The 54th Kerala State Film Awards, revealed on August 16, 2024, celebrated the exceptional talents within the Malayalam film industry, recognizing the achievements of actors, directors, writers, and technicians who have significantly contributed to the growth and success of Malayalam cinema.
Prithviraj Sukumaran was honored with the Best Actor award for his remarkable performance in the film "Aadujeevitham." Directed by Blessy, this film is an adaptation of the acclaimed novel by Benyamin.
Prithviraj’s portrayal of Najeeb, a Malayali laborer who is deceived into enduring harsh conditions in the deserts of Saudi Arabia, has received widespread acclaim. His powerful depiction of a man battling extreme adversity has been lauded as one of the most compelling roles of his career.
The competition for the Best Actor award was fierce, with industry veteran Mammootty also in contention. Despite Mammootty's long history of outstanding performances and numerous accolades, Prithviraj’s intense and moving portrayal in "Aadujeevitham" earned him the top honor, showcasing his dedication and ability to tackle challenging roles.
Aadujeevitham emerged as a major winner at this year's awards, with not only Prithviraj's win but also accolades for Blessy, who received the awards for Best Director and Best Script Adaptation. The film’s success reflects the collective effort of the team, with Blessy’s skillful direction in adapting Benyamin’s novel into a visually and emotionally powerful film earning widespread praise.
The film’s technical brilliance was also recognized, with Sunil KS receiving the Best Cinematographer award for his work in capturing the stark desert landscapes and the protagonist's emotional journey. The visual storytelling in "Aadujeevitham" played a crucial role in conveying the depth of the narrative, making Sunil KS’s contribution indispensable.
Sound design was another area where "Aadujeevitham" excelled, with Resul Pookutty and Sarath Mohan winning the Best Sound Mixing award. Their work was instrumental in creating an immersive atmosphere that allowed the audience to deeply connect with the protagonist’s experiences. The film also earned the Jury’s Special Mention for being the Most Popular Film, underscoring its broad impact and emotional resonance with viewers.
While "Aadujeevitham" was the standout film, "Iratta" also made a significant impression at the awards. The film was recognized as the Best Second Film, with its writer and director, Rohit MG Krishnan, winning the Best Screenwriter award. "Iratta" captivated both the jury and audiences with its unique narrative and strong script.
In the supporting roles category, awards went to actors who delivered memorable performances that enriched their respective films. Thennal Abhilash won the Best Child Artist award for her role in "Sesham Mike-il Fathima," while Sreeshma Chandran received the Best Actor in a Character Role (Female) award, and Vijayaraghavan was honored with the Best Actor in a Character Role (Male) award for his performance in "Pookkaalam."
The film "Gaganachari" received a Special Jury Appreciation award for its innovative storytelling, highlighting the creative and original narratives emerging in Malayalam cinema.
The Kerala State Film Awards also acknowledged the technical artistry involved in filmmaking. In addition to the awards won by "Aadujeevitham," Mathews Pulickal received the Best Background Score award for his work in "Kathal." His score was praised for its ability to enhance the emotional impact of the film's scenes.
In the music category, Ann Aamy was awarded Best Singer, and Vidyadharan Master won the Best Playback Singer (Male) award. Justin Varghese was honored with the Best Song Director award for his song "Chenthamara" from the film "Chaaver," highlighting the integral role of music in Malayalam cinema.
The awards were announced by Kerala’s Culture Minister, Saji Cherian. The jury, led by acclaimed director and screenwriter Sudhir Mishra, included esteemed individuals like directors Priyanandanan and Lijo Jose Pellissery, cinematographer Alagappan N, and writer N S Madhavan.