Prithviraj, Rima Kallingal bag Kerala State Film Awards

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Prithviraj and Rima Kallingal bagged the best actor and actress awards, respectively, at the Kerala State Film Awards 2012 announced here Friday.

While Prithviraj won the award for his performances in Celluloid and Ayalum Njanum Thammil, Rima got the best actress award for her performance in the film 22 Female Kottayam and Nidra.

Directed by Kamal, Celluloid, based on the life of J.C. Daniel, the pioneer of Malayalam cinema, was also adjudged the best film.

The awards were announced by state Cinema Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar.

"This year the jury had a tough job to perform with 84 films to be seen, the highest ever entry for awards. They finished their job only today early morning at 5 a.m.," said Kumar.

Expressing his happiness, Prithviraj dedicated the award to the teams of both the films.

"I dedicate this award to all who worked with me in the films. I could do well because of the director, the scriptwriter and all others who worked behind the scenes. It is certainly a good feeling and I am delighted," said Prithviraj.

Incidentally, this is the second time that Prithviraj has won the best actor award, with the first one in 2006 for Vaasthavam.

Lal Jose got the best director award for the film Ayalum Njanum Thammil and popular comedian and character artist Salim Kumar won the best comedian award.

Vijay Yesudas, son of veteran singer K.J.Yesudas won the best male singer award, while new singer Sithara got the best female playback singer award.

Madhu Neelakantan got the best cameraman award for the film Annayum Rasoolum. Anjali Menon got the award for her script in the film Manjadikuru, which she had also directed.

M. Jayachandran won the award for best music director for Celluloid. This is the sixth time he has got the coveted honour.

Manoj K. Jayan and Sajitha Madathil bagged the best supporting actor and best supporting actress awards respectively.

The jury was chaired by yesteryear director I.V. Sasi along with popular yesteryear actress Surekha and director Sibi Malayil.