Mammootty won because his film was of exceptional quality, not because everyone watched it. We need more films that balance public appeal with artistic value,” the minister said, responding to questions about the challenges faced by directors of children’s films in finding producers.