The announcement of the 2022 State Film Awards on Friday evoked a mix of emotions as it was met with both joy and disappointment. ‘Malikappuram,’ which had captivated audiences, was not taken into consideration by the jury. The exceptional performances by the child actors in the movie also went un-noticed by the jury. While the films ‘Nanpakal Nereth Mayakkum’ and ‘Nna Than Case Kodu’ were recognized, bringing delight to Malayalam movie enthusiasts, the jury’s neglect of the widely popular ‘Malikappuram’ caused disappointment among the audience.
In essence, while the State Film Awards 2022 brought moments of celebration for certain artists and movies, there were differing opinions and feelings of letdown surrounding the results, especially regarding ‘Malikappuram’s’ omission. Malikappuram, helmed by director Vishnu Sasi Shankar and featuring Unni Mukundan in the lead role, emerged as a breath of fresh air for the Malayalam cinema industry, which had experienced a decline during the challenging times of the Corona crisis. The film’s release on December 30, 2022, marked a significant turning point.
Deserving of the award for the popular film category, Malikappuram succeeded in drawing massive crowds back to theaters after a prolonged hiatus, reigniting the enthusiasm of moviegoers. Its compelling storyline and exceptional execution earned it widespread critical acclaim, further cementing its position as a remarkable cinematic achievement. Notably, Malikappuram also achieved the prestigious milestone of becoming one of the 100 crore films of 2022.
Beyond its popularity, Malikappuram garnered high expectations for its exceptional child actors. Devananda, who portrayed the character of Kalyani, and Sreepath, who portrayed Piyush Unni, delivered remarkable performances that left movie buffs in awe. Devananda, an eight-year-old prodigy, astounded every Malayali with her incredible acting abilities, displaying a level of emotional depth and poignant grace that seemed almost impossible for someone of her age. Her portrayal of Kallu’s character resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing unwavering faith and devotion towards Lord Ayyappa in a beautifully touching manner.
Fans eagerly anticipated that Devananda would be recognized and honored with an award for her unforgettable portrayal, making Kallu an enduring and cherished character. However, disappointment and criticism arose when the awards were announced, and she didn’t receive the expected recognition. Some film enthusiasts even alleged that the omission of Devananda’s performance from the state film award jury’s consideration was influenced by political factors, adding to the controversy surrounding the decision.
Devananda and Sripath received overwhelming support from prominent figures in the film industry. Among those expressing their solidarity was the well-known movie-serial actor, Sarath Das. He chose Facebook as his platform to share a heartwarming post, accompanied by a picture with Devananda. In his post, Sarath Das conveyed his admiration and appreciation for the young talents’ exceptional performances. He stated, “You have won the hearts and minds of millions of Malayalis,” acknowledging the profound impact their acting had on the audience. In addition to praising Devananda and Sripath, Sarath Das extended his congratulations to all the other awardees as well, acknowledging their talents and contributions to the industry. The supportive response from individuals in the film community further highlighted the significance of Devananda and Sripath’s performances and emphasized the appreciation they garnered from their peers and fans alike.
According to movie lovers, the jury’s rejection of Malikappuram is seen as a result of their inclination towards left government. Despite this setback, the film has managed to secure a special place in the hearts of the people. Audiences express their belief that when politics influences art, the genuine beauty of the art form diminishes. Therefore, it is not surprising to them that Malikappuram was overlooked in a country governed by a Left-leaning government.
On Friday, Culture Minister Saji Cherian announced the winners of the State Film Awards, 2022, and among the recipients, Mammootty and Vincy Aloysius were awarded Best Actor and Best Actress respectively.
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