Chennai, Nov 3 (NationPress) The acclaimed Malayalam actor Mammootty has been awarded Best Actor for his outstanding role in director Rahul Sadasivan’s horror thriller 'Bramayugam'. Meanwhile, the blockbuster 'Manjummel Boys' has been recognized as the Best Film by the jury of the 55th Kerala State Film Awards, which were revealed in Thrissur on Monday.

The announcement was made during a press conference led by Minister of Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian. The jury panel, chaired by the renowned actor Prakash Raj, included prominent figures such as film director Ranjan Pramod, filmmaker Jibu Jacob, screenwriter Santhosh Echikkanam, playback singer Gayathri Ashokan, sound designer and director Nithin Lukose, and actress, writer, and dubbing artist Baghyalakshmi.

The jury meticulously analyzed a total of 128 films, selecting 38 for the final evaluation, from which the winners emerged.

Among the notable accolades announced, actress Shamla Hamza received the Best Actress award for her role in director Fasil Muhammed’s film 'Feminichi Fathima'. This film was also designated as the Second Best Film after 'Manjummel Boys', earning its director Fasil Muhammed the Best Debutant Director award.

'Manjummel Boys' excelled by winning a total of 10 awards, including Best Director. Chidambaram, the director of this survival thriller, was honored not only with the Best Director award but also with the Best Original Screenplay. Soubin Shahir, who had a significant role in the film, was celebrated as Best Character Actor (Male) alongside Sidharth Bharathan for 'Bramayugam'. The film also garnered awards for Best Sound Mixing and Sound Design. Its art director, Ajayan Challissery, won the award for Best Art Direction, while the cinematographer Shyju Khalid secured the Best Cinematography award.

Another popular film, 'Premalu', was honored as the Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value.

Lijomol Jose was recognized as Best Character Actor (Female) for her portrayal in 'Nadanna Sambhavam'. The Best Screenplay (Adapted) award went to Lajo Jose and Amal Neerad for 'Bougainvillea'.

The Special Jury Awards for Acting acknowledged Jyothirmayi for her role in 'Bougainvillea', Darshana Rajendran in 'Paradise', Asif Ali in 'Kishkindha Kaandam', and Tovino Thomas in 'ARM'.

A Special Award for Women/Transgender was presented to Payal Kapadia for 'All We Imagine As Light'. Prasanna Vithanage was awarded Best Story for 'Paradise', which also received a Special Jury Mention award.