In the glittering world of Malayalam cinema, few moments sting quite like an award oversight that feels personal. The announcement of the 55th Kerala State Film Awards on November 3, 2025, celebrating the best of 2024's releases, brought cheers for films like Manjummel Boys and Premalu. But for legions of Fahadh Faasil enthusiasts, it was a bitter pill. Aavesham, the actor's uproarious action-comedy that lit up screens earlier this year, walked away empty-handed. No nods for Best Actor, no love for Best Popular Film—nada. Fans aren't mincing words: this is a snub of epic proportions, and social media is ablaze with their unfiltered frustration.

Aavesham's Meteoric Rise: From Screens to Fan Favorites

Let's rewind to March 2024, when Aavesham hit theaters like a whirlwind. Directed by Jithu Madhavan, the film follows three college lads tangled in a hostel brawl, only to seek unlikely aid from Rangannan—a towering, tattooed gangster with a heart as soft as his booming laugh. Fahadh Faasil doesn't just play Rangannan; he becomes him. With his impeccable comic timing, exaggerated swagger, and those soulful eyes peeking through the bravado, Fahadh crafts a character that's equal parts menace and teddy bear. Critics raved, calling it a "masterclass in mass entertainment," while audiences couldn't get enough of the film's punchy dialogues and foot-tapping tracks like "Karan Arjun."

The numbers tell the tale too. Aavesham raked in over ₹76 crore at the Kerala box office alone, holding strong for 30 days and edging into the all-time top earners for the industry. It wasn't just a hit; it was a cultural phenomenon, spawning memes, fan edits, and endless "Ranganna" impressions. In a year stacked with blockbusters, this gem stood out for blending high-octane action with laugh-out-loud humor, proving Malayalam cinema's knack for reinventing the wheel without losing its soul.

Rangannan's Reign: Fahadh's Acclaimed Tour de Force

Fahadh Faasil has long been the chameleon of Mollywood, slipping into roles that range from brooding anti-heroes to quirky everymen. But Rangannan? That's Fahadh unleashed—raw, riotous, and riveting. His portrayal earned whispers of "award bait" from the get-go, with pre-announcement buzz placing him neck-and-neck with heavyweights like Mammootty (Bramayugam) and Asif Ali (Kishkindha Kaandam). Fahadh's physical transformation, from the hulking frame to the infectious energy, added layers to a role that could have been cartoonish in lesser hands. "He brings out his complete form," gushed one reviewer, highlighting how Fahadh elevates every frame with nuance.

It's this depth amid the chaos that has fans up in arms. In a landscape where awards often honor the gritty over the gleeful, Aavesham's oversight feels like a dismissal of joy itself. Fahadh, already a four-time Kerala State Award winner, deserved a fifth for breathing life into a character who's now etched in pop culture lore.

The Backlash Builds: 'Snub' Echoes Across Social Media

The internet, ever the passionate town square, erupted faster than a Premalu punchline. "How does Aavesham get zero awards? Rangannan deserved the world!" tweeted one devotee, racking up hundreds of likes. Hashtags like #JusticeForAavesham and #RangannaSnub trended on X, with users venting in threads that mix heartbreak and humor. "Premalu wins Best Popular Film? It's cute, but Aavesham is the OG mass entertainer—original, explosive, unforgettable," lamented another, sparking debates on what truly defines "popular appeal."

Comparisons to Premalu—the rom-com darling that snagged the popular film trophy—fueled the fire. While Premalu charmed with its breezy romance and youthful vibe, fans argue Aavesham outshone it in scale, innovation, and sheer rewatchability. "Not a bad film, but Aavesham was way better and way more original. Shocking zero recognition," read a viral post. Even critics chimed in, calling the miss "collateral damage of excellence" in a banner year, yet questioning why lesser-lauded entries like Bougainvillea scooped multiple honors. The sentiment? Disappointment laced with defiance: awards may have overlooked it, but the people haven't.

Why It Matters: A Mirror to Cinema's Heart

This snub isn't just about trophies; it's a referendum on what we celebrate in storytelling. Aavesham reminded us that cinema can be a riotous escape, a shared belly laugh in tough times. As fans rally online—"Won more audience & box office, that's the real award," quipped one—Fahadh's legion proves the true measure of success lies beyond juries. In the end, Rangannan's roar echoes louder than any silence from the stage. Here's hoping next year rights this wrong, because when Fahadh shines, Malayalam cinema glows.

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