Overview
- Didi Damodaran called the decision an injustice in a Facebook post and urged the jury to apologise to the women of Kerala.
- Rapper Hirandas Murali, known as Vedan, won Best Lyricist for the song Kuthanthram (Sweat-Stitched Shirt) from Manjummel Boys.
- The jury commended the lyrics for conveying the pain and resilience of marginalised lives through authentic, unpolished imagery.
- Women’s groups questioned the award, citing the government’s Film Conclave commitment to avoid protecting those accused of crimes against women.
- Vedan faces criminal cases, including a rape charge, with courts recently easing his anticipatory bail conditions, and no change to the award has been announced.