Malayalam cinema has reached dizzy heights by winning nine awards at the prestigious 54th National Film Awards.

Priyanandanan's off-beat Pulijanmam has won the coveted best feature film the highest honour to come the Malayalam industry in recent times. Priyanandanan also won the best director award jointly with Madhur Bhandarkar.

Thilakan who was in the race for the Best Actor award was given a special mention by the jury for his performance in Ekantham. M.P. Sukumaran Nair directed Drishtanthamwas declared the best Malayalam film. Nedumudi Venu was given an award for his narration (commentary) in the short film Minukku

Kamal's Karutha Pakshikal was selected as the best family film with social content. Best debutant director award went to Madhu Kaithapuram for his film Ekantham.

Best dance choreographers- Madhu Samudra-Sajiv Samudra for Rathri Mazha. and one of the best film on National Integration went to Mohanlal's Major Ravi directed Keerthi Chakra (In pic: Priyanandanan)

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan described the National Awards won by Malayalam cinema as a matter of pride for all Malayalees. In a press note, he said that it was a certificate of the quality of Malayalam films.

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