Malayalam films fare poorly in 56th National Film Awards

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 23 (IANS) The 56th edition of the National Film Awards announced Saturday did not have any Malayalam film in the main category, in sharp contrast to the 55th edition, which was swept by films from Kerala.

'Bioscope' a Malayalam film produced by the National Film Development Corporation won a special jury award, which was the only consolation.

The jury for feature films was headed by veteran Kerala film-maker Shaji N. Karun, whose Mammootty starrer 'Kuttisrank' is expected to compete for the 57th edition of the national awards to be announced in October this year.

Last year, Malayalam films bagged the best director, editor, music director and best make up awards. Priyadarshan's Tamil film 'Kancheepuram' was the best film while Sabu Cyril got the best art direction award for a Hindi film.

In the 54th and 53rd edition of National Awards also, Malayalam films won a good number of awards.

This time, ace film-maker Adoor Gopalakrishnan's film 'Oru Pennun Randu Annum' and Renjith's 'Thirakatha' were in the reckoning but both lost out. 'Thirakatha' was selected as the best regional film in Malayalam.

Actor-turned director Madhupal, who directed 'Thalapavu' that got the best actor award in the state in 2008, said that he heard jury chairperson Shaji saying that the quality of films in other languages has gone up.

'This means that the quality of Malayalam films has gone down. The jury sees everything and they come to conclusions,' said Madhupal.