The 55th Kerala State Film Awards have once again proven that Malayalam cinema remains one of the most dynamic and creative industries in the country. From the survival drama Manjummel Boys to the haunting brilliance of Mammootty’s Bramayugam, this year’s winners show the diversity, artistry, and emotional depth that Malayalam films are celebrated for.
The burning question now is — where can you watch these award-winning gems online? This detailed guide dives into the winners, their plots, performances, and streaming options so you can enjoy the very best of Malayalam cinema right at home.
The Significance of the 55th Kerala State Film Awards
The Kerala State Film Awards have always been a benchmark of quality and authenticity, celebrating films that push artistic boundaries. This year’s edition, chaired by acclaimed actor and filmmaker Prakash Raj, honored a diverse range of stories — from the grit of survival in Manjummel Boys to the eerie mystery of Bramayugam.
The awards showcase not only cinematic excellence but also cultural narratives deeply rooted in Kerala’s ethos. Malayalam cinema continues to break new ground with storytelling that’s bold, introspective, and accessible through streaming platforms worldwide.
A Snapshot of This Year’s Big Winners
| Film | Award Won | Streaming Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Manjummel Boys | Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay | Disney+ Hotstar |
| Bramayugam | Best Actor (Mammootty), Best Character Artist (Male) | Sony LIV |
| Paradise | Best Actress Nomination, Critics’ Favorite | Amazon Prime Video |
| ARM | Best Cinematography, Visual Excellence | Disney+ Hotstar |
| Nadanna Sambhavam | Best Actress (Lijomol Jose) | ManoramaMAX |
Each of these titles paints a different picture of human emotion — from friendship and courage to fear, humor, and redemption.
‘Manjummel Boys’: The Heart of Friendship and Survival
The grand winner, Manjummel Boys, directed by Chidambaram, captures the spirit of true friendship through an extraordinary survival story. Based on a real-life incident, it follows a group of friends whose fun vacation turns into a desperate rescue mission when one of them is trapped in a dangerous cave.
The film’s powerful realism, paired with the chemistry between Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, and Deepak Parambol, makes it an emotionally charged thriller. Its screenplay and direction have been praised for blending suspense with heartfelt emotion.
You can stream Manjummel Boys exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar.
What makes it truly special is its ability to stay grounded despite its edge-of-the-seat tension. It’s not just a movie — it’s an experience of loyalty, fear, and courage that will keep you thinking long after the credits roll.
‘Bramayugam’: Mammootty’s Dark and Powerful Masterpiece
Rahul Sadasivan’s Bramayugam stands as a stunning example of how Malayalam cinema can redefine horror. Set in a decaying ancestral mansion, the film dives into the eerie relationship between power, greed, and isolation.
Mammootty’s performance as the mysterious host of this shadowy realm is nothing short of mesmerizing. His portrayal, layered with restraint and menace, earned him the Best Actor award at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards.
Supporting performances by Arjun Ashokan and Sidharth Bharathan add further depth to this period horror film, which is as much a character study as it is a gothic tale.
You can stream Bramayugam on Sony LIV, where it continues to attract praise for its haunting cinematography and bold storytelling.
‘Paradise’: A Poetic Look at Love and Loss
Directed by Prasanna Vithanage, Paradise stars Roshan Mathew and Darshana Rajendran as a couple grappling with emotional conflict amid Sri Lanka’s socio-political crisis.
The film explores displacement, identity, and love’s fragility against a backdrop of national turmoil. Vithanage’s direction captures both the intimacy of personal pain and the enormity of collective struggle.
Now available on Amazon Prime Video, Paradise is an elegant piece of world cinema that proves Malayalam filmmakers are unafraid to engage with global themes.
‘ARM’: A Spectacle of Time and Imagination
Jithin Laal’s ARM (Anveshippin Randu Mukham) brings together Tovino Thomas and Krithi Shetty in an epic narrative that transcends time. The film combines myth, science, and visual grandeur to tell a story that oscillates between centuries.
Its scale, stunning production design, and emotionally anchored performances earned it multiple technical honors. The cinematography, especially, has been celebrated for its innovation.
ARM is available to stream on Disney+ Hotstar, making it a visual treat for fans of fantasy, history, and speculative storytelling.
‘Nadanna Sambhavam’: Humor Meets Social Commentary
Vishnu Narayan’s Nadanna Sambhavam offers a fresh and witty take on gender politics and modern relationships. Lijomol Jose’s performance as a woman navigating societal expectations won her the Best Actress award.
What sets this film apart is its balance of humor and thoughtfulness. It doesn’t lecture — it laughs, questions, and ultimately challenges stereotypes with empathy.
You can catch Nadanna Sambhavam on ManoramaMAX, where it continues to be celebrated for its relatable storytelling and progressive message.
Malayalam Cinema’s New Era on Streaming Platforms
One of the most exciting trends this year is how quickly award-winning Malayalam films are making their way to OTT platforms. Unlike earlier times, where fans waited months for a digital release, today’s viewers can access award winners like Manjummel Boys and Bramayugam almost immediately after their theater run.
This accessibility not only broadens the reach of Malayalam cinema but also introduces global audiences to the language’s unique storytelling style — subtle, soulful, and deeply human.
The Craft and Creativity Behind the Winners
Malayalam cinema thrives on craft. From meticulous scripting to raw performances, this year’s winners exemplify dedication to detail.
The directors have balanced artistic vision with commercial appeal — a blend that’s rare and hard to perfect. Whether it’s the emotional realism of Manjummel Boys or the stylistic flair of Bramayugam, each film stands as a testament to the state’s ever-evolving cinematic identity.
Why These Films Are Worth Watching?
Each film from this year’s Kerala State Film Awards offers something distinct:
- Emotional depth — Manjummel Boys explores friendship and fear.
- Psychological intensity — Bramayugam delves into the human mind’s darkness.
- Cultural reflection — Nadanna Sambhavam mirrors society with humor.
- Visual mastery — ARM showcases cinematic innovation.
- Universal storytelling — Paradise connects local emotion to global themes.
Together, they represent the evolution of Malayalam cinema into a global storytelling powerhouse.
How to Watch These Films Online?
Finding these films online is easy if you know where to look:
- Disney+ Hotstar: Manjummel Boys, ARM
- Sony LIV: Bramayugam
- Amazon Prime Video: Paradise
- ManoramaMAX: Nadanna Sambhavam
Ensure you check for subtitle availability, especially if you’re not fluent in Malayalam. Most platforms now offer English subtitles, making these gems accessible to a global audience.
The Impact of the 55th Kerala State Film Awards
These awards have reinforced that Malayalam cinema continues to lead in storytelling sophistication. The blending of realism, artistry, and experimentation ensures that Kerala remains a hub of cinematic innovation in India.
By highlighting films that are now available online, the awards also act as a bridge — connecting filmmakers and audiences directly through streaming platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 55th Kerala State Film Awards?
It’s the annual recognition of excellence in Malayalam cinema, organized by the Government of Kerala to honor filmmakers, actors, and technicians for outstanding contributions.
Which film won Best Film this year?
Manjummel Boys bagged the Best Film award for its gripping portrayal of friendship and survival.
Who won Best Actor?
Mammootty won Best Actor for his chilling and commanding performance in Bramayugam.
Where can I stream the winning films?
Most are available on popular platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar, Sony LIV, Prime Video, and ManoramaMAX.
Do these films have English subtitles?
Yes, almost all are available with subtitles to make them accessible for non-Malayalam speakers.
Why are the Kerala State Awards so respected?
They are known for honoring artistic merit over commercial success, setting a high bar for cinematic quality and integrity.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Kerala’s Cinematic Brilliance
The journey from ‘Manjummel Boys’ to Mammootty’s ‘Bramayugam’ is not just a list of awards — it’s a celebration of vision, performance, and storytelling excellence.
Malayalam cinema continues to prove that powerful stories don’t need massive budgets — they need heart, honesty, and craftsmanship. These films, now streaming online, are more than just winners — they’re windows into the evolving soul of Indian cinema.
So, grab your remote, settle in, and experience the artistry that defines the 55th Kerala State Film Awards. Whether it’s the thrill of Manjummel Boys or the haunting beauty of Bramayugam, one thing’s for sure — Malayalam cinema is at its finest, and it’s just a click away.
