“I will not say that I never coveted the award. However, I never thought I would get the award soon. I lay the award at my mentor Kamal’s feet who transformed me to what I am now. Many people suggested that my relation with Kamal is similar to that of the characters donned by Prithviraj and Prathap Pothen in the movie ‘Ayalum Njanum Thammil’. I thank Prithviraj who suggested that I should helm the movie. Time has given apt replies to those who kept criticising Prithviraj,” said Lal Jose, who won the award for the best director.