Kerala State Film Awards 2025 celebrated the finest achievements in Malayalam cinema as the winners of the 55th edition were announced in Thrissur by State Minister for Fisheries, Culture, and Youth Affairs, Saji Cherian. The event, which honoured both artistic brilliance and commercial appeal, was chaired by veteran actor Prakash Raj, who led a seven-member jury that carefully reviewed 128 film entries submitted for the 2024 season.

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The awards this year reflected the creative evolution of Malayalam cinema, balancing mainstream entertainment with independent artistry. Among the winners, “Manjummel Boys” stood tall as the biggest triumph of the night, sweeping major categories including Best Film and Best Director.

Kerala State Film Awards 2025: Major Awards and Top Honours

The 55th edition of the Kerala State Film Awards 2025 showcased the continued dominance of Malayalam cinema’s storytelling prowess.

Veteran actor Mammootty, who continues to redefine cinematic excellence even after decades in the industry, won the Best Actor Award for his powerful and haunting performance in “Bramayugam.” His portrayal captured the audience and jury alike with its depth and intensity.

Shamla Hamza was honoured with the Best Actress Award for her performance in “Feminichi Fathima,” a film that stood out for its emotional depth and progressive themes.

Chidambaram S Poduval, the director of “Manjummel Boys,” walked away with the Best Director award, while his film also won the Best Film title. His cinematic storytelling, rooted in human emotion and realism, impressed both critics and audiences.

The Best Second Film Award went to “Feminichi Fathima,” while “Premalu,” a crowd favourite, was named the Best Popular Film, further proving Malayalam cinema’s ability to blend art and entertainment seamlessly.

Kerala State Film Awards 2025: Recognition Across Technical and Artistic Categories

The Kerala State Film Awards 2025 didn’t just celebrate actors and directors it also honoured the technicians, musicians, and writers who contribute to the soul of cinema.

“Manjummel Boys” led the technical categories, taking home awards for Best Cinematography (Shyju Khalid), Best Production Design (Ajayan Chalissery), Best Original Screenplay (Chidambaram S Poduval), Best Sound Design, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Lyricist (Vedan).

The musical brilliance of Malayalam cinema was equally celebrated. Sushin Shyam bagged the Best Music Director award for “Bougainvillea,” while Christo Xavier received the Best Background Score award for “Bramayugam.”

The Best Editor award went to Sooraj ES for “Kishkindha Kaandam,” and the Best VFX team comprising Jithin Laal, Albert Thomas, Anuradha Mukherjee, and Salim Lahir won for “ARM.”

In recognition of acting versatility, Lijomol Jose was named Best Character Artist (Female) for “Nadanna Sambhavam,” while Soubin Shahir (“Manjummel Boys”) and Sidharth Bharathan (“Bramayugam”) shared the Best Character Artist (Male) award.

The Special Jury Awards were presented to Asif Ali, Tovino Thomas, Darshana Rajendran, and Jyothirmayi for their performances in “Paradise.”

Kerala State Film Awards 2025: Complete Winners List

Best Film: Manjummel Boys
Best Actor: Mammootty (Bramayugam)
Best Actress: Shamla Hamza (Feminichi Fathima)
Best Director: Chidambaram S Poduval (Manjummel Boys)
Best Second Film: Feminichi Fathima
Best Debut Director: Fasil Muhammed (Feminichi Fathima)
Best Popular Film: Premalu
Best Character Artist (F): Lijomol Jose (Nadanna Sambhavam)
Best Character Artist (M): Soubin Shahir (Manjummel Boys), Sidharth Bharathan (Bramayugam)
Special Jury Award: Asif Ali, Tovino Thomas, Darshana Rajendran, Jyothirmayi (Paradise)
Best Screenwriter: Prasanna Vithanage (Paradise)
Best Original Screenplay: Chidambaram S Poduval (Manjummel Boys)
Best Adapted Screenplay: Lajo Jose and Amal Neerad (Bougainvillea)
Best Music Director: Sushin Shyam (Bougainvillea)
Best Background Score: Christo Xavier (Bramayugam)
Best Lyricist: Vedan (“Kuthanthram” – Manjummel Boys)
Best Playback Singer (F): Zeba Tommy (“Aarorum” – Am Ah)
Best Playback Singer (M): KS Harisankar (“Kiliye” – ARM)
Best Editor: Sooraj ES (Kishkindha Kaandam)
Best Cinematography: Shyju Khalid (Manjummel Boys)
Best Production Design: Ajayan Chalissery (Manjummel Boys)
Best VFX: Jithin Laal, Albert Thomas, Anuradha Mukherjee, Salim Lahir (ARM)
Best Choreography: Sumesh Sunder and Jishnudas MV (Bougainvillea)
Best Costume: Sameera Saneesh (Rekhachithram, Bougainvillea)
Best Makeup Artist: Ronex Xavier (Bougainvillea, Bramayugam)
Best Processing Lab/Colorist: Srik Varier (Manjummel Boys, Bougainvillea)
Best Sync Sound: Ajayan Adat (Pani)
Best Sound Design: Shijin Melvin Hutton, Abhishek Nair (Manjummel Boys)
Best Sound Mixing: Fazal A Backer, Shijin Melvin Hutton (Manjummel Boys)
Best Dubbing Artist (F): Sayonara Philip (Barroz)
Best Dubbing Artist (M): Bhasi Vaikom (Barroz)
Best Book on Cinema: Penpattu Thaaraal – C.S. Meenakshi
Best Article on Cinema: Maayunna Nalukettukalum – Valsan Vathussery
Special Jury Award for Article on Cinema: Samyathinte Vistheernam – Noufal Mariyam Blathoor
Special Jury Award for Women/Transgender People: Payal Kapadia (All We Imagine As Light)

Kerala State Film Awards 2025: Highlights of the 55th Edition

The Kerala State Film Awards 2025 stood out for its balanced recognition of art-house and commercial cinema. “Manjummel Boys” dominated with multiple awards, reaffirming its place as one of the most critically acclaimed Malayalam films of the year. Its technical achievements ranging from cinematography to sound mixing set a new benchmark in regional filmmaking.

Mammootty’s win for “Bramayugam” once again proved his unmatched versatility and enduring appeal, while Shamla Hamza’s victory for “Feminichi Fathima” highlighted the rise of strong female narratives in Malayalam cinema.

The debut director Fasil Muhammed received special appreciation for his confident storytelling in “Feminichi Fathima,” marking the arrival of a promising new voice in the industry. “Premalu,” on the other hand, bridged the gap between popular entertainment and cinematic quality, earning praise from both audiences and critics.

This year’s awards reaffirmed Kerala’s role as the creative powerhouse of Indian cinema, where innovative storytelling meets technical brilliance. The 55th Kerala State Film Awards celebrated not just the winners but the enduring spirit of Malayalam cinema diverse, daring, and deeply human.