'Adaminte Makan Abu' wins top honours at Kerala state awards

Thiruvananthapuram, May 22 (IANS) Malayalam film 'Adaminte Makan Abu', which got four National Awards last week, won four Kerala state film awards including for the best film and best actor.

The film was also named for the best script and best music direction, Minister in-charge of Films K.B. Ganesh Kumar announced here Sunday.

At the 58th National awards 'Adaminte Makan Abu' won the best film, actor, music direction and photography awards.

Acclaimed Bengali filmmaker Buddadev Dasgupta, the chairperson for this year's jury, said the performance of Salim Kumar, who won the best actor award, was simply superb.

'Words just cannot describe to explain the performance of Salim Kumar. Believe me, I was so surprised to see some other films of this actor and in this film he has done a great job,' Dasgupta said.

'This is the second time I am heading the jury here and I was really taken aback by the numerous excellent films made by debutants,' added Dasgupta.

Salim Kumar said: 'I am extremely delighted that I have won the national and the state film award for best actor for this role.'

Popular actress Kavya Madhavan was named the best actress for film 'Gatama'.

'This should be seen as an award for the entire film unit,' said Kavya.

Other awards announced were best director Shyamaprasad for 'Electra', second best actor Biju Menon ('T.P. Dasan Std 6 B'), second best actress Mamta Mohandas ('Katha Thudaram'), best comedian Swaraj Venjaramoodu ('Oru Nallu Varum'), best photographer S.Jalal ('Chithrsoothrem') and M.J.Radhakrishnan ('Veetileke Ulla Vazhi').

Superstar Mammootty's 'Pranchiettan and the Saint' was declared as the most popular film.

Dasgupta complemented the state government for providing subsidies for film production.

'The procedure of providing financial assistance is a great boon for young and debutant film makers and if a helping hand is provided in screening of such films it will help many new comers,' said Gupta.