There are some interesting trivia about the winners of the Kerala State Film Awards for the year 2018, announced on Wednesday. Both the best actors (male) share a common link – football. While Jayasurya played V.P. Sathyan in the footballer’s biopic Captain, Soubin Shahir brought to life Majeed, the manager of a seven’s football team, in Sudani from Nigeria. Another interesting information is that all the three best male actors – Jayasurya, Soubin and Joju George, who won the award for the best actor in a character role for his performance in Joseph – share a past of struggles, blink-and-miss roles and tireless waiting to reach the big screen and this platform of honour.
While Jayasurya’s portrayal of two extreme characters – a famous footballer and a transgender fighting for acceptance – earned him laurels, Soubin’s ease in portraying the soccer buff who lands in a complicated situation was appreciated by the jury. Nimisha Sajayan won the award for the best actor (female) for two very different roles – of a victimised girl in Chola and a nervous lawyer in Oru Kuprasidha Payyan.
Sudani from Nigeria stole the show by winning five of the awards – best popular film, best actor, best actors (female) in a character role, best debut director and best screenplay.
Reacting to the honour, Jayasurya says, “While committing to both Captain and Njan Marykutty, I had no idea about the life of either V. P. Sathyan, or a transgender. But something struck me and I decided to take the plunge. I am no footballer or even a fan and I didn’t know who Sathyan was, when Prajesh (director) approached me. But I trusted in his homework and the way he narrated the story caught my attention. I believe this award is an honour for Sathyan, who never got the recognition he deserved in his lifetime. Njan Marykutty is also very special as the movie was produced by director Renjith Sankar and me. I dedicate this award to all the Sathyans and Marykuttys in society.”
Soubin Shahir winning the best actor award along with Jayasurya was not a surprise since his filmography in 2018 was so good and enviable to anyone. “The role of Majeed was really special. I owe everything to Zakariya Mohammed and Muhsin Parari for helping me become Majeed in the fullest form. I am very happy that Sudani from Nigeria was accepted in such a way by everyone,” says Soubin. “Savithri Sreedharan and Sarasa Balussery have shared the award for best character actress, which is no surprise for me. They really deserved the award.”
Nimisha Sajayan has been proving her mettle throughout her short career and continued to do so last year. When the award committee announced her name for the best actor (female) in a leading role, they pointed out there was not much competition in the category to make them pick anyone else than Nimisha. Her commanding performances in Chola and Oru Kuprasidha Payyan were enough to convince them. Responding to the award, Nimisha said the character in Chola was the most challenging one in her career so far.
When Minister A.K. Balan was announcing the winners, Nimisha was with Anu Sithara, who was also in contention for the award. “I played the character of a school kid and it was very challenging. I feel so happy and proud at the moment as the hard work that I put in Chola has been appreciated. Meanwhile, the character in Oru Kuprasidha Payyan was a turning point in my career. The award makes me more responsible and hopefully, I will be able to do more interesting characters in the future.”
Joju George recalls his 25-year-long wait doing side roles and assisting filmmakers until reaching this big break. He says, “I reached here after facing several failures. So, this is a very special honour for me. For me, being a contender for the award along with many stalwarts from the industry itself is an honour. Everything else is a bonus.”
