The decision by the jury of the 55th Kerala State Film Awards, chaired by Prakash Raj, not to present any awards in the Best Children’s Film or Best Child Actor categories, has drawn outrage from filmmakers and child actors.
The controversy stems from the jury’s assertion that none of the films submitted were “genuine children’s cinema” or told from a child’s perspective, and thus did not meet the required creative standards for an award.
Critics pointed out that several films featuring strong child performances and child-centric themes, including Sthanarthi Sreekuttan directed by Vinesh Viswanath , Gu, Phoenix, and A.R.M were overlooked.
Child actor Devananda has criticized the jury chairman Prakash Raj for not giving awards to child actors in the 2024 State Film Awards announcement. Devananda wrote on social media that children are also a part of society and that they should also get a chance. Devananda’s criticism came after sharing a video of jury chairman Prakash Raj reacting to the children’s award during the award announcement. Devananda says that the reason for saying that more children’s films should be made is not by denying the award.
Directors of children’s films, such as Vinesh Viswanath (“Sthanarthi Sreekuttan”) and Srikanth E.G. (“School Chale Hum”), expressed frustration, arguing that the decision undermines the efforts and self-esteem of those who attempt to make films for children.
Filmmakers and supporters of children’s cinema argue that withholding awards discourages the production of future films in this important genre, which needs encouragement and support
The jury led by actor-filmmaker Prakash Raj, defended their decision, stating that submitted films failed to present a child’s perspective
Kerala’s Minister for Cultural Affairs, Saji Cherian, defended the jury’s independent decision, stating that the films did not meet the necessary standards. However, he also acknowledged the issue and assured that the government would intervene to support and encourage the creation of quality children’s films in the future, including potentially convening a meeting with stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the jury’s decision to give the best lyricist award to popular rapper and lyricist Vedan (Hirandhas Murali) has also turned controversial. The decision has drawn significant outrage from various quarters. The outrage against the decision is due to the fact that he (Vedan) is currently facing serious allegations and pending criminal cases related to sexual assault and other charges.
Critics and social media users have slammed the Kerala government and the award committee for honoring an individual accused of such crimes, arguing that it sends a negative and damaging message to society. As soon as his name was announced by the cultural minister Saji Cherian, criticism and questions rained down on social media. Netizens have questioned whether the government is right to honor someone who has been accused of a crime. Some also questioned, “Is Vethan really worthy of being a great lyricist? The jury defended the decision by stating that the award was based purely on artistic merit for the song.
Actor Joy Mathew criticized the decision to award rapper and lyricist Vedan the Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyricist, due to the pending sexual harassment allegations against him.
In a social media post, Joy Mathew argued that giving a state award, funded by public money, to someone who is a “perpetrator of sexual assault” in the eyes of the law makes a mockery of the legal system and the government’s stated commitment to women’s empowerment.
He suggested that while Vedan might be a deserving artist, a “special award for his anti-social behavior” should also be announced, implying that this would highlight the contradiction and potentially deter future misconduct. He questioned the consistency of the Chief Minister, who often speaks of women’s safety and empowerment, in allowing such an award to be given.
In July 2025, a woman filed a police complaint accusing Vedan of sexually exploiting her multiple times between 2021 and 2023 under the pretext of marriage. Other women have also reportedly come forward with similar allegations.