Kerala State Film Awards 2025: Manjummel Boys Sweeps, Mammootty and Shamla Hamza Win Top Honours
The 55th Kerala State Film Awards, announced in Thrissur on November 3, 2025, celebrated a year of exceptional Malayalam cinema. The survival thriller Manjummel Boys emerged as the biggest winner of the evening, while veteran actor Mammootty and newcomer Shamla Hamza were crowned Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.
Major Winners
- Best Film: Manjummel Boys
- Best Actor: Mammootty for Bramayugam
- Best Actress: Shamla Hamza for Feminichi Fathima
- Best Director: Chidambaram for Manjummel Boys
- Best Screenplay (Original): Chidambaram for Manjummel Boys
The awards jury praised Manjummel Boys for its technical brilliance, engaging narrative, and cinematic excellence. The film’s triumph across multiple categories reaffirmed Malayalam cinema’s growing balance between artistry and mass appeal.
Mammootty’s Stellar Performance
Mammootty’s portrayal of Koduman Potti in Bramayugam was lauded for its depth, power, and subtlety. At 74, the legendary actor continues to redefine his career, winning yet another prestigious accolade and proving that age has not dimmed his artistic brilliance.
Shamla Hamza’s Breakthrough Moment
Newcomer Shamla Hamza’s win for Feminichi Fathima marks a major milestone for emerging female actors in Malayalam cinema. Her performance was praised for emotional authenticity and bold character depiction, symbolizing the industry’s readiness to embrace new voices and perspectives.
Why Manjummel Boys Stood Out
The film’s success is rooted in a blend of gripping storytelling, impressive technical standards, and powerful direction. It won multiple awards for its sound design, cinematography, and art direction, setting a benchmark for quality in mainstream Malayalam cinema.
Director Chidambaram’s ability to merge realism with commercial sensibilities made Manjummel Boys both a box-office hit and a critical favorite, solidifying his reputation as one of the most promising filmmakers in the industry.
Industry Reactions
The announcement sparked widespread celebration across Kerala’s film fraternity and social media. Fans and critics alike applauded the recognition of Manjummel Boys, Mammootty’s performance, and Shamla Hamza’s powerful debut.
While most responses were positive, some online debates emerged regarding selections in certain categories, reflecting the passion and scrutiny that accompany major film awards.
The Broader Impact
This year’s Kerala State Film Awards highlight the healthy evolution of Malayalam cinema:
- A blend of commercial success and creative depth continues to define the industry.
- Veteran actors like Mammootty remain dominant forces while new artists like Shamla Hamza rise alongside them.
- The technical awards show increasing appreciation for behind-the-scenes craftsmanship.
Final Thoughts
The Kerala State Film Awards 2025 reaffirmed the artistic strength and diversity of Malayalam cinema. Manjummel Boys showcased the industry’s storytelling power, Mammootty once again reminded audiences of his timeless mastery, and Shamla Hamza’s emergence signaled a bright future for new talent.
Together, the winners represent a Malayalam film industry that proudly honors its legends while fearlessly embracing the next generation of cinematic voices.