State film awards: Jayasurya, Anna Ben adjudged best actors, best director Sidhartha Siva

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 51st state film awards have been announced. Jayasurya and Anna Ben were adjudged the best actors for their brilliant performances in Vellam and Kappela respectively. Sidhartha Siva is the best director. Jio Baby’s The Great Indian Kitchen has been judged as the best film and John Samuel’s Adoorinte Anchu Nayaka Kadhapathrangal as the best film article.

Apart from Jayasurya, Biju Menon, Fahadh Faazil, Tovino Thomas and Suraj Venjaramoodu competed in the final round. More than 20 films released in theatres and OTT platforms were shortlisted for the final jury.

Ayyappanum Koshiyum directed by Sachi is the best popular film. Thinkalazcha Nalla Nischayam is the second best film. Sudheesh and Sreerekha are the best supporting actors. Mahesh Narayanan is the best film editor.

Nanjamma, who rendered a song in Ayyappanum Koshiyum, will be given a special award. Jio Baby is the best scriptwriter.

Shahabaz Aman is the best playback singer (male) and Nithya Mamen (female). Shoby Thilakan is the best dubbing artist (male) and Riya Saira (female). M Jayachandran is best music director for Soofiyum Sujathayum.