Dr. Lizy K. Fernandes was honoured with the award for Best Original Story, while S. Saravanan claimed the title for Best Cinematography, and Bijilal was recognised for delivering the Best Background Score.
Kochi: A moment of pride for CIN Global Movies as Swargam, their debut family entertainer, shines at the 16th J.C. Daniel Foundation Awards. The film brought home multiple accolades: Dr. Lizy K. Fernandes was honoured with Best Original Story, S. Saravanan bagged Best Cinematography, and Bijilal earned the Best Background Music award. Additionally, Swargam received the Film Critics Award for Social Message. The award ceremony will be held in Thiruvananthapuram this September.
Swargam, a heartwarming family drama rooted in village life, features performances by Aju Varghese, Johnny Antony, Ananya, Manju Pillai, Sijoy Varghese, Vineeth Thattil, Johnny, and Unni Raja. Directed by Regis Antony and penned by Dr. Lizy K. Fernandes, the film released on November 8, 2024 was widely praised for its meaningful narrative, impactful performances, and melodious soundtrack.
The film is a unique collaboration between 15 expatriate producers and Dr. Lizy K. Fernandes, united by a common vision to deliver a socially relevant message through cinema. Swargam enjoyed successful theatrical runs in multiple countries and continues to reach audiences via Amazon Prime, Manorama Max, and Sun NXT.
The producers of Swargam include: Varghese Thomas (UAE), Ranjith John (Australia), Sibi Mani Kumaramangalam (Italy), Mathew Thomas (UAE), Manoj Thomas (UAE), Georgekutty Paul (Oman), Babychan Varghese (Australia), Ronnie John (South Africa), Shaji Jacob (Nigeria), Pinto Mathew (UAE), Vipin Varghese (UAE), Johnson Punneliparambil (Australia), Elsamma Abraham Andur (India), and Joby Thomas Mattathil (Kuwait).
Other Notable Winners of the 16th J.C. Daniel Foundation Awards:
• Best Film: Feminichi Fatima (Dir. Faasil Mohammed)
• Second Best Film: Kishkindhakandam (Dr. Diljit Ayyathan)
• Best Director: Chidambaram (Manjummal Boys)
• Best Actor: Asif Ali (Kishkindhakandam, Levelcross)
• Best Actress: Chinnu Chandni (Vishveedha)
• Second Best Actor: Kumar Sunil (Feminichi Fatima, Kolahalam)
• Second Best Actress: Rehana (Izha)
• Best Cinematography: S. Saravanan (Swargam)
• Best Editor: K. Srinivas (Mashipachayum Kallupensilum)
• Best Background Music: Bijilal (Swargam, Appuram)
• Best Singer (Male): Vedan (Kondal, Manjummal Boys)
• Best Singers (Female):
o Vaikom Vijayalakshmi (1.5 Meters of Circumference, Malayali from India)
o Devananda Girish (Sukhino Bhavanthu)
• Best Screenplay: Anand Madhusoodanan (Vishveda)
• Best Lyricist: Manu Manjith (A.R.M.)
• Art Direction: Gokuldas (A.R.M.)
• Costume Design: Nisar Rahmat (Mura)
• Make-up Artist: Vijay Kecheri (Urul)
• Best Children’s Film: Kalam State. 5B (Dr. Liju Mithran Mathew)
• Best Child Actor: Sujay Krishna (School Chaleham)
• Best Child Actress: Thanmaya Sol (Iruniram)
This year’s awards showcase a rich blend of storytelling, artistic excellence, and socially impactful cinema.