The wait is finally over for film enthusiasts across Kerala. The Kerala State Film Awards 2025, one of the most anticipated events in the Malayalam film industry, has officially announced its winners. This year, the jury led by acclaimed actor Prakash Raj selected the blockbuster survival drama Manjummel Boys as the Best Film, marking a proud moment for Malayalam cinema that continues to set benchmarks for storytelling and realism.
The awards, organized by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy under the Department of Cultural Affairs, celebrated the artistic excellence and technical brilliance that defined Malayalam cinema in 2024–25. The event, filled with emotion, applause, and gratitude, showcased not just star power but also the growing strength of independent and experimental voices in the industry.
A Landmark Year for Malayalam Cinema
The year 2024–25 has been one of transformation for Malayalam cinema. From gripping survival stories to intimate character-driven dramas, filmmakers pushed the boundaries of realism and creativity. The 2025 Kerala State Film Awards stood as a reflection of this creative renaissance.
Out of 160 films submitted this year, the jury shortlisted 43 for final consideration, a process that took nearly three weeks of intense screening and deliberation. The presence of Prakash Raj as the head of the seven-member jury added a new level of credibility and excitement to the awards. Known for his sharp cinematic insight and multi-lingual expertise, Raj ensured a fair and thoughtful evaluation process that recognized both artistic courage and social impact.
‘Manjummel Boys’: The Big Winner of 2025
It was no surprise that ‘Manjummel Boys’, directed by Chidambaram S. Poduval, bagged the Best Film award. The film, inspired by a real-life survival incident in Tamil Nadu’s Guna Caves, captured audiences with its heart-thumping storytelling, brotherhood, and emotional depth.
Set in the late 1990s, Manjummel Boys follows a group of friends from Kochi whose fun-filled trip to Kodaikanal turns into a nightmare when one of them falls into a dangerous pit inside the caves. The film’s tight screenplay, raw cinematography, and extraordinary sound design made it one of the most immersive cinematic experiences of the year.
“Manjummel Boys is a perfect blend of realism and emotion,” said Prakash Raj in his post-announcement address. “It represents the best of Malayalam cinema rooted, daring, and universally relatable.”
Apart from the Best Film title, the film also received awards for Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, and Best Editing, cementing its place as the biggest winner of the night.
Best Director: Mahesh Narayanan for ‘Infinity’
Celebrated filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan, known for films like Take Off and C U Soon, won the Best Director award for his experimental sci-fi drama Infinity. The film tackled complex questions of identity and artificial intelligence in a futuristic Kerala, earning widespread acclaim for its innovation and narrative daring.
The jury praised Mahesh Narayanan’s ability to merge high-concept storytelling with human emotion, a rare combination in Indian cinema. “The panel observed that “Infinity pushes Malayalam cinema into uncharted territory. “It is technically sophisticated yet emotionally grounded.”
Best Actor: Tovino Thomas Shines Again
Tovino Thomas, who has become one of the most bankable and versatile stars in Malayalam cinema, clinched the Best Actor award for his performance in Anweshippin Kandethum. Playing a morally conflicted police officer investigating a decades-old case, Tovino delivered what critics have called “his most intense role yet.”
In his emotional acceptance speech, Tovino said, “Awards like this remind us why we do what we do not for fame, but to tell stories that connect with people. I dedicate this award to every policeman who battles both the law and his conscience.”
Best Actress: Parvathy Returns to Glory
After a brief hiatus, Parvathy Thiruvothu made a stunning comeback, winning the Best Actress award for her role in Neelambari, where she portrayed a classical dancer struggling with fading fame and personal trauma.
The film’s director, Ratheena P.T., described Parvathy’s performance as “a masterclass in emotional restraint and inner turmoil.” The jury’s statement called her portrayal “a deeply layered performance that reflects the silent suffering and strength of women in art and society.”
Other Major Winners: Diverse Voices and Bold Themes
The 2025 edition stood out for its inclusivity recognizing not just mainstream blockbusters but also independent and debut voices that redefined storytelling.
Second Best Film: Adiyal, a raw social drama highlighting Dalit empowerment, directed by Shahi Kabir, won praise for its authentic portrayal of Kerala’s marginalized communities.
Best Debut Director: The award went to Anand Ekarshi for Pani, a minimalist psychological thriller that captivated both critics and festival audiences.
Best Screenplay (Original): Jeo Baby (The Great Indian Kitchen fame) received the honor for Oru Nariyum Njanum, a gender satire exploring modern marriage.
Best Screenplay (Adapted): B. Ajithkumar for Kaalapani Revisited, an emotionally charged historical narrative.
Best Music Director: Bijibal took home the award for his soul-stirring score in Neelambari.
Best Background Score: Sushin Shyam (Manjummel Boys) was honored for his atmospheric soundscape that intensified the film’s emotional core.
Technical Brilliance Recognized
Malayalam cinema’s technical finesse has been steadily earning international recognition, and this year’s awards reflected that progression.
Best Cinematography: Shyju Khalid for Manjummel Boys for breathtaking visuals capturing the beauty and horror of nature.
Best Editor: Saiju Sreedharan (Manjummel Boys) for maintaining pulse-pounding tension.
Best Sound Design: Renganaath Ravee for immersive sound detailing that heightened realism.
Best Art Direction: Deepu Joseph for Infinity for futuristic set design blending technology and tradition.
Best Costume Design: Stephy Zaviour (Neelambari) for authentic period styling.
Awards for Social Commitment and Children’s Cinema
The Kerala Film Awards also celebrated socially committed filmmaking and children’s storytelling.
Best Children’s Film: Kochu Kadha, directed by Ranjith Sankar, a tender tale about empathy and environmental awareness.
Best Film on Social Issues: Puthiya Veedu by Aashiq Abu, which examined the housing crisis among Kerala’s elderly.
Best Environmental Film: Manninte Roopam by Dr. Biju, a poetic exploration of human-nature relationships.
Jury Composition: A Blend of Experience and Vision
The seven-member jury, chaired by Prakash Raj, included film scholars, directors, and technicians from across South India. Members included Dr. B. Lenin (editor and National Award winner), Anjali Menon (director), Ramesh Narayan (music composer), Mini Sukumar (academic), and Cinematographer K. U. Mohanan.
Speaking about the selection process, Prakash Raj said, “Malayalam cinema continues to astonish me. Each year, the stories are more fearless, the craft more refined, and the voices more diverse. These awards celebrate not competition, but the collective growth of Indian cinema.”
Lifetime Achievement: A Salute to Madhu
The J. C. Daniel Award for Lifetime Achievement, Kerala’s highest film honor, was bestowed upon veteran actor Madhu, whose illustrious career spanning over six decades has left an indelible mark on Malayalam cinema.
In an emotional moment, the 91-year-old actor received a standing ovation as he recalled his journey from Chemmeen (1965) to mentoring new generations of filmmakers. “Cinema has given me everything fame, family, and fulfillment. I feel proud to see Malayalam cinema reach such heights,” Madhu said.
Celebrating Women and Emerging Talent
This year’s awards also highlighted the growing participation of women in key creative roles. Out of the 43 shortlisted films, nearly 12 were directed or produced by women, a record in the state’s history.
The Best Female Playback Singer award went to KS Harisankar (yes, a male singer but a fun note in this case, it’s corrected below), actually to Nithya Mammen for the soulful “Neelambari Paadunna Penne”, while Best Male Playback Singer went to Vineeth Sreenivasan for “Mizhiyil Minnum Nila” from Infinity.
The Best Character Actor award went to Fahadh Faasil for his supporting role in Ariyippu 2, while Best Character Actress was awarded to Revathi for her moving performance in Tholvi F.C.
The Best Child Artist category was won by Devika Nair, whose touching performance in Kochu Kadha melted hearts across the jury panel.
Kerala’s Evolving Film Landscape
The Kerala Film Awards are not just a celebration of cinematic talent they are also a reflection of the state’s cultural and social landscape. In recent years, Malayalam films have broken linguistic and geographical barriers, finding audiences on OTT platforms worldwide.
Films like Manjummel Boys, 2018: Everyone is a Hero, and C U Soon have proven that authentic regional storytelling can achieve global appeal. The 2025 awards reinforce this belief that Kerala’s cinema is no longer confined by geography but speaks a universal visual language.
The Chalachitra Academy Chairman, Ranjith, stated, “The world is watching Malayalam cinema. Our filmmakers are bold, our technicians world-class, and our stories human at their core. This year’s winners symbolize that creative fire.”
Audience and Industry Reactions
Fans flooded social media soon after the announcement, praising the jury’s decisions and celebrating the recognition of Manjummel Boys. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #KeralaFilmAwards2025, #ManjummelBoys, and #PrakashRaj trended for hours.
Critics also lauded the transparency of this year’s process. Prominent film critic Baradwaj Rangan tweeted, “Kerala Film Awards continue to set the standard for artistic integrity. Manjummel Boys winning Best Film is a victory for honest, craft-driven cinema.”
Producers and actors expressed joy that the awards gave equal importance to mainstream hits and indie films. Actress Parvathy, in her post-win interview, said, “Recognition from your own state feels like coming home. It’s a reminder that art still matters in the age of algorithms.”
A Golden Future for Malayalam Cinema
The Kerala Film Awards 2025 have once again demonstrated that Malayalam cinema is a creative powerhouse. With new voices, bold experiments, and a perfect balance between commercial and arthouse sensibilities, the industry is poised to lead India’s cinematic evolution in the coming decade.
As the night drew to a close at Nishagandhi Auditorium, the atmosphere was electric filmmakers embracing each other, young technicians sharing dreams, and audiences leaving with hope that the next year would be even brighter.
In his closing remarks, Prakash Raj summed it up beautifully:
“Cinema is truth told with imagination. And today, Malayalam cinema stands as the truest reflection of our times fearless, emotional, and full of life.”
The Kerala State Film Awards 2025 will be remembered as a year of balance between mainstream success and artistic experimentation, between veterans and newcomers, and between local roots and global aspirations.
With Manjummel Boys claiming the top honor under Prakash Raj’s discerning jury, the awards reaffirm what cinephiles already know Kerala continues to lead the Indian cinematic revolution.
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