The Mazhavil Entertainment Awards, held at the Adlux Convention Centre in Angamaly on Sunday, was a grand celebration of Malayalam cinema, bringing together stars and stalwarts from the industry. The coveted Entertainer of the Year award was presented to Mohanlal for his outstanding performance in the blockbuster film ‘Thudarum,’ directed by Tharun Moorthy. The award was handed over by veteran director Sibi Malayil.
Legendary actor Janardhanan, who has appeared in over 700 films across a career spanning more than five decades, was honoured with the Timeless Entertainer award. He received the recognition from Mohanlal and Jayaram in the presence of Malayala Manorama Executive Editor and MMTV Director Jayanth Mammen Mathew, MMTV CEO P R Satheesh, Malabar Group of Companies Executive Director V S Shareej, and actor-director Ramesh Pisharody.
Veteran actor Janardhanan receiving the Timeless Entertainer Award from Mohanlal and Jayaram in the presence of Malayala Manorama Executive Editor and MMTV Director Jayanth Mammen Mathew, actor Pisharody and Malabar Group of Companies Executive Director V S Shareej. Photo: Arun Sreedhar / Manorama
Lijomol Jose, known for her impactful performances in ‘Ponman,’ ‘Samshayam,’ and ‘Her,’ was awarded Best Actress – Entertainer of the Year. ‘Thudarum’ was also named Best Picture, with M Renjith receiving the award on behalf of the team.
Mohanlal and Shobana, who captivated audiences with their on-screen reunion after several years, were honoured as the Best On-Screen Couple. Director Tharun Moorthy won the Best Director award, while Sibi Malayil was celebrated with the Master Entertainer (Director) honour. Prakash Varma and Anurag Kashyap won the award for Best Negative Role for their performances in ‘Thudarum’ and ‘Rifle Club,’ respectively.
Actress Raniya Raanaa performing during the Mazhavil Entertainment Awards ceremony. Photo: Arun Sreedhar / Manorama
Kunchacko Boban received a Special Jury Mention for ‘Officer on Duty,’ while Asif Ali was recognised for his roles in ‘Kishkindha Kaandam,’ ‘Adios Amigo,’ ‘Rekhachithram,’ ‘Circuit,’ and ‘Abhyanthara Kuttavali.’ Tovino Thomas was named Versatile Actor for his dynamic roles in ‘ARM’ and ‘Narivetta.’
Actor-director Basil Joseph was honoured as the All-Rounder of the Year for his multiple contributions across films. The big-budget entertainer ‘Empuraan,’ produced by Antony Perumbavoor, Gokulam Gopalan, and Subaskaran, was recognised as Box Office Cinema of the Year.
Other notable winners included:
Best Choreographer: P Sreejith for ‘Moonwalk’
Best Stunts: Stunt Shiva for ‘Thudarum’ and ‘Empuraan’
Best Comedian: Bindu Panicker for ‘Prince and Family’
Best Character Role – Actor: Vijayaraghavan
Best Character Role – Actress: Surabhi Lakshmi (ARM)
Master Entertainer (Actor): Jayaram
Best Debut Director: Jithin Laal (ARM)
Upcoming Director: Dinjith Ayyathan (Kishkindha Kaandam)
Upcoming Stars: Siju Sunny (multiple films), Binu Pappu (Thudarum), and Raniya Raanaa (Prince and Family)
The event featured a variety of performances and entertainment segments. Malabar Gold and Diamonds was the title sponsor of the awards. The evening began with a welcome address by Jayaram, while Govind Padmasoorya, Miya George, and Twinkle Sheethal anchored the show. The Mazhavil Entertainment Awards will premiere on Mazhavil Manorama on August 30 and 31.