In a highly anticipated event, the winners of the Kerala State Film Awards 2023 were announced today by Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian. The prestigious awards ceremony honoured the outstanding contributions of talented filmmakers, actors, musicians, and technicians who have enriched the Malayalam film industry with their exceptional artistry. The spotlight was on the remarkable talents that graced the silver screen in the past year. Among the notable awardees, Mammootty was bestowed with the Best Actor award for his powerful portrayal in “Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam.” At the same time, Vincy Aloshious won the Best Actress award for her remarkable performance in “Rekha.” The Best Director award went to Mahesh Narayanan for his impactful work in “Ariyippu.” At the same time, Kunchacko Boban and Alencier Ley Lopez received Special Jury Mention for their outstanding acting in “Nna Thaan Case Kodu” and “Appan,” respectively. In the direction realm, Biswajith S and Rareesh were also honoured with a Special Jury Mention. One of the special highlights of the awards was the recognition of women/transgender talent in the industry. Shruthi Sharanyam was presented with a Special Award in this category for her exceptional work in “B 32 Muthal 44 Vare.” The award for Best Character Actor was deservedly earned by P P Kunjikrishnan for his compelling performance in “Nna Thaan Case Kodu.” In contrast, Devi Varma was awarded Best Character Actress for her impressive role in “Saudi Vellakka.” The film “Nna Thaan Case Kodu” made its mark by winning the Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value, showcasing its compelling narrative and captivating storytelling. In recognition of excellence in children’s films, “Pallotty 90’s Kids,” produced by Sajid Yahia and directed by Jithin Raj, was honoured as the Best Children’s Film. The award for Debut Director was presented to Ela Veezha Poonchira for the film “Shahi Kabir,” highlighting the promising new talent in the industry. Kamal KM’s exceptional storytelling in “Pada” earned him the Best Story Writer award, while Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval’s original screenplay for “Nna Thaan Case Kodu” was recognized as the Best Original Screenplay. Rajesh Pinnadan’s screenplay adaptation in “Oru Thekkan Thallu Case” was awarded as the Best Adapted Screenplay. The young talents in the industry were not overlooked, with Master Da Vinci being crowned the Best Child Actor for his role in “Pallotty 90’s Kids,” and Thanmaya receiving the Best Child Actress award for her impressive performance in “Vazhakku.” The music category saw M Jayachandran winning the Best Music Director award for his enchanting compositions in “Pathonpathaam Noottaandu” and “Ayisha.” Kapil Kapilan’s soulful rendition of the song “Kanave” from “Pallotty 90’s Kids” earned him the Best Male Singer title. At the same time, Mridula Warrier’s mesmerizing vocals in “Mayilpeeli Ilakunnu Kanna” from “Pathonpathaam Noottaandu” secured her the Best Female Singer award. The technical brilliance in filmmaking was recognized as well, with Dawn Vincent’s impressive background score in “Nna Thaan Case Kodu” winning him the Best Music Director (Background Score) award. The award for Best Lyricist was presented to Rafeeq Ahammed for his soul-stirring song “Thiramaalayaanu Nee” from the movie “Viddikalude Maash.” The crucial behind-the-scenes work was also celebrated, with Nishad Yousuf earning the Best Film Editor award for “Thallumaala,” and Manesh Madhavan and Chandru Selvaraj receiving joint recognition for Best Cinematography in “Ela Veezha Poonchira” and “Vazhakku,”

respectively. The technical expertise extended to sound design and mixing, with Ajayan Adat being honored as Best Sound Designer for “Ela Veezha Poonchira,” and Vipin Nair receiving the Best Sound Mixing award for “Nna Thaan Case Kodu.” Vysakh VV’s exceptional sync sound work in “Ariyippu” was also recognized.The graceful moves in dance choreography were brought to light, with Shobi Paul Raj receiving the Best Choreographer award for “Thallumaala.” The dubbing artists also received well-deserved recognition, with Pauly Valson winning the Best Dubbing Artist (Female) award for “Saudi Vellakka,” and Shobi Thilakan securing the Best Dubbing Artist (Male) award for “Pathonpathaam Noottandu.” The efforts in makeup and costume design were celebrated, with Ronex Xavier winning the Best Makeup Artist award for “Bheeshmaparvam,” and Manjusha Radhakrishnan being honoured as the Best Costume Designer for “Saudi Vellakka.” The brilliant art direction was recognized, with Jyothish Sankar winning the Best Art Director award for “Nna Thaan Case Kodu.” In visual effects, Aneesh T and Sumesh Gopal were awarded the Best Visual Effects for their outstanding work in “Vazhakku.” The literary contributions to cinema were not overlooked, with “Cinemayude Bhavana Deshangal” by CS Venkateswaran being crowned the Best Book On Cinema, and Sabu Pravdas’ article “Punasthapanam Enna Navendrajalam” being recognized as the Best Article On Cinema. The Kerala State Film Awards 2023 ceremony celebrated the diversity and excellence in Malayalam cinema, and the winners are eagerly looking forward to the official awards distribution ceremony where they will receive their accolades. To stay updated on the Kerala State Film Awards and further film and entertainment news, and south Indian movie casting calls, you can visit our website 70mmmediavillage.com The awards distribution ceremony promises to be a grand celebration of cinematic achievements, and the film fraternity and audiences alike are eagerly waiting to applaud and honour the talents that have brought joy and inspiration through their remarkable contributions to cinema.