Apart from the best actor award for Suraj Venjaramood, Audiography Award for Yuvaraj for Swapaanam and the best film on environment for Perariyathavar, it was a poor performance by Malayalam feature films at the 61st National Film Awards.
Remember, 2013 was the year in which the Malayalam cinema witnessed the highest number of releases in its history.
Malayalam moviedom had made more than 150 films and 44 films were sent for the National Awards. North 24 Katham was selected as the best regional film.
Malayalees, including Rajeev Ravi (Cinematographer), Rajesh Touchriver (best feature film Naa Bangaru Talli in Telugu) and Sabu Joseph (editor) won the award through other-language movies.
Christy Tomy is another Malayalee who bagged an award.
He was selected as debut director for his movie Kanyaka under non-feature category.
“Malayalam and Bengali films were regarded as the top contenders for the National Awards in the past. But now that scenario has changed. This year’s award is the latest example,” said Sibi Malayil, noted film director.
Though many films were released in Malayalam last year, the National Film Award results show that it is not the number that matters but the quality, Sibi Malayil said.
“When our makers give extra stress to shots, they are forgetting that a strong screenplay and tales about human relationships should be their priorities for a good film,” he said.
“See, Marathi cinema and Hindi cinema are performing better at the National Awards now-a-days. The Hindi films, that have won the awards this year like Bhagh Milka Bhagh and Shahid were technically top notch too. But equally strong was the screenplay of both the movies,” Sibi Malayil said.
Last year, Malayalam cinema had a better show at the National Film Awards. It had won various awards- Bijibal(music score), Anjali Menon (dialogues), Radhakrishnan (audiography), Minon (best child artist), Kalpana (best supporting actress), Spirit (best film on social issues), Thanichalla Njan (best film on national integration), Black Forest (best environmental film), 101 Chodyangal (best debutant film), Usthad Hotel (best popular film) and Special Mentions for Lal(Ozhimuri) and Thilakan (Usthad Hotel).