THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kunchacko Boban was a tough challenge for Mammootty, who once again bagged the State Award for Best Actor. The jury spent a lot of time to find the best actor. Vincy Aloshious won the Best Actress award without much debate. It took a lot of deliberation within the jury to find the best film and director.

Along with Mammootty (Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam) till the final round were Kunchacko Boban (Nna Thaan Case Kodu), Soubin Shaheer (Ela Veezha Poonchira), Shine Tom Chacko (Adithattu) and Fahad Fazil (Malayankunju). Mammootty and Kunchacko Boban were selected for the final round by comparing their performances in other films and their performances in these films. There was a strong difference of opinion as to who was the best among them. Gautam Ghosh, Chairman of the Jury, suggested that the way out should be to find faults in their performances along with excellence. No one could find fault with Mammootty's performance as James and Sundaram in Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam. Kunchacko Boban, who played Rajeevan, the best character in his career, could not be ignored either. Hence it was decided to give him a special jury award.

In the final round for Best Actress, the competition was between Devi Verma (Saudi Vellakka), Vincy Aloshious (Rekha), and Divya Prabha who portrayed Rashmi in Ariyippu. 86-year-old Devi Varma surprised the jury with her portrayal of Ayisha Rawther. Vincy stood strong, playing a village girl who grows from the phase of love to revenge. The advantage of using her own voice for the role is what helped Vincy bag the award.

Devi Verma won Best Character Actress for her performance. Pauly Valsan, who voiced Ayisha Rawther, won the award for the dubbing artist.

Alencier (Appan) was competing with PP Kunhikrishnan (Nna Thaan Case Kodu) for the Best Character Actor award till the last minute. Finally, he was selected for the Special Jury Award for acting.

Nna Thaan Case Kodu, Ariyippu, Ela Veezha Poonchira, Adithattu, Vazhakku, Ilavarambu, and Vettappattikalum Oattakkarum were nominated for the best film and director awards. The awards were given after long discussions so that there was no chance of debate.

The jury assessed that there were very few songs that could be said as exceptionally beautiful.