The recent Kerala State Film Awards 2025 announcement has stirred considerable debate and controversy. The awards jury, led by veteran actor Prakash Raj, faced criticism not only for their artistic choices but also for remarks made by the Minister defending the jury and addressing the contentious win of the rapper Vedan as Best Lyricist. This blog post will explore the Minister’s defense of the jury, the controversy surrounding Vedan’s award, and reactions to the jury’s decision on children’s film awards.

Minister’s Defense of the Jury and Vedan Controversy Remarks

Following the public uproar over the Kerala State Film Awards 2025, Cultural Minister Saji Cherian stepped forward to defend the jury’s decisions amidst mounting criticism. The Minister emphasized the jury’s autonomy and the principle that awards should be based on artistic merit. He clarified that the jury’s choices, including the award to Vedan for Best Lyricist, were made purely on the quality of work presented rather than personal controversies.

This defense came in the wake of significant backlash on social media, where many questioned the credibility and ethics of honoring Vedan, who faces criminal allegations related to sexual harassment and drug use. The Minister’s remarks acknowledged the sensitive nature of the controversy but insisted that the jury must remain independent, maintaining its responsibility to evaluate art without bias.

Vedan’s Award and the Societal Backlash

Rapper Hirandas Murali, known as Vedan, won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyricist for his work on the film Manjummel Boys. However, Vedan is currently facing serious allegations, including pending charges of sexual harassment and previous drug-related arrests. The selection sparked outrage, as critics argued that awarding Vedan sends a dangerous and negative message to society, undermining efforts toward women’s empowerment and justice.

Prominent voices, including actor Joy Mathew, openly criticized the decision, calling it a mockery of the legal system and public funding principles. Social media users expressed frustration that the state government and the award jury seemingly overlooked the gravity of Vedan’s allegations, prioritizing artistic talent over moral accountability. Yet, some supporters highlighted Vedan’s repentant statements and efforts to improve, adding complexity to public opinion.

The controversy also exposed perceived inconsistencies, contrasting Vedan’s award with past decisions where artists with criminal allegations were denied recognition. Feminist groups and women’s organizations faced criticism for their relatively muted response, adding fuel to heated debates. The Kerala High Court’s recent relaxation of Vedan’s bail conditions further complicated public sentiment.

Jury’s Decision on Children’s Film Awards Ignites Critique

A second significant point of contention was the jury’s decision to withhold awards in the Best Children’s Film and Best Child Artist categories, citing a lack of quality submissions. This move drew sharp criticism from young actors like Devanandha Jibin and filmmakers who felt this dismissed young talent and the importance of children’s cinema in Kerala.

Devanandha, a well-known child artist, expressed disappointment over the jury’s stance, highlighting well-made films with significant child roles that were seemingly ignored. Critics argued that films not formally categorized as children’s films but featuring strong child performances were overlooked unjustly. Veteran filmmaker Vinesh Viswanath questioned the standard applied by the jury, pointing to historical precedents when similar films received awards.

The controversy over children’s awards invited broader reflection on the cultural and social value of cinema that supports and nurtures young performers and audiences, urging the jury and government to reconsider their criteria to be more inclusive in future editions.

Conclusion

The Kerala State Film Awards 2025 highlighted the complex intersection of art, ethics, and public opinion. The Minister’s defense of the jury underlined the importance of artistic merit, yet the controversies surrounding Vedan’s award and the omission of children’s category awards brought significant public skepticism and debate. These events underscore the challenges faced by cultural institutions in balancing talent recognition with social responsibility and audience expectations. As discussions continue, it becomes clear that transparency, sensitivity, and inclusiveness will be essential in shaping the Kerala film awards’ future credibility and resonance with the public.