The Kerala State Film Awards for 2025 were announced on Monday, but the ceremony was swiftly overshadowed by controversy. Public backlash erupted following the inclusion of lyricist Vedan in the list of honorees.
Vedan was awarded Best Lyricist for the song “Kuthathram” from the acclaimed film ‘Manjummel Boys.’ While the film itself garnered significant attention, Vedan’s win sparked widespread criticism from netizens.
The anger stems from past allegations of sexual harassment made against Vedan by several women last year. Vedan had publicly apologized for his actions, and the matter is currently pending in court.
Critics are questioning the decision to award an individual facing such serious, unresolved allegations. Social media platforms quickly became a forum for public outrage.
One Twitter user commented, “Kerala state awards are even more pathetic than national awards when people like Vedan and Chidambaram win.”
kerala state awards are even more pathetic than national awards when people like vedan and chidambaram win.
— Vypinkaaran Tarkovsky 🇵🇸 (@bettercallsree) November 3, 2025
Another user drew a comparison: “Prakash Raj going all against Dileep in 2017 to awarding Vedan in 2025, excellent transformation arc.”
prakash raj going all against dileep in 2017 to awarding vedan in 2025, excellent transformation arc.
— Indraneel Binu (@BinuIndraneel) November 3, 2025
A third user directly addressed the government: “Shame on the Kerala Government for giving #KeralaFilmsStateAwards2025 to Vedan. What message are you sending to society by giving him the Best Lyricist award before a court verdict in his cases? Why are feminists silent on this?”
Shame on the Kerala Government for giving #KeralaFilmsStateAwards2025 to Vedan.
What message are you sending to society by giving him the Best Lyricist award before a court verdict in his cases? Why are feminists silent on this? pic.twitter.com/vgNSWCwWKl
— Biju Vaisyathil (@Biju_Vaisyathil) November 3, 2025
‘Manjummel Boys’ otherwise had a strong showing at the awards. It received the Best Film honor, along with accolades for Best Director, Best Character Actor, Best Cinematography, Production Design, Sound Design, and Sound Mixing.