'Akale' bags six state film awards

Thiruvananthapuram: `Akale' directed by Shyamaprasad has won six Kerala state film awards including the honour for the best Malayalam film of the year 2004.

`Akale,' based on Tennessee Williams' renowned play `Glas Menagerie' was a moving presentation of the conflict between dreams and reality and also displayed technical brilliance, the state film award jury chaired by Sreekumaran Thampi said.

Shyamaprasad was adjudged the best director for the film which also got awards for best actress, second best actress, art direction and cinematography.

`Kathavaseshan' directed by TV Chandran was chosen as the second best film.

Mammootty was adjudged the best actor for his role in `Kazhcha,' while Geethu Mohandas (Akale, Oridam) and Kavya Madhavan (Perumazhakkalam) shared the best actress award.

Lalu Alex got the second best actor award for his role in `Manhu Poloru Penkutty,' while Sheela was chosen second best actress for the performance in `Akale.'

Blessy was selected as the best debut director for his `Kazcha' which also got the award for artistic film with popular appeal.

Pradeep Nair, who directed `Oridam,' which narrates the tale of a sex worker got a special jury mention.

G. Venugopal was chosen the best male voice (Ullam) and Manjari was adjudged as the best female playback singer for he song in `Makalku.'

The awards were announced by Culture Minister A.P. Anil Kumar here in the presence of jury chairman Sreekumaran Thampi and other members.