THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Madhu C Narayanan, director of Kumbalangi Nights, bagged this year’s Aravindan Puraskaram for best debut director. The award is entrusted by Chalachitra Film Society. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 25,000 and a plaque.

A jury consisting of noted film director T K Rajeev Kumar as the chairman, famous cinematographer K G Jayan, Kerala Kaumudi political correspondent C P Sreeharshan and Rajashekaran Pillai (member secretary) chose Madhu for the award.

There is a special mention for Abhinandan Dutta, director of Bengali film Antar Bahir. The award will be presented on March15 at a function organised in the capital city.