The 55th Kerala State Film Awards have erupted into controversy following the announcement of rapper and lyricist Vedan (Hirandhas Murali) as the winner of the Best Lyricist award for his work in the film Manjummel Boys. The decision, made public on November 2, 2025, during a press conference led by Minister of Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian, has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with users trending hashtags like #ShameOnKeralaGovernment and #AwardScandal2025.
Critics argue that Vedan’s selection undermines the credibility of the awards, especially given his pending criminal allegations, including a rape charge and prior arrest in a narcotics case. While supporters claim his lyrics reflect the pain of marginalized communities, many believe the government’s decision sends a troubling message about accountability and ethics in public recognition.
🧠 Key Controversies Surrounding Vedan’s Award
| Issue | Details | Public Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Rape Allegation | Vedan is currently facing charges in a sexual assault case | Outrage over honoring an accused |
| Narcotics Arrest | Arrested in April 2025 with 6 grams of ganja | Questions about moral standards |
| Jury Composition | Headed by actor Prakash Raj, included 7 film professionals | Accused of bias and lack of transparency |
| Award Justification | Recognized for lyrical depth in Manjummel Boys | Dismissed by critics as tone-deaf |
| Government Response | No official comment on backlash yet | Accused of silence and complicity |
The backlash has intensified calls for reform in the award selection process and greater scrutiny of nominees.
📊 Social Media Sentiment Analysis – #VedanControversy
| Platform | Trending Hashtags | Sentiment Breakdown (%) |
|---|---|---|
| X (Twitter) | #ShameOnKeralaGovernment, #BoycottKSFA | Negative: 78, Neutral: 15, Positive: 7 |
| #VedanAwardScandal, #JusticeForVictims | Negative: 65, Neutral: 25, Positive: 10 | |
| #KeralaFilmAwardsDebate | Negative: 72, Neutral: 20, Positive: 8 |
The online discourse is overwhelmingly critical, with users demanding accountability from the jury and government.
📈 Timeline of Events Leading to the Controversy
| Date | Event Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| April 2025 | Vedan arrested in Kochi for possession of ganja | Kochi |
| August 2025 | Rape allegation surfaces, FIR filed | Thiruvananthapuram |
| October 2025 | Jury finalizes award recipients | Thrissur |
| November 2, 2025 | Vedan announced as Best Lyricist at KSFA | Thrissur |
| November 3, 2025 | Social media backlash begins | Online |
The timeline reveals a pattern of controversy that was overlooked during the award selection process.
🗣️ Reactions from Film Industry and Civil Society
| Stakeholder | Commentary Summary |
|---|---|
| Feminist Organizations | “This award is a slap in the face of survivors.” |
| Film Critics | “Art cannot be divorced from accountability.” |
| Jury Members (Anonymous) | “We judged based on artistic merit alone.” |
| Cultural Commentators | “The state must uphold ethical standards.” |
The debate has reignited discussions on separating art from the artist and the role of public institutions in setting moral benchmarks.
📌 Vedan’s Artistic Profile and Public Image
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Hirandhas Murali |
| Genre | Malayalam Rap, Social Commentary |
| Notable Works | Manjummel Boys, Kochi Diaries |
| Support Base | Youth, marginalized communities |
| Controversies | Drug arrest, rape allegation |
While Vedan’s lyrical style has been praised for its rawness and authenticity, his legal troubles have overshadowed his artistic contributions.
📌 Conclusion
The Kerala State Film Awards 2025 have become a lightning rod for public criticism following Vedan’s controversial win. As netizens, activists, and cultural voices demand accountability, the government faces mounting pressure to address the credibility crisis. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about ethics in art, the responsibilities of public institutions, and the need for transparent and inclusive award processes.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, social media analysis, and public statements. It is intended for informational and editorial purposes only and does not constitute legal or political advice.
