Earlier on 3 November, Prakash Raj maintained that the omission was not a slight against child artists but a call for introspection within the industry.
Published Nov 04, 2025 | 3:24 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 04, 2025 | 3:49 PM
Kerala State Film Awards snowball into controversy. (Supplied)
The 55th Kerala State Film Awards, which were announced on Monday, 3 November, have sparked a wave of criticism after the jury decided not to present awards in the children’s film and child actor categories.
The move — justified by jury chairman and actor Prakash Raj as a reflection of the lack of “creative quality” and the need to make more meaningful children’s films — has drawn sharp reactions from young actors, filmmakers, and industry observers.
Child actor Devananda, who has played notable roles in Malayalam cinema, voiced her discontent on social media, accusing the jury of “turning a blind eye to the next generation.”
Sharing a video of Prakash Raj’s remarks during the announcement, she wrote,
“You can close your eyes to children, but don’t say it’s all darkness here. Children are also part of this society. Instead of denying the award, we should try to make more children’s films. If it had been given to even two children, it would have become an energy for many.”
Devananda urged the media, film fraternity, and the public to discuss the issue and ensure that “children’s rights in cinema are protected and not ignored.”
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Her post struck a chord, triggering a chorus of reactions from within the industry.
Vinesh Viswanath, director of Sthanarthi Sreekuttan— a film centered on child protagonists — questioned the logic behind the jury’s decision.
“If there is no incentive for children’s films, there will be no films,” Vinesh said.
“Children have acted brilliantly in several movies this year. The jury’s assessment seems to have run in the dark.”
Actor Arunsol too joined the debate, expressing disappointment that the jury “wasted the opportunity to recognise a generation of young artists.”
Congratulating the award winners, he added that it was “sad that there are no best children or films this year.”
Earlier on 3 November, Prakash Raj maintained that the omission was not a slight against child artists but a call for introspection within the industry.
“Not only young men and women, but children are also part of society. What they think and how they see the world should be reflected in children’s films,” he said.
“Just because children have acted in a film doesn’t make it a children’s film. No movie this year came from the children’s point of view, ” he added.
He reiterated that the jury found none of the entries deserving of recognition in the category this year.
At the same time, Cultural Affairs and Cinema Minister Saji Cherian, while acknowledging the criticism, stood by the jury’s assessment.
He said four films had been submitted in the children’s category, and two had reached the final round of consideration.
“The jury found that those films did not have the creative quality to be awarded. It was a great announcement yesterday without any complaints,” the minister said, adding that the government respected the jury’s independent decision.
However, Cherian admitted that the debate has underscored the need to promote quality children’s cinema.
“Just as we promote SC/ST and women filmmakers, we can support creative children’s films too. The government will call a meeting with stakeholders and ensure there is an award for children next year,” he said.
The controversy has reignited a longstanding conversation in Kerala’s film industry about the dwindling space for children’s cinema.
Despite the state’s strong tradition of producing meaningful films for young audiences, submissions in the category have been declining in recent years, often citing lack of funding and distribution support.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
