47th state film awards presented

Kannur: The 47th state films awards were presented at a gala function held in Thalassery on Sunday evening. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan presented the awards.

Inaugurating the award ceremony, which came to Thalassery for the first time, the chief minister said the fascist forces had gripped the cultural front and the cultural leaders and artists should raise their voice against this. The attitude against the voice of dissidence should be changed, he said. There were many films that were censored for their voice of dissent and also some were banned, he pointed out.

The chief minister also criticized the absence of prominent figures in the mainstream film industry at the award night. “Such functions are being organized to promote film industry and not just the award winners are expected to attend it,” he said, adding that everybody should take his criticism in a positive sense. Actors including Madhu, Sheela and Manju Warrier, who were invited as special guests at the function also failed to attend the award ceremony.

Veteran film director Adoor Gopalakrishnan received the J C Daniel Award, from the chief minister. The prize money for J C Daniel award has been increased from Rs one lakh to Rs five lakh from this year.

Actor Vinayakan, who won the best actor award for the film ‘Kammatipaadam’, was all excited and he literally danced on the stage after receiving the award. Vidhu Vincent received the award for best film, for ‘Manhole’, which has also won her the best director Award. Rajisha Vijayan (best actress /Anuraga Karikkin Vellam) Chethan Jayalal (best child artist/Guppy) also received the awards. Best lyricist award was dedicated to ONV Kurup posthumously for his lyrics in ‘Kambhoji’.

Right since afternoon, thousands had gathered at the Municipal Stadium and they were welcomed by a dance performance by the team led by actor Shobhana. After the award presentation, various entertainment programmes including dance, music and comedy show by film stars were also staged.

Ministers A K Balan, K K Shailaja, E Chandrasekharan and Ramachandran Kadannappally, MPs and MLAs from the district, film actor KPAC Lalitha, actor and MLA Mukesh and Chalchitra Academy chairman Kamal among others also attended.