THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is the final round of the Kerala state film awards and the showdown is more drama than before with head to head battle for the best actor prize between atypical contestants; Mammotty and Kunchako Boban. Prithviraj has also earned his place in the final round. If for no upsets, it will be either Mammotty or Kunchako who will be leaving the stage with the prized laurel.

Mammotty earned his prized spot for movies including Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Puzhu, and Rorschach. Nna Thaan Case Kodu, Ariyippu saw Kunchaku Boban in his unusual and sartorial best which has now placed the actor in the top spot yearning for the big price.

Bengali filmmaker Goutam Ghose is the main jury for this year. 154 movies reached for award consideration and it will be 18 movies that will leave the stage winning the gold. Yet-to-be-released movies are also in contention for winning awards.

Lijo Jose Pellisery, Vipin Das, and Tarun Moorthy are contenders for this year's best director award. Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam has also earned its spot in the best film category along with a bunch of other hits including Vipan das directed Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey and Tarun Moorthy’s Saudi Vellaka.