Kochi will remain as a place most remembered in time for it was that Sunday night when stars descended on earth while the moon lit the sky that triggered an avalanche of
glamour, glitz, melody, comedy and brisk steps. The much awaited Amrita Film Fraternity Awards-2006, took the lovers of the most popular art form to a sublime level. It worked a beautiful technique to honour veterans like Joseprakash and Adoor Bhavani - who burst into tears unable to stand the love and honour that have come at the autumn of their life. The Fest took to air with the immortal Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu verses and a beautiful dance set to its tunes, a child unleashed in the garden of love, playing acrossthe stage among a number of dancers, found her way to the hearts of the audience. On a different level, the message that the channel was spreading throughout the past one year echoed in the grand Ambedkar Stadium - We are a medium with our great culture as its pivot. All stars got their share of fun, enjoyment and honor. Maestros Priyadarshan and Santosh Sivan were honoured with ponnada and mementos.
Dileep bagged the best actor award while Meera Jasmine took home the best actress award. Manoj K. Jayan became the best supporting actor and Blessy the best director. As always, Srinivasan with his wit and humor made alive that Sunday night but this time triggering a competition that came from an unexpected quarter.
Srini felt a rare honor being snatched away from him and his son, Vineet who was awarded the best singer while M.G.Radhakrishnan was awarded the best music director and his son R. Rajakrishnan honoured for the best sound recording.
‘‘Let us cross swords from here,’’ he said, triggering peals of laughter from the audience. With his characteristic humour, Sreeni cut a different path from other artistes who couldn’t express remarkably through their words. Actress Sheela, veteran directors Joshy and I.V.Sasi, producer and actor Lal, directors Siddique and Shaji Kailas, Janardhanan and Maniyanpilla Raju added colour to the show, marked by two beautiful dance presentations by actressSukanya and singer Renjini Jos. The organisers did not forget to pay tribute to Devarajan. Biju Narayanan, Renjini Jos and Manjari rendered the unique gananjali in memory of Devarajan.
Excerpts, Indian Express , 11-04-2006