'Manhole' bags best film, director in Kerala State Awards

Debutant Vidhu Vincent-directed 'Manhole', which depicted the life of manual scavengers, bagged awards of the best feature film and director in the 47th Kerala State Film Awards announced here today.

Vinayakan T K, who has appeared in villanous as well as slapstick roles in several movies, was adjudged the 'best actor'  for his performance in "Kammattippadam", state Cinema and Cultural Affairs Minister A K Balan told reporters here.    Debutant Rajisha Vijayan was chosen as the 'best actress' for her performance in "Anuraga Karikkin Vellam", he said.    Journalist-turned-filmmaker, Vidhu, who recently bagged Rajatha Chakoram for Best Debut Director in the last International Film Festival of Kerala, portrayed the plight of manual scavengers on screen in an in-depth style, a jury, headed by filmmaker A K Bir opined.

"The movie was chosen for its thematic value, style of execution and innovation. It was so touching and communicated well with the audience about the grievances of the marginalised group," Bir said.    "Ottayal Patha", directed by twin filmmakers Santhosh Babu Senan and Satheesh Babu Senan, was chosen as the 'second best feature film' while Dileesh Pothen-directed "Maheshinte Prathikaram" bagged 'best popular film' award.    Manikandan Achari (Kammattippadam) and Kanchana P K (Olapeeppi) were adjudged best character actor and actress titles respectively.

While M Jayachandran was chosen as the best music director for his scores in 'Kamboji', eminent singer K S Chitra and youngster Sooraj Santhosh were adjudged best female and male singer titles respectively.

K Kaladharan and Surabhi Lekshmi won special jury mentions for acting.
Shanavas K Bavakkutty was adjudged the best debutant filmmaker title.

 While the best director will get a purse of Rs 2,00,00, citation and plaque, the director and producer of the best film will get Rs 2,00,000, citation and a plaque each.   

The actor and actress will get Rs 1,00,00, citation and plaque each.