Shaji's sweet revenge

Barring Mammootty’s performance in “Kutty Shrank” and other films for which he was chosen the best actor, Shaji’s film had failed to get noticed in the state awards. Hence, it was only poetic justice that the cinematographer-turned-director could take a sweet revenge through the swarna kamal for the film.

“I didn’t have much hope as it was totally rejected here. But I am very happy, especially for an award which came after 20 years. The award for “Piravi” came in 1989,” Shaji said here.
Interestingly, “Pazhassiraja”, which has now been adjudged the best Malayalam film, didn’t win the best film award at the state level nor was Resul Pookutty’s work appreciated.

In fact, the state awards jury led by Sai Paranjpe even went on to cast doubts about the originality of Resul’s sounds for the film. “I am happy to win a national award for a Malayalam film,” said Resul.

“Now, we know which is the best Malayalam film taken last year,” said veteran director Hariharan who made “Pazhassiraja.” However, both Shaji and Hariharan regretted that Mammootty could not win the best actor award and had lost to Big B in the final stages.