Welcome to A Bright Time with comprehensive coverage of the entertainment world! Today, we bring you exciting news from the 55th Kerala State Film Awards 2025, which have just been announced in Thrissur. This year’s ceremony celebrated extraordinary talent, creativity, and powerful storytelling across Malayalam cinema. Breaking news: Megastar Mammootty won his record-breaking seventh Best Actor (Male) award for his riveting performance as Kodumon Potti in the horror thriller Bramayugam, while homemaker-turned-actress Shamla Hamza captured the Best Actress award for her stirring performance in Feminichi Fathima, a film that celebrates women’s strength and empowerment. The 55th Kerala State Film Awards brought together the finest talents in Malayalam cinema, with an impressive selection process involving seven renowned jury members headed by veteran actor Prakash Raj, who reviewed 128 film submissions and shortlisted 26 for the final round.economictimes+4​

Mammootty’s Historic Seventh Award Victory

Superstar Mammootty etched his name deeper into Malayalam cinema history by winning his seventh Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor, surpassing the previous record held by legendary actor Mohanlal. His triumph for his nuanced portrayal of the mysterious character Kodumon Potti in director Rahul Sadasivan’s Bramayugam represents a remarkable achievement for an actor at the age of 74, demonstrating his continued ability to take on challenging and diverse roles. The horror-thriller Bramayugam, which released last year, showcased Mammootty’s exceptional prowess in embodying a demonic character (Chathan) with such conviction that it captivated audiences and critics alike across Kerala and beyond.indianexpress+1​

When asked about his win at a press interaction outside his residence in Kochi, Mammootty responded with characteristic wit and humility, saying this award reflects the film’s different narrative and storytelling approach. The veteran actor gracefully addressed the emerging competition from younger talents like Asif Ali and Tovino Thomas, emphasizing that cinema is not a competition but rather a collective journey where all artists offer each other strength and support. His philosophy and magnanimous attitude toward contemporary actors have earned him respect across the industry, positioning him as not just a legend but a mentor figure for the new generation of Malayalam cinema.teluguone+1​

Mammootty’s impressive portfolio of Kerala State Awards now includes recognitions for his iconic performances in classic films such as Adiyozhukkukal, Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Mrigaya, Vidheyan, Ponthan Mada, Vatsalyam, and many others. Additionally, the actor has already won three National Film Awards for his remarkable contributions to Indian cinema, solidifying his status as one of the most decorated and respected actors in the country. His seventh Kerala State Award victory marks a significant milestone and serves as a testament to his enduring talent, dedication, and ability to continuously deliver compelling performances across multiple decades.indianexpress+1​

Who is Shamla Hamza?

Shamla Hamza is a 32-year-old actress and former radio jockey hailing from Thrithala in Palakkad district, who has emerged as a promising talent in Malayalam cinema after winning the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress. Her remarkable journey from behind the microphone to the big screen represents an inspiring story of accidental acting that has culminated in recognition at Kerala’s most prestigious film awards ceremony. Before her transition to acting, Shamla worked as an RJ and pursued her passion for creative expression, dreams of becoming a lyricist, and artistic pursuits that eventually led her to the film industry.ottplay+3​

Shamla made her official acting debut in Tamil K.V’s anthology film 1001 Nunakal, a Malayalam drama that received critical appreciation from film enthusiasts and industry peers. Her breakthrough performance came in Feminichi Fathima, directed by Fasil Muhammed, where she portrayed the titular character Fathima—a married woman and mother of three from Malappuram district in northern Kerala who navigates the complex struggles of living in a patriarchal household. In this powerful film, Shamla’s character fights against societal constraints and gender discrimination while trying to assert her individuality and fight for women’s empowerment within her family structure.pinkvilla+2​

What makes Shamla’s achievement even more remarkable is that she shot the film while being a mother herself, managing to balance her personal responsibilities with professional commitments to deliver a natural and convincing performance. Her portrayal in Feminichi Fathima earned widespread praise across the Malayalam film industry for its authenticity, emotional depth, and genuine representation of women’s struggles in contemporary society. At the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) last year, Shamla spoke passionately about what drew her to the project, revealing that she was deeply moved by the film’s profound message about women’s equality and empowerment.pinkvilla+2​

During her IFFK interview, Shamla shared that after the film’s release, many viewers approached her expressing gratitude for the “simple definition of feminism” that the movie presented, highlighting how the film resonated with audiences on a personal and emotional level. Her win marks a significant moment for emerging female actors in Malayalam cinema who bring real-life experiences and personal authenticity into their craft, paving the way for more diverse storytelling centered on women’s narratives. Interestingly, producer Thamar K.V, who had cast Shamla in her debut film 1001 Nunakal, later collaborated as co-producer on Feminichi Fathima, showing her consistent ability to attract quality filmmakers and meaningful projects.pinkvilla+1​

Who is the Most Kerala State Award Winner Actor?

Mammootty now holds the distinction of being the most-awarded actor at the Kerala State Film Awards with a record-breaking seven Best Actor awards, surpassing the legendary Mohanlal’s previous tally of six awards. This historic achievement underscores Mammootty’s unparalleled consistency, versatility, and commitment to delivering exceptional performances across multiple decades of his illustrious career in Malayalam cinema. His seven awards span across different genres, film styles, and character types, demonstrating his ability to excel whether playing heroes, complex protagonists, or unconventional roles like the demonic character in Bramayugam.teluguone+1​

The competition between Mammootty and Mohanlal for the most Kerala State Awards has been a long-standing subplot in Malayalam cinema history, with fans and critics constantly tracking both actors’ achievements. With his seventh award, Mammootty has definitively claimed this record and established himself as the most-recognized actor by the Kerala State Film Awards jury across the decades. However, both actors have contributed immensely to Malayalam cinema’s growth and international recognition, with each winning multiple National Film Awards and establishing themselves as legends of Indian cinema.indianexpress+1​

The Kerala State Film Awards have historically recognized Mammootty’s work across diverse roles, from his early career performances to his recent works, showcasing the longevity and consistent excellence he has maintained throughout his professional journey. His seven awards place him in an exclusive category of Malayalam cinema’s greatest actors, a position that reflects both the jury’s appreciation for his talent and the respect he commands across the film industry. This achievement also highlights how Kerala’s award system has consistently valued quality performances and meaningful cinema over commercial success, as evidenced by Mammootty’s recognition for complex and unconventional characters.teluguone+1​

Who Won the Kerala State Award in 2025?

The 55th Kerala State Film Awards 2025 ceremony announced multiple major winners across different categories, celebrating the exceptional talent and creativity that defined Malayalam cinema in 2024-2025. The prestigious Best Film award went to Manjummel Boys, which emerged as the biggest winner of the evening by bagging multiple awards including Best Director for Chidambaram S Poduval, Best Cinematography for Shyju Khalid, Best Lyrics for Vedan, and Best Production Design. This adventure thriller, which also won Best Character Artist awards for Soubin Shahir, became the film to beat at this year’s ceremony, showcasing the year’s finest filmmaking excellence.timesofindia.indiatimes+1​

In the acting categories, Mammootty’s victory for Bramayugam in the Best Actor (Male) category marked the seventh honor of his career and represented one of the evening’s most celebrated announcements. Shamla Hamza’s win for Best Actress in Feminichi Fathima proved to be an inspiring moment for emerging talent, particularly for women directors and producers working in meaningful cinema. The Best Character Artist (Female) award went to Lijomol Jose for her performance in Nadanna Sambhavam, while the male category saw dual winners in Soubin Shahir (Manjummel Boys) and Sidharth Bharathan (Bramayugam).indianexpress+2​

The awards also recognized directorial excellence with Fasil Muhammed winning Best Debut Director for Feminicki Fathima, a testament to the film’s overall quality and the remarkable achievement of a first-time director crafting such a meaningful cinematic work. Best Second Film award went to Feminichi Fathima as well, highlighting the film’s remarkable achievement as both a successful directorial debut and second production. The Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value award was presented to Premalu, acknowledging the film’s ability to combine commercial viability with artistic merit.timesofindia.indiatimes+1​

Additionally, the Special Jury Award was presented to five distinguished individuals and one film—Asif Ali, Tovino Thomas, Darshana Rajendran, Jyothirmayi, and the film Paradise—recognizing their exceptional contributions to Malayalam cinema and innovative storytelling approaches. The jury’s recognition of these talented actors alongside the film Paradise reflects the diverse and inclusive approach to celebrating excellence in contemporary Malayalam cinema. This year’s awards ceremony, held in Thrissur and chaired by Fisheries, Culture, and Youth Affairs Minister Saji Cherian, represented a celebration of artistic innovation, creative excellence, and the finest talents working across multiple dimensions of Malayalam film production.indianexpress+1​

Complete List of 55th Kerala State Film Awards 2025 Winners

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The Jury Selection Process

The 55th Kerala State Film Awards selection process was rigorous and comprehensive, involving a seven-member jury panel headed by veteran actor Prakash Raj, who brought decades of industry experience to the judging process. From an impressive pool of 128 films submitted for consideration, the jury shortlisted 26 films for the final round of evaluation, ensuring that only the most promising works received detailed scrutiny and consideration. The selection committee engaged in an intensive review process, screening four to five films daily and conducting extensive discussions after each screening to ensure fair evaluation and thoughtful deliberation.indianexpress+1​

The jury’s mandate focused on identifying films and performances that demonstrated artistic excellence, creative innovation, and meaningful storytelling that could contribute to the elevation of Malayalam cinema’s standards. Prakash Raj’s leadership of the jury highlighted his commitment to recognizing quality cinema, and his involvement lent credibility and prestige to the awards process. The diverse range of winners across multiple categories—from established veterans like Mammootty to emerging talents like Shamla Hamza—reflects the jury’s balanced appreciation for both experience and fresh perspectives in Malayalam cinema.timesofindia.indiatimes+2​

Impact on Malayalam Cinema

The 2025 Kerala State Film Awards reaffirm Malayalam cinema’s commitment to recognizing diverse storytelling and supporting filmmakers who tackle meaningful social themes, particularly regarding women’s empowerment and gender equality. Shamla Hamza’s victory represents encouragement for women in the industry to pursue meaningful roles and directors to create cinema centered on female perspectives and experiences. The multiple awards for Manjummel Boys highlight the industry’s appreciation for quality adventure filmmaking that combines technical excellence with compelling narratives.pinkvilla+4​

Mammootty’s seventh award victory sends a powerful message to the industry about the value of longevity, continuous evolution, and willingness to take creative risks regardless of age or career stage. His achievement inspires both established and emerging actors to maintain standards of excellence and pursue challenging roles that push artistic boundaries. The recognition of multiple debut and second-film achievements underscores Malayalam cinema’s openness to new voices and innovative creators.indianexpress+2​

The 55th Kerala State Film Awards ultimately celebrate a thriving film industry that values artistic merit, meaningful narratives, and the diverse talents working behind and in front of the camera. The awards provide a roadmap for future filmmakers about the types of stories and performances that resonate with critical acclaim, encouraging continued investment in quality cinema.teluguone+2​