69th National Film Awards: From Joju George’s snub to Meppadiyan’s win, surprises and shocks of this year’s Malayalam picks

Meppadiyan, #Home, Aavasavyuham and Nayattu were the top picks by the jury in this year’s National Film Awards

(Top right) Vishnu Mohan and (clockwise) stills from Aavasavyuham, Minnal Murali, Chavittu, Nayattu and #Home

Though the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 saw some of the best content from Malayalam film industry, the jury of the 69th National Film Awards thought otherwise. Unni Mukundan’s Meppadiyan, Indrans’ #Home, Krishand’s Aavasavyuham, Kunchacko Boban’s Nayattu and Chavittu were the only films picked for various categories by the jury panel among the 280 films from 28 languages.

Before the National Film Awards announcement, there was a huge buzz regarding Malayalam movies such as Nayattu, Minnal Murali and Aarkkariyam being the frontrunners for major awards including Joju George vying for the Best Actor honour this year that eventually went to Allu Arjun for his performance in Telugu.

Here’s a list of surprises, shocks and some expected honours from the announcement, as far the Malayalam film industry was concerned.

SURPRISE: Indrans’ gets a well-deserved special mention for his performance in #Home

Director Rojin Thomas’ #Home released directly on Amazon Prime Video , exactly two years ago during an Onam season. And so, it was a delightful surprise for everyone who has loved the film, when it won the National Award for the Best Malayalam film as well as earned its lead actor Indrans, a well-deserved special mention for his performance.

The film’s producer Vijay Babu, soon after the awards, told OTTplay, “It’s a huge honour for all of us who worked on this film during the challenging period of the pandemic. I want to dedicate this to all the Malayalis across the world. The joy is doubled with Indrans chettan getting the award too.”

Also read: Indrans on his character in #Home: The only way to stay relevant is to adapt to change

SHOCK: Jury picks Allu Arjun over Joju George

Malayalam actor Joju George’s performance in Nayattu had moved audiences across the country, even leading actors such as Rajkummar Rao. He was also billed as the favourite this year to clinch the award for the Best Actor. The jury, however, picked Allu Arjun for his titular performance as Pushpa in Sukumar’s directorial.

Also read: 69th National Film Awards 2023: Check out the full list here!

EXPECTED: Shahi Kabeer’s intense script for Nayattu gets its due

Director Martin Prakkat’s Nayattu is arguably one of the finest films to release in theatres as well as OTTs in 2021. The socio-political thriller, which revolves around three cops who are on the run fearing political ramifications, also had a taut, intense and layered script. So, it’s no wonder that Shahi Kabir’s screenplay won the award for the Best Original Screenplay for Nayattu.

SURPRISE: Chavittu stomps home with the award for Best Sync Sound

Malayalam directors Shinos and Sajas aka Rahman Bros have always experimented with their filmmaking and their movies. Their 2022 venture revolved around a theatre troupe. Given that the movie, despite winning three State Awards, wasn’t talked about is the reason we are figuring it as a surprise win. Audiographers Arun Asok and Sonu KP won the award for Best Production Sound Recordist for the movie, a repeat feat for the duo who also clinched the same honour during the Kerala State Film Awards.

SHOCK: Tovino Thomas’ Minnal Murali doesn’t find favour

Though many across the world had lauded Tovino’ desi superhero film Minnal Murali , which was directed by Basil Joseph, the film didn’t manage to impress the jury panel in any category. While it does come as a shock, fans of the movie as well as the actor and director wouldn’t be too disgruntled as it had a worthy competitor in SS Rajamouli’s RRR, which took home six awards.

EXPECTED: Krishand’s Aavasavyuham adds another feather to its cap

Director Krishand’s award-winning sci-fi cum social commentary Aavasavyuham, which earned the filmmaker the honour of the Best Film in Kerala State Film Awards, added another award to its long list of laurels. The movie was adjudged the Best Film On Environment Conservation and Preservation this year.

Also read: Aavasavyuham review: A riveting social commentary through the lens of a sci-fi drama

SURPRISE: Meppadiyan director Vishnu Mohan takes home the Best Debut Director honour

While Unni Mukundan’s Meppadiyan did well at the box office and also won awards at several film festivals including Bangalore International Film Festival, Vishnu Mohan clinching the award for Best Debut Director was a surprise for many.

Talking to OTTplay, the filmmaker, who is also set to get married in 10 days, tells us that it’s a great time to get this award. “We submitted the film, expecting to win an award. We thought it would be in the regional category but this came as a surprise. It’s a huge encouragement for me,” he says.

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