The 20th Asianet Film Awards took off successfully in Angamaly's Adlux International Convention Centre on Sunday, May 20th 2018. The 20th edition of the acclaimed award showcased a host of stars including Mammootty and actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan.
The awards were handed out for the films released in 2017. Fahadh Faasil bagged the best actor award for Thondimuthalam Driksakshiyum with Kamal Haasan handing over the award. Actor Parvathy won best female actor for her performance in Take Off. The audience witnessed a heartwarming moment as Parvathy took blessings from Mamootty who handed over the award to her and hugged her.
For months, Parvathy had been viciously trolled by Mammootty fans for her comment calling out sexist dialogues mouthed by superstars in movies.
Mahesh Narayanan won the best director award for his film Take Off. The award was handed over to him by veteran actor Nedumudi Venu.
Asianet's 'Golden Star' award was bagged by Dulquer Salmaan, Tovino Thomas won the 'Best Performer' award and actor Nedumudi Venu won the 'Lifetime Achievement' award at the ceremony.
The award show included performances by actor and dancer Asha Sharath. Actors such as Jayaram, Innocent, young actors including Priya Prakash Varier and Keerthy Suresh of the Mahanati fame graced the award ceremony.
Apart from the awards, the event also showcased Asianet donating Rs 6 crore to Kerala Government's Nava Kerala Nidhi.
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Asianet, Managing Director, K Madhavan, presented the cheque to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who attended the award ceremony.
The event also saw the launch of Malayalam Bigg Boss, telecast by Asianet, which will have Mohanlal as the host.