New Delhi: It is that time of the year when gem films from the Malayalam film industry are recognised and felicitated by the Kerala Film Critics Association. At the 46th edition of the esteemed Kerala Film Critics Awards, 'B 32 Muthal 44 Vare' and 'Headmaster' won the Best Film award jointly. 'B 32 Muthal 44 Vare' has been directed by Shruti Sharanyam and was backed by Kerala State Film Development Corporation(KSFDC) while 'Headmaster' has been directed by Sreelal Devaraj and Prema P Thekkekk. Mahesh Narayanan bagged the Best Director award for his film 'Ariyippu'.
Darshana Rajendran’s performances in 'Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey' and 'Purusha Pretham', and Kunchacko Boban’s acting in the films 'Nna Thaan Case Kodu' and 'Pakalum Paathiravum' won them Best Actor ( female) and Best Actor (maled), respectively.
Kamal Haasan will be presented with the prestigious Ruby Jubilee Award for his unmatchable contributions to the field of cinema while the veteran director and screenwriter KP Kumaran will be honoured with the Chalachitra Ratnam Award for lifetime achievement in Malayalam cinema.
The Kerala Film Critics Association announced awards from a list of 82 films that completed certification in 2022. The jury comprised members such as association president Dr George Onakkur, general secretary Thekkinkad Joseph, M F Thomas, A Chandrasekhar, Dr Aravindan Vallachira, Suku Palkulangara, Balan Thirumala, G Gopinath and Murali Kottaikkakam, Ramachandran Nair, and Prof Viswamangalam Sundaresan.
Among others, actor Vijayaraghavan, who is completing ruby Jubilee in his acting career, two-time National Award-winning actor Shobhana, actor-dancer Vineeth, screenwriter Gayatru Ashokan, known for bringing path breaking changes in Malayalam movie poster design, veteran actor Mohan D, all will be conferred the Chalachitra Pratibha Award.
Here is a complete list of winners of the Kerala Film Critics Awards
Best Actress: Darshana Rajendran (Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey, Purusha Pretham)
Best Actor: Kunchacko Boban (Nna Thaan Case Kodu, Pakalum Paathiravum)
Best Supporting Actor: Thampy Antony (Headmaster), Alencier Ley Lopez (Appan)
Best Supporting Actress: Hannah Reji Koshy (Kooman), Garggi Ananthan (Ekan Anekan)
Best Child Artist: Master Akash Raj (Headmaster), Baby Deva Nandha (Malikappuram)
Best Film: B 32 Muthal 44 Vare, Headmaster
Best Director: Mahesh Narayanan (Ariyippu)
Second Best Film: Vettappattikalum Ottakkarum
Director of Second Best Film: Rarish G Kurup
Best Popular Film: Nna Thaan Case Kodu, Malikapuram
Chalachitra Ratnam Award: KP Kumaran
Chalachitra Prathibha Award: Vijayaraghavan, Shobhana, Vineeth, Gayatri Ashokan, Mohan D
Ruby Jubilee Award: Kamal Haasan
Best Story: M Mukundan (Mahaveeryar)
Best Screenplay: Shihabuddin Poythumkadavu and Sunny Joseph (Bhoomiyude Uppu), Shruthi Sharanyam (B 32 Muthal 44 Vare)
Best Music Director: Kavalam Sreekumar (Headmaster)
Best Lyricist: Vinayak Sasikumar (Ini Utharam, My Name is Azhagan, The Teacher, Keedam)
Best Background Score: Ronnie Raphael (Headmaster)
Best Male Playback Singer: KS Harisankar, S Ravishankar
Best Female Playback Singer: Nithya Mammen
Best Editor: Sreejith Sarang
Best Art Director: Jotish Shankar (Ariyippu, Malayankunju)
Best Makeup Artist: Amal Chandran (Kumari)
Best Costume Design: Dhanya Balakrishnan (Pathombatham Noottandu)
Best Editor: Sreejith Sarang