“Aadujeevitham” Sweeps 54th Kerala State Film Awards with Nine Wins; Prithviraj Sukumaran, Urvashi, and Beena R. Chandran Triumph as Best Actors
The 54th Kerala State Film Awards celebrated the finest in regional cinema, with Blessy’s “Aadujeevitham” and Jeo Baby’s “Kaathal – The Core” emerging as the night’s biggest winners. This year’s ceremony was historic, with a record-breaking 160 films submitted for consideration, reflecting the growing diversity and talent in Malayalam cinema.
“Aadujeevitham”, a poignant adaptation of a real-life saga of human resilience, stole the spotlight by clinching nine awards. The film’s director, Blessy, received the Best Director award, while Prithviraj Sukumaran was honored with the Best Actor award for his compelling portrayal. The film also secured accolades for Best Popular Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, Best Makeup Artist, and Best Processing Lab/Colourist.
In a moving turn, “Kaathal – The Core” garnered the Best Film award and Best Story for Jeo Baby’s sensitive exploration of homosexuality, showcasing the film’s powerful narrative and emotional depth.
Urvashi and Beena R. Chandran* shared the Best Actor (Female) award for their remarkable performances. Urvashi portrayed a mother grappling with grief in “Ullozhukku”, while Beena R. Chandran brought to life a woman enduring a series of tragic events in “Thadavu”. Razak Fazil, the debutant director of “Thadavu”, also took home the Best Debutant Director award.
The Best Original Screenplay Award went to Rohith M.G. Krishnan for “Iratta”, a gripping tale of twin brothers leading disparate lives. “Iratta” also won the Best Second Film award. Notable wins included Jayadevan Chakkadath and Anil Radhakrishnan for Best Sound Design in “Ullozhukku”, and Jude Anthany Joseph’s “2018” for Best Visual Effects and Best Art Direction.
The Best Music Award was presented to Justine Varghese for “Chaaver”, and Mathews Pulickan won Best Background Music for “Kaathal – The Core”. The Best Playback Singer awards were claimed by Vidhyadharan Master for “Pathiranennorthoru Kanavil” from “Jananam 1947 Pranayam Thudarunnu” and Ann Amie for “Thinkalppoovin Ithalival” from “Pachuvum Albuthavilakkum”.
Sudhi Kozhikode and Krishnan received Special Jury Awards for their performances in “Kaathal – The Core” and “Jaivam”, respectively. Shalini Ushadevi, director of “Ennennum”, won the Special Jury Award for women/transgender people.
The jury, led by filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, along with members including Lijo Jose Pellissery and Priyanandan TR, faced the challenging task of selecting winners from the record number of submissions. The awards highlight the rich tapestry of storytelling and talent within Malayalam cinema.
Here’s the full list of winners:
Best Film: Kaathal – The Core (Director: Jeo Baby)
Best Actor (Male): Prithviraj Sukumaran (Aadujeevitham)
Best Actor (Female): Urvashi (Ullozhukku), Beena R. Chandran (Thadavu)
Best Director: Blessy (Aadujeevitham)
Second Best Film: Iratta (Director: Rohith M.G. Krishnan)
Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value: Aadujeevitham (Director: Blessy)
Best Choreography: Jishnu (Sulaikha Manzil)
Best Makeup: Ranjith Ambady (Aadujeevitham)
Best Costume: Femina Jabbar (O Baby)
Best VFX: Andrew D Cruz, Vishak Babu (2018)
Best Processing Lab/Colourist: Vaisakh Siva Ganesh (Aadujeevitham)
Special Award for Transpersons or Women: Shalini Ushadevi (Ennennum)
Jury Mention (Film): Gaganachari (Director: Arun Chandu)
Jury Mention (Actor): Krishnan (Jaivam), K.R. Gokul (Aadujeevitham), Sudhi Kozhikode (Kaathal – The Core)
Best Book on Cinema: Mazhavil Kanniloode Malayala Cinema by Kishore Kumar
Special Jury Award for Book on Cinema: Kaamanakalude Samskarika Sandarbhangal by P. Premachandran
Best Article on Cinema: Desheeyathaye Azhichedukkunna Cinemakal by M.R. Rajesh
Special Jury Award for Article on Cinema*: Film Society Prasthanam Keralathil: Charithravum Rashtreeyavum by K.R. Anoop
The Kerala State Film Awards continue to honor and celebrate the artistic achievements of the regional film industry, showcasing the diverse and dynamic nature of Malayalam cinema.
