The Kerala Film Critics Awards for 2025 have been officially announced, recognizing outstanding contributions to Malayalam cinema. Veteran actor Mohanlal has been honored with the Best Actor award for his compelling performances in the films 'Thudarum' and 'Hridayapoorvam'. The Best Film award was presented to 'Eko', directed by Dinjith Ayyathan, featuring Sandeep Pradeep, Vineeth, Ashokan, and others in lead roles.
Best Director and Best Actress Categories
Director Dominic Arun was named Best Director for the superhero film 'Lokah: Chapter One – Chandra'. In the Best Actress category, the award was shared between Kalyani Priyadarshan and Anaswara Rajan. Kalyani received the honor for her role in 'Lokah', while Anaswara was recognized for her performances in 'Rekhachithram' and 'Mr. & Mrs. Bachelor'.
Jury and Special Awards
The awards, considered among the most credible in Kerala after the State Awards, were announced by jury chairman Dr. George Onakkoor and general secretary Thekkinkad Joseph. The jury panel also included Dr. Aravindan Vallachira, Dr. Jose K. Manuel, and A. Chandrasekhar. Around 60 films were submitted this year. Special honors include the Chalachitra Ratnam award to M. G. Sreekumar for his overall contribution to cinema, and the Critics Ruby Jubilee Award to filmmaker Priyadarshan for elevating Malayalam cinema across India. The Chalachitra Prathibha awards will be presented to T. G. Ravi, Indrans, Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, Kalliyur Sasi, Urmila Unni, and B. Arundhathi.
Other Key Winners
'Rekhachithram' was named Second Best Film. The Second Best Actor award went to Prakash Varma and Dileesh Pothan, while Honey Rose and Shubha Wayanad shared the Second Best Actress award. Special Jury Awards for acting were given to Dr. Manoj Govindan, Sangeeth Prathap, Sandeep Pradeep, Twinkle Joby, and Meenakshi. Jakes Bejoy won Best Music Director for 'Narivetta' and 'Lokah: Chapter One – Chandra'. Sithara Krishnakumar and J.R. Divya Nair won Best Female Playback Singer, and Navaneeth Unnikrishnan won Best Male Playback Singer. Technical awards included cinematography, editing, sound mixing, and costume design.
Popular and Children's Films
The Nivin Pauly starrer 'Sarvam Maya' was named Best Popular Film. 'Daivathan Kunnu' (The Mountain of Gods) and 'Pachatheyyam' won Best Children’s Film. 'Victoria' won Best Women-Centric Film, while 'Kalyanamaram' and 'Bhoothalam' won Best Environmental Film. The Sivakarthikeyan starrer 'Parasakthi' was awarded Best Foreign Language Film.
Full List of Winners
- Best Film: Eko
- Second Best Film: Rekhachithram
- Best Director: Dominic Arun (Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra)
- Best Actor: Mohanlal (Thudarum, Hridayapoorvam)
- Best Actress: Kalyani Priyadarshan (Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra), Anaswara Rajan (Rekhachithram, Mr and Mrs Bachelor)
- Best Supporting Actor: Prakash Varma (Thudarum), Dileesh Pothen (Ronth)
- Best Supporting Actress: Honey Rose (Rachel), Shubha Wayanad (Shanti: The Reflection of Truth)
- Special Jury Award (Acting): Manoj Govindan, Sangeeth Prathap, Sandeep Pradeep, Twinkle Joby, Meenakshi
- Best Child Artist: Dharmik Sudhakaran (Pachatheyam), Devananda Jibin (Kalyanamaram)
- Best Story: G R Indugopan (Ponman)
- Best Screenplay: Rajesh Thillankeri (A Pregnant Widow)
- Best Cinematographer: Muhammed A (Thanthapperu)
- Best Editor: Praveen Prabhakar (Kalamkaval)
- Best Sound Mixing: M R Rajakrishnan (L2: Empuraan)
- Best Art Director: Sunil Lavanya (Jagala)
- Best Biblical Film: The Third Number
- Best Debut Actor: Riya Shibu (Sarvam Maya)
- Best Debut Directors: Jithin K Jose (Kalamkaval), Sharan Venugopal (Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal), Prashanth Vijay (Ithiri Neram), Manoj Govindan (Nobody), Shaju Valappan (Shadow Traders)
- Best Debut Screenplay: Santhy Balachandran (Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra)
- Best Make-up Artist: Ronex Xavier (Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra)
- Best Costume Design: Minima Shaji (Moonnam Nombaram)
- Best Popular Film: Sarvam Maya
- Best Children’s Film: Deivathankunnu, Pachatheeyam
- Best Film for National Integration: Khidki Gaav
- Best Women’s Film: Victoria
- Best Original Films: Samastha Lokah, Mindiyum Paranjum, Moonwalk, Chinna Chinna Aasai, Karuthal
- Best Environmental Film: Kalyanamaram, Bhoothalam
- Best Socially Relevant Film: Ariku, Swalih
- Best Lyricist: Mahesh Gopal (Mr and Mrs Bachelor), Murali Neelambari (Vadu)
- Best Music Director: Jakes Bejoy (Narivetta, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra)
- Best Playback Singer (Male): Navaneeth Unnikrishnan (“Vidaparayam”, Hridayapoorvam)
- Best Playback Singer (Female): Sithara Krishnakumar (“Minnalvala”, Narivetta), J R Divya Nair (“Madhuramayoru Kokila Naadam”, Nerariyum Nerath)
