Major awards elude Malayalam films

Thiruvananthapuram, July 13 (IANS) Even though top honours eluded Malayalam films at the 52nd National Film Awards announced Wednesday in New Delhi, some second-rung awards did come their way.

The biggest award for Malayalam films this time went to yesteryear glamour heroine Sheela who was judged the best supporting actress for the film "Akale" (Far Away), in which she plays a neurotic.

Sheela, who returned to films after two decades, said: "I am really excited and honestly I just can't believe that I have won the award. I am thankful to (director) Shyama Prasad for the award."

"Akale" was also adjudged the best Malayalam film.

"We are happy because the film was completed on a shoestring budget and it was a different film. I am more happy for Sheela," said Shyama Prasad.

Ace director Kamal's film "Perumazhakalam" was selected as the second best socially relevant film.

"We really expected an award for the film when we did it. And all of us are happy that our efforts have been rewarded," said Kamal.

"Oridam", a film directed by Pradip Nair, won a special mention.

"This was a film with a different treatment. Our happiness is more because we have got instant recognition for a real creative effort," said Nair.

Chithra won yet another national award as the best female playback singer for the Tamil film "Autograph".

"I am really happy because the song that got the award is now become hugely popular. It is also sung as a prayer in certain schools in Tamil Nadu," the singer said.

Click the Movie button below for more info:
Akale