Actor and filmmaker Prakash Raj, who chaired the jury for the 55th Kerala State Film Awards, has criticised the credibility of the National Film Awards, saying the system has become “compromised.” His comments came after Mammootty was named Best Actor for his performance in Rahul Sadasivan’s acclaimed horror thriller Bramayugam.
Addressing the media at the awards announcement in Thiruvananthapuram, Raj referred to Mammootty’s repeated omission from the National Awards in recent years and questioned the integrity of the selection process.
“I don’t mind saying that the National Film Awards are compromised. I am so happy to be a jury chairperson in Kerala because when they called me, they said that they need an outsider who is experienced, and they would not poke their hands into it. They let you take a decision," Prakash Raj said. “That’s not happening in the National Film Awards, and we see it when files and piles are getting awards. If such a sort of jury and government are there, they don’t deserve Mammootty,” he added.
The winners of the 55th edition were announced by Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian. The jury panel, chaired by Raj, included Ranjan Pramod, Jibu Jacob, Santhosh Echikkanam, Gayathri Ashokan, Nithin Lukose, and Baghyalakshmi.
This year’s jury evaluated 128 films, from which 38 titles were shortlisted before final selections were made.
Among the key winners, Shamla Hamza won Best Actress for her role in Fasil Muhammed’s Feminichi Fathima, which was also declared Second Best Film after Manjummel Boys. The film’s director, Fasil Muhammed, received the Best Debut Director award.
The Special Jury Awards for Acting were given to Jyothirmayi (Bougainvillea), Darshana Rajendran (Paradise), Asif Ali (Kishkindha Kaandam), and Tovino Thomas (ARM).
Payal Kapadia received the Special Award in Any Category for Women/Transgender for All We Imagine As Light, while Prasanna Vithanage was recognised with Best Story for Paradise, which also earned a Special Jury Mention.
Prakash Raj’s remarks have sparked debate over the impartiality of the National Film Awards and highlighted contrasting approaches between national and state-level juries in recognising cinematic excellence.
