Kerala State Film Awards 2025: Who Will Win Best Actor? Mammootty, Asif, Vijayaraghavan Among Top Contenders

Kerala State Film Awards: As anticipation builds around the 55th Kerala State Film Awards, expected to be announced in August 2025, discussions across social media have turned toward one of the most closely watched categories: Best Actor. With 2024 witnessing a strong lineup of compelling male performances in Malayalam cinema, cinephiles and critics alike are weighing in on the possible frontrunners.

Veteran actor Mammootty's name has once again emerged in conversations surrounding the coveted award. According to DoolNews, he is widely expected to be in contention for his role in Bramayugam (2024), a performance that has reportedly resonated well with both audiences and critics. If he wins, it would mark his seventh Best Actor award at the state level, as reported by Reporter Live. In 2023, he received his sixth for Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (2022), and he was also a strong contender in the 54th edition for Kaathal - The Core (2023). However, that year, the honor went to Prithviraj Sukumaran for his performance in Aadujeevitham.

Asif Ali, Vijayaraghavan, and Others Among Strong Contenders

Another name being widely mentioned is Asif Ali, whose varied performances across four films in 2024: Thalavan, Adios Amigo, Level Cross, and Kishkindha Kaandam, have earned him critical attention. This isn't the first time Asif has come close to the award. He had previously made it to the final rounds for Kaattu (2017) and Kettyolaanu Ente Malakha (2019), but reportedly missed out on the win both times. His supporters hope that this year may finally bring him his first state award.

As per reports, Vijayaraghavan, who co-starred with Asif Ali in Kishkindha Kaandam, is also in the race. His performance is being described as one of the most powerful acts of the year. Meanwhile, Mohanlal (Malaikottai Vaaliban), Fahadh Faasil (Aavesham), and Tovino Thomas (Ajayante Randam Moshanam) are also being speculated as strong contenders. Tovino's portrayal of three distinct characters, Ajayan, Maniyan, and Neeliyathu Kunjikelu, in a single narrative has drawn particular praise from fans.

As the announcement date nears, expected in the second week of August, the film community remains eager to see how the jury evaluates a year marked by strong storytelling and powerful performances. The 55th Kerala State Film Awards, like every year, are poised to spark conversation well beyond the official declaration.