No haters, No critics; One indelible performance

Slight differences were expressed by people over the Kerala state film awards announcement on Monday. The selection for the best scriptwriter and best film left many divided. Surprisingly, one category in the award announcement received acceptance rather than brickbats. One couldn’t find any reason to question that award selection, as the subtle performance as Kodumon Potty in Bramayugam was indelible in the minds of viewers. Thus, it was difficult for many to see the best actor landing in the arms of any other actor than Mammootty.

With this, Mammootty also holds the distinction of being the artist who has won the Best Actor State Film award.

When asked about his opinion on the newer generation taking home all prominent awards, Mammootty was quick to make his trademark repartee, “Am I not young enough to be along with them on the list?”

Mammootty is an actor who is aware of the changing times and toils hard enough to adapt to the newer times and select roles that would challenge him. Let’s hope that his triumphant journey continues with more films in the future.

Shamla Hamsa, who gave a lively performance in "Feminichi Fatima", won the Best Actress award. There has been a jinx associated with the best actress award winner in Malayalam. There has been a trend of female award winners very soon fading from the glitter of cinema. A slew of actresses who have reached the peak of stardom went into oblivion after winning the prestigious award.

So it is up to directors and producers to make sure such talents don’t get wasted in Mollywood. Darshana Rajendran and Jyotirmayi won the Special Mention for Best Actress. The characters played by Tovino Thomas and Asif Ali won Special Mention for Best Actor. The film "Manjummel Boys" made Chidambaram eligible for the Best Director award. This film won about ten awards. Shyju Khalid became the Best Cinematographer through this film.

The award for best film with artistic value went to 'Premalu', and the award for best debut director went to 'Feminichi Fatima' director Fazil Mohammed. Soubin Shahir and Siddharth were selected as the best character actors. Awards are given based on certain criteria. The cine industry in Kerala is not witnessing any dearth of talents, and thus award alone doesn’t make anyone less significant or otherwise. Artists should not work to garner recognition. Despite the differences over this year’s award selection, it is basic propriety to accept the winners selected by the jury. Congratulations to all the award winners.