The 71st National Film Awards, announced on Friday at a press conference in New Delhi, may not have delivered a haul for Malayalam cinema like in recent years, but it still registered an impressive presence with wins across diverse categories. From seasoned performers to debut directors, and from technical excellence to heartfelt storytelling, the industry proved its range and resilience once again.
Christo Tomy’s Ullozhukku (Undercurrent) emerged as the Best Malayalam Film, solidifying the filmmaker’s transition from acclaimed documentarian to feature film director. The film, a poignant exploration of familial tensions during a funeral submerged in floodwaters, also earned veteran actor Urvashi the Best Supporting Actress award — her second in this category after Achuvinte Amma (2005). With Ullozhukku, Urvashi reminded audiences yet again of her emotional precision and effortless screen presence.
Veteran Triumphs and Fresh Voices
Another significant highlight came in the form of Vijayaraghavan’s first-ever National Film Award win. The veteran, with over 400 films to his credit, was honoured with the Best Supporting Actor award for his portrayal of a 100-year-old patriarch in Ganesh Raj’s Pookkaalam. The film, a bittersweet tale of love, family, and legacy, had earlier earned Vijayaraghavan his maiden Kerala State Award as well, signalling a late-career renaissance for the respected performer.
Also contributing to Pookkaalam’s national-level recognition was editor Midhun Murali, who won Best Editing for his seamless and rhythmic handling of the film’s non-linear storytelling. His work ensured that the film’s emotional highs and lows landed with precision, making it an underrated technical standout of 2023.
A Disaster Epic and Sound of Success
Jude Anthany Joseph’s 2018: Everyone is a Hero, which became India's official entry for the 96th Academy Awards, added a feather to its already illustrious cap. The film’s large-scale production and emotionally charged narrative about the devastating Kerala floods were brought to life by Mohandas, whose immersive, realistic sets earned him the award for Best Production Design. The film’s visual recreation of the disaster was lauded for its authenticity and emotional impact, standing as a benchmark for technically ambitious regional filmmaking.
Sound designer MR Rajakrishnan, another Malayali technician, was recognised for his outstanding rerecording mixing in the Hindi blockbuster Animal, showcasing how the state’s talents continue to influence Indian cinema across linguistic boundaries.
In the non-feature segment, Nekal - Chronicle of the Paddy Man, directed by MK Ramdas, received a special mention. The documentary sheds light on sustainable agricultural practices through the life of a solitary farmer in Kerala, emphasising the state’s continued excellence in meaningful documentary filmmaking.
While the overall medal tally may not match previous years, Malayalam cinema’s wins at the 71st National Film Awards reaffirm its commitment to storytelling that is rooted, rich, and refreshingly diverse.
Also Read: National Awards Glory for Parking: Ramkumar Balakrishnan’s Debut Bags Three Honours
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By: Krishna Sirdoshi
Title: Malayalam Cinema Makes a Modest Yet Meaningful Mark at The 71st National Film Awards
Sourced From: www.filmfare.com/news/south/malayalam-cinema-makes-a-modest-yet-meaningful-mark-at-the-71st-national-film-awards-76299.html
Published Date: 2025-08-02 17:45:11
