'Ullozhukku' (Undercurrent) on Friday was awarded the Best Malayalam film at the 71st National Film Awards, which recognises films released in 2023.
Featuring Parvathy Thiruvoth and Urvashi in the lead roles, this emotionally charged film was described at the awards ceremony as "an intimate character study of a family, highlighting patriarchal conditioning and agency through restrained performances".
Produced by Unnilazer Ventures Private Limited with Macguffin Pictures, this film was directed by Christo Tomy, who previously directed a Netflix true crime documentary on Kerala's infamous Jolly Joseph, titled 'Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case'.
The film also earned Urvashi an award for the Best Supporting Actress (Female), which she shared with actress Janki Bodiwala, who won it for the Gujarati film 'Vash'.
This was accompanied by Mollywood actor Vijayaraghavan's Best Supporting Actor (Male) win for 'Pookkalam', which he shares with actor Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar, who had won it for the Tamil film 'Parking'.
'Pookkalam' also went on to bag the Best Editing award.
The Malayalam film industry's triumphs did not stop there, however, for 'Nekal: Chronicle of the Paddy Man' received a special mention in the Best Non-Feature Films category, in addition to Jude Anthany Joseph's '2018' winning for Best Production Design.
The other major awards were won by Shah Rukh Khan, who won the Best Actor award for his performance in 'Jawan', while Rani Mukerji won the Best Actress award for her role in 'Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway'. Karan Johar's 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' bagged the National Film Award for best popular film for wholesome entertainment.