‘Orupennum Randanum’, a film based on four short stories of renowned novelist Thakazhi, produced and directed by famous film maker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, was adjudged the best feature film in the Kerala State Film awards 2008. Adoor Gopalakrishnan also won the best directthalappavuor and script writer awards for the same film . Lal got the best actor award for his role as a policeman in ‘Thalapavu‘, a film based on naxalites and Priyanka was selected for best actress for her role in ‘Vilapangalkapuram’,. Aryadan Shoukat was selected as best story writer for his effort in ‘Vilapangalkapuram‘. Shanker Mahadevan was selected as best playback singer for his song in ‘Madambi’, while Manjeri got the best playback singer (female) award. Best lyricist was O N V Kurup and best music director M Jayachandran for his work in ‘Madambi.’ State Minister for Education and Culture M A Baby announced the awards at a press meet here today along with Jury Chairman Girish Kasaravalli. A total of 27 films were considered for the awards. The best film award carries a prize money of Rs two lakh while the best director will get Rs one lakh and a citation. Other awards Best second film: Bhomi Malayalam directed by T V Chandran Second best actress –Praveena, Oranum Randupennum : Second best actor: Anoop Menon-Thirakkatha Best story wrtiter: Aryadan Shoukath, Vilapangalkappuram Best article on cinema : Vadakkan Pattu Cinimakal by P S Radhakrishanan Best book on cinema: Bodhatheerangalil Kalam Midikkumpol. Best playback singer (Femala):Manjari ,Vilapangalkappuram Best playback singer (Male): Shankar Mahadevan, Madampi Best music director: M Jayachandran ,Madampi Best lyricist :ONV Kurup , Gulmohar Best child artist: Nivedha Thomas, Veruthe Oru Bharya Best polpular film:Innathe Chintha Vishayam Special award for comedy,implemented this year, goes to Mamukkoya for Innathe Chintha Vishayam. No award has been declared for best children’s film and short film due to the absence of quality films. Only one film made an entry in the documentary section which was not considered for the award.