Mammootty Creates History at Kerala State Film Awards 2025

The 55th Kerala State Film Awards turned into a grand celebration of Malayalam cinema, dominated by Mammootty’s record-breaking triumph and the phenomenal success of Manjummel Boys. The event, which honored excellence in cinema for 2024, saw Mammootty clinching the Best Actor Award for his haunting portrayal in Bramayugam, while Shamla Hamza was crowned Best Actress for her performance in Feminichi Fathima. Directed by Chidambaram, Manjummel Boys swept the ceremony with a total of 10 awards, cementing its position as the year’s most impactful Malayalam film.

Mammootty: The Legend Breaks Records Once Again

Malayalam cinema’s veteran actor Mammootty has rewritten history by winning his seventh Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor, adding yet another laurel to his illustrious career. The award recognizes his performance in Bramayugam, a dark fantasy thriller that showcased his versatility and unmatched screen presence.

Reacting to his win, Mammootty expressed humility, stating:

“Awards are a part of the journey, not the destination. Every film is a new experience, and I dedicate this recognition to my fellow artists and fans.”

The actor’s peers and admirers flooded social media with congratulatory messages. Mohanlal, his long-time friend and on-screen contemporary, posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“Heartfelt congratulations to all the winners of the Kerala State Film Awards! Special love to my Ichakka for winning Best Actor.”

This acknowledgment not only highlights Mammootty’s continued dominance in Malayalam cinema but also the mutual respect shared between two of India’s greatest acting legends.

Manjummel Boys: The Big Winner of the Night

Manjummel Boys, directed by Chidambaram, emerged as the Best Film, while also securing accolades in multiple categories, including Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Cinematography. The survival drama, inspired by a true incident in Tamil Nadu’s Guna Caves, captivated audiences with its emotional depth and cinematic brilliance.

Critics hailed the film’s technical finesse and human storytelling. It bagged a total of 10 awards, making it the most decorated film at this year’s ceremony.

Film analyst Sreedhar Pillai summarized it best on X:

“Kerala State Film Awards 2025: Most Popular Film – Premalu; Best Director – Chidambaram (Manjummel Boys); Best Film – Manjummel Boys; Best Actor – Mammootty (Bramayugam); Best Actress – Shamla Hamza (Feminichi Fathima).”

Shamla Hamza’s Inspiring Journey

Among the standout winners, Shamla Hamza’s story has touched many hearts. Once working in Dubai for over a decade, Shamla’s transition from a non-actor to Kerala’s Best Actress for Feminichi Fathima is an inspiring tale of passion and perseverance.

In an emotional statement, she said:

“I shot for the film when my baby was just six months old. I never imagined this moment would come. This award changes everything for me.”

Her co-star’s acknowledgment and Mammootty’s congratulatory message added a personal touch to her victory, making it one of the most emotional highlights of the evening.

The Prakash Raj Controversy

The ceremony also saw a moment of controversy when actor Prakash Raj, who chaired the award jury, made bold remarks against the National Film Awards. He criticized them for being “compromised,” saying:

“They don’t deserve Mammootty. Files and piles are getting awards there.”

His statement quickly went viral, sparking nationwide debates. Many praised his courage to speak openly about favoritism in national-level recognitions, while others felt his words overshadowed the celebratory tone of the Kerala awards.

Social Media Celebrations

Social media was abuzz with congratulatory posts and fan reactions. Here are a few highlights:

• @Mohanlal: “Special love to my Ichakka for winning Best Actor.”

• @sri50 (Sreedhar Pillai): “Congrats to one and only @mammukka for winning the prestigious Kerala State Film Awards for his performance in Bramayugam.”

• @AbGeorge_: “Did the Kerala State Film Awards 2025 satisfy you? Many feel Manjummel Boys received more than it deserved. What’s your take?”

The online buzz reflected both admiration and debate, proving the awards’ cultural significance in Kerala’s film fraternity.

Complete List of Major Winners

Best Film: Manjummel Boys
Best Director: Chidambaram (Manjummel Boys)
Best Actor: Mammootty (Bramayugam)
Best Actress: Shamla Hamza (Feminichi Fathima)
Second Best Film: Premalu
Best Screenplay: Vedan (Special Jury Mention)
Best Popular Film: Premalu
Best Cinematography: Manjummel Boys Team
Special Jury Award: Asif Ali (Kishkindha Kaandam)

Where to Watch the Winning Films

For cinephiles eager to experience the award-winning movies:

• Bramayugam – Streaming on SonyLIV

• Manjummel Boys – Available on Disney+ Hotstar

• Feminichi Fathima – Expected soon on Netflix

• Premalu – Now streaming on Amazon Prime Video

These films showcase the creative range and evolving artistry of Malayalam cinema, reaffirming why Kerala remains India’s most consistent hub for meaningful storytelling.

Conclusion

The Kerala State Film Awards 2025 will be remembered for its balance of legacy and new voices. While Mammootty continued his reign as the icon of Malayalam cinema, emerging talents like Shamla Hamza and visionary filmmakers like Chidambaram ensured that the future of Kerala’s film industry shines bright.

From Bramayugam’s artistic brilliance to Manjummel Boys’s cinematic triumph, this year’s awards celebrated not just films, but the heart and soul of Malayalam storytelling.