Kerala State Awards 2024: Prithviraj Sukumaran wins Best Actor for Aadujeevitham, Iratta wins Best Second Film Award

The 54th Kerala State Film Awards, announced on August 16, 2024, celebrated some of the finest talents in the Malayalam film industry. This year's awards highlighted the remarkable achievements of actors, directors, writers, and technicians who contributed to the success of Malayalam cinema. The prestigious event saw several films and artists being honored for their exceptional work, with Prithviraj Sukumaran standing out as the Best Actor for his role in the film "Aadujeevitham."

Prithviraj Sukumaran, one of the most versatile and respected actors in the Malayalam film industry, was awarded the Best Actor for his outstanding performance in "Aadujeevitham." This film, directed by Blessy, is an adaptation of the popular novel of the same name by Benyamin. Prithviraj’s portrayal of Najeeb, a Malayali laborer deceived into working in harsh conditions in the deserts of Saudi Arabia, has been widely praised. His performance brought to life the pain, struggle, and resilience of a man trapped in an inhumane situation, making it one of the most powerful roles in his career.

The competition for the Best Actor award was intense, with veteran actor Mammootty also in the running. Mammootty, known for his extraordinary acting skills, has won numerous awards throughout his career. However, Prithviraj's portrayal in "Aadujeevitham" was so compelling that it earned him the top honor. The award is a testament to Prithviraj’s dedication to his craft and his ability to take on challenging roles that leave a lasting impact on the audience.

"Aadujeevitham" was the big winner at this year's awards, not just with Prithviraj’s Best Actor win but also with Blessy taking home the Best Director and Best Script Adaptation awards. The film’s success at the Kerala State Film Awards is a reflection of the hard work and creativity of the entire team. Blessy’s direction in adapting Benyamin's novel into a cinematic masterpiece was highly praised. His ability to capture the essence of the novel and translate it into a visually stunning and emotionally charged film is what earned him these accolades.

The film also received recognition in the technical category, with Sunil KS winning the Best Cinematographer award for his exceptional work in capturing the harsh desert landscapes and the emotional turmoil of the protagonist. The visual storytelling in "Aadujeevitham" played a crucial role in conveying the story's depth, making Sunil KS’s contribution invaluable.

Resul Pookutty, a well-known name in sound design, along with Sarath Mohan, won the Best Sound Mixing award for "Aadujeevitham." The sound design in the film was critical in creating an immersive experience for the audience, helping them feel the isolation and desperation of the protagonist. The film's success in these categories underscores its excellence in both storytelling and technical execution.

"Aadujeevitham" also received the Jury’s Special Mention for being the Most Popular Film, which is a testament to its wide-reaching impact and the emotional connection it established with the audience.

While "Aadujeevitham" was the most celebrated film, "Iratta" also made a significant mark at the 54th Kerala State Film Awards. The film was awarded the Best Second Film, and its writer and director, Rohit MG Krishnan, won the Best Screenwriter award. "Iratta" is a film that stood out for its unique narrative and strong script, which captivated both the jury and the audience.

In the supporting roles category, the awards were given to actors who delivered powerful performances that added depth to their respective films. Thennal Abhilash won the Best Child Artist award for her role in "Sesham Mike-il Fathima." Her performance was praised for its authenticity and the innocence she brought to her character. Sreeshma Chandran won the Best Actor in a Character Role (Female) award, while Vijayaraghavan was awarded the Best Actor in a Character Role (Male) for his role in "Pookkaalam."

Another noteworthy mention was the film "Gaganachari," which received a Special Jury Appreciation award for its innovative storytelling. This recognition highlights the creativity and originality in Malayalam cinema, encouraging filmmakers to explore new and unconventional narratives.

The Kerala State Film Awards also recognized the technical excellence that goes into filmmaking. In addition to the awards won by "Aadujeevitham," the Best Background Score award was given to Mathews Pulickal for his work in "Kathal." A film's background score plays a crucial role in setting the tone and enhancing the emotional impact of the scenes, and Mathews Pulickal’s work was lauded for its effectiveness in doing just that.

The Best Singer award was given to Ann Aamy, while Vidyadharan Master won the Best Playback Singer (Male) award. Justin Varghese won the Best Song Director award for his song “Chenthamara” from the film "Chaaver." These awards highlight the importance of music in Malayalam cinema, where songs and background scores are integral to the storytelling process.

The awards were announced by Kerala’s Culture Minister, Saji Cherian. The jury, chaired by the acclaimed director and screenwriter Sudhir Mishra, included respected figures like directors Priyanandanan and Lijo Jose Pellissery, cinematographer Alagappan N, and writer N S Madhavan. The panel had the challenging task of selecting the winners from over 160 entries, a reflection of the vibrant and competitive nature of the Malayalam film industry.