“CELLULOID” WINS STATE FILM AWARD-2012-13

“CELLULOID” WINS STATE

FILM AWARD-2012-13

'Celluloid,' a feature film directed by Kamal based on the life of J C Daniel, the pioneer of Malayalam cinema has won the Kerala state award for best film for the year 2012. The Jury chaired by director I V Sasi chose Lal Jose as the best director for the film 'Ayalum Nhanum Thammil,' which also won the award for best popular film with artistic appeal. Prithviraj was adjudged the best actor for his roles in 'Celluloid' and 'Ayalum Nhanum Thammil,' while Reema Kallingal was chosen the best actress for her performance in 'Nidra' and '22 Female Kottayam.' Salim Kumar won the award for best comedy actor. 'Ozhimuri' directed by Madhupal was selected as the second best film. Manoj K Jayan (Kaliyachan) and Ajitha Madathil (Shutter) won the award for second best actors. Farooq Abdul Rahman won the award for best debut director for the film `Kaliyachan.' 

The award for best cinematography went to Madhu Neelakantan for camera work in `Annayum Resulum,' while B Ajith Kumar won the award for editing for the same film. Manoj Kana won the award for best script (Chayilyam) and Anjali Menon got the award for best screenplay (Manjadikkuru). M Jayachandran was chosen the best music director (song) for 'Celluloid,' while the award for background score went to Bijibal (Kaliyachan, Ozhimuri). Vijay Yesudas (Grandmaster, Spirit) and Sithara (Celluloid) won the awards for best playback singers. 'Papilio Buddha,' a film on the plight of Dalits directed by Jayan Cheriyan won a special jury award. Other awardees are: Master Minon, Vyjayanthi (best child artistes), Rafeeq Ahamed (lyricist), Suresh Kollam (art direction), M R Rajakrishnan (sound recordist), Jayadev (Colourist), M G Roshan (make-up), S B Sathish (costume) and  Mariam George (dubbing). Sreeram and, Vaikom Vijayalakshmi got a special jury mention for their song in `Celluloid,' and Saritha for her role in 'Papilio Buddha.' 'Cinemayude Nottangal' by K Gopinath was chosen as the best book on cinema while `Nirangalude Soundya Rashtriyangal' was selected as the best article.

The Jury had to choose from a record number of 84 films produced last year which competed for the honours. Jury chairman I V Sasi said while there were quality films, more than half of them were 'unbearable.' The Jury recommended that special awards be introduced for live recording and special visual effects. A preliminary panel could select films if the entries exceeded 50 films, they suggested. The awards were announced by Minister for Cinema K B Ganesh Kumar. He said the State Chalachitra Academy was considering introduction of an entry fee for films from next year.

Prof. John Kurakar