Seventeen Malayalam films, including Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham, Jallikattu, Virus, Kumbalangi Nights, Moothon, Sameer, Vasanthi, and Ishq, have been shortlisted for the 67th National Film Awards. Malayalam epic historical war Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham directed by Priyadarshan wins the best film award after 11 years.
Adaminnte Makkan Abu last won the award in 2010. Priyadarshan's son, Siddharth Priyadarshan won the Best Visual Effects award for Marakkar, while Sujith and Sai won the award for best costume designing for the film. Mathukutty Xavier's Helen walks away with two awards - Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of Director (Mathukutty Xavier), Best Make-Up Artiste (Ranjith). Cinematographer Girish Gangadharan is awarded the Best Cinematography award for Lijo Jose Pellissery's Jalikattu. Sharan Venugopal's Oru Paathira Swapnam Pole wins the Best Film on Family Value.
Sajin Baabu's Biriyaani starring Kani Kusuruti wins special mention, while Rahul Viji Nair Kalla Nottam wins Best Feature Film (Malayalam). Prabha Varma receives the Best Lyrics award for his song Aarodum Parayuka Vayya for the film Kolambi.
Meanwhile, Manikarnika earns Kangana Ranaut her fourth National Award while Manoj Bajpaypee and Dhanush have been adjudged best actors for Hindi film Bhonsle and Tamil movie Asuran respectively. The Best Feature Film Award went to the late Sushant Singh Rajput’s Chhichhore.
