5 Malayalam Movies That Shined Bright At The 55th Kerala State Film Awards

Feminichi Fathima won three major honours at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards: Second Best Malayalam Film, Best Actress, and Best Debut Director. Shamla Hamza received the Best Actress Award for her remarkable portrayal of Fathima, a housewife who quietly challenges patriarchal norms through an act as simple as replacing an old mattress. Directed by Fasil Muhammed, who also won Best Debut Director, the film is set in a conservative North Kerala community and stands out for its subtle humour, emotional depth, and powerful social commentary. With its poignant storytelling and layered characters, Feminichi Fathima became one of the most celebrated Malayalam films of the year.

Rahul Sadashivam’s fantasy horror thriller Bramayugam won two major honours Best Actor for Mammootty and Best Supporting Actor for Sidharth Bharathan, who delivered a remarkable performance in a pivotal role. The film’s haunting atmosphere, rich symbolism, and gripping narrative captivated both audiences and critics alike. Mammootty’s intense portrayal of a mysterious feudal lord stood out as one of the finest performances of his career. Sidharth Bharathan’s layered character added depth and emotional weight to the film’s dark, allegorical world.

Tovino Thomas received a Special Jury Mention for his extraordinary performance in Ajayante Randam Moshanam, where he impressively portrayed three distinct characters from different eras. His ability to bring depth and individuality to each role was widely appreciated by both critics and audiences. The film, directed by Jithin Lal, also bagged the award for Best Visual Effects, recognizing its stunning technical brilliance. Additionally, singer Harishankar won the Best Singer Award for the soulful track “Kiliye” from the same movie, which beautifully captured the film’s emotional essence.

Based on a real incident, Manjummel Boys is a gripping survival thriller that was honoured as the Best Film at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards. The film’s director Chidambaram, also won the Best Director Award for his masterful storytelling. Blending raw emotion with edge-of-the-seat tension, Manjummel Boys brilliantly captures friendship, courage, and the will to survive against all odds.

The romantic comedy Premalu, starring Naslen and Mamitha Baiju, won the Best Popular Malayalam Film at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards. Directed by Girish A.D., the film charmed audiences with its lighthearted humour, relatable characters, and refreshing take on modern-day romance. Set against the backdrop of Hyderabad, Premalu beautifully captures the innocence and chaos of young love, powered by sparkling chemistry between the leads and witty dialogues. Its massive box-office success and universal appeal made it one of the most beloved Malayalam films of 2024.