National award winner Suraj Venjaramoodu is just a comedy actor for Kerala film jury
Perariyathavar director Dr Biju vented his ire on the way in which the jury treated his film's lead character.
Suraj Venjaramoodu, Malayalam film actor who shared the best actor award in the 61st national film awards along with Hindi film actor Rajkumar Rao, remains just a comedy actor in Kerala where the state awards were announced on Saturday.
The jury, headed by ace director Bharathiraja, chose Suraj as the best comedy actor for his performance in two commercial potboilers - Daivathinte Swantham Cleetus and Pullippulikalum Attinkuttiyum.
Perariyathavar (Names Unknown), directed by Dr Biju, that brought in national award for Suraj Venjaramoodu did not find any mention in the state film award list.
"Each jury will have a different perspective while choosing the best actors. I am happy that I got the best comedy actor award in the state level," said Suraj Venjaramoodu after the announcement of the awards by Minister for Cinema Affairs Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan.
But director Dr Biju vented his ire on the way by which Kerala film award jury treated his lead character in Perariyathavar.
"The jury has given the best comedy actor award for my lead actor just to demoralise him after the national award. At least that award should have been avoided for Suraj this time. The state awards show that there are many members in the jury who have the mentality to become comedy actors," he said.
Perariyathavar got the best environmental film award at the national level but there was not even a mention of the film in the state jury.
"The state government supports only commercial films. I don't think that my film is viewed by the jury," he said.
The state award for the best male actor has been shared by Fahad Fassil (Artist, North 24 Kaatham) and Lal (Ayaal and Zakariyayude Gharbhinikal).
Ann Auguestine is the best female actor for her performance in Artist.
Crime Number 89 directed by Sudevan is the best film while the best director award went to Shyamaprasad for Artist.
While Sujith Vasudev got the award for the best cinematographer (Ayaal, Memories), Boby-Sanjay was awarded for best scriptwriting (Mumbai Police).
Mohan Lal-starrer Dhrishyam director by Jeethu Joseph is the best popular film with artistic value. A total of 85 films contested this time for the 36 awards instituted by the state government.