At the recently announced Kerala State Film Awards 2024 on Monday (November 3), actress Shamla Hamza emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the year. She won the Best Actress award for her powerful performance in Feminichi Fathima, while the film’s director, Fasil Muhammed, was honoured as Best Debutant Director. Mammootty also won the Best Actor award for his film Bramayugam. However, the double win marks a remarkable moment for the small yet impactful Malayalam drama that has been winning hearts since its film festival premiere.
Who is Shamla Hamza?
Before stepping into the cinema, according to The Week report, Shamla Hamza was known as a radio jockey who connected with audiences through her voice. Her journey from behind the microphone to the silver screen is one of quiet determination and passion.
In Feminichi Fathima, Shamla plays the lead role of Fathima, a domestic worker and mother of three, who faces life’s daily struggles with humour, courage, and grace. Through her portrayal, she brings to life the challenges and silent strength of women who are often overlooked in mainstream stories.
What makes Shamla’s achievement even more inspiring is the personal challenge she faced during the shoot. She filmed Feminichi Fathima while caring for her six-month-old daughter, often bringing the baby to the set. In interviews, Shamla has spoken about how demanding it was to balance motherhood with an intense shooting schedule, crediting her mother and the crew for helping her through the process. Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed; at the film’s IFFK screening, she was seen carrying her baby, earning a heartfelt round of applause from the audience.
About the film and its director
Feminichi Fathima tells a satirical yet deeply human story about the lives of domestic workers. It portrays their resilience, sense of humour, and ability to find dignity in everyday struggles. The film’s strength lies in its realistic characters and subtle social commentary, which struck a chord with both audiences and critics.
Director Fasil Muhammed, who also wrote the film, hails from Ponnani and drew inspiration from his own surroundings and experiences. Before making his directorial debut, he had worked as a spot editor on the acclaimed film 1001 Nunakal (2022). His storytelling in Feminichi Fathima focuses on authenticity, humour and emotion in a way that feels grounded and relatable.
Before its theatrical release, Feminichi Fathima received widespread praise at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), where it was featured in the International Competition category. Produced by Sudheesh Scariah and Thamar KV under AFD Cinemas, the film was later distributed in theatres by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films on October 10.
The recognition at the state awards highlights how smaller, independent Malayalam films are steadily reshaping the industry.
Who is Shamla Hamza?
Before stepping into the cinema, according to The Week report, Shamla Hamza was known as a radio jockey who connected with audiences through her voice. Her journey from behind the microphone to the silver screen is one of quiet determination and passion.
In Feminichi Fathima, Shamla plays the lead role of Fathima, a domestic worker and mother of three, who faces life’s daily struggles with humour, courage, and grace. Through her portrayal, she brings to life the challenges and silent strength of women who are often overlooked in mainstream stories.
What makes Shamla’s achievement even more inspiring is the personal challenge she faced during the shoot. She filmed Feminichi Fathima while caring for her six-month-old daughter, often bringing the baby to the set. In interviews, Shamla has spoken about how demanding it was to balance motherhood with an intense shooting schedule, crediting her mother and the crew for helping her through the process. Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed; at the film’s IFFK screening, she was seen carrying her baby, earning a heartfelt round of applause from the audience.
About the film and its director
Feminichi Fathima tells a satirical yet deeply human story about the lives of domestic workers. It portrays their resilience, sense of humour, and ability to find dignity in everyday struggles. The film’s strength lies in its realistic characters and subtle social commentary, which struck a chord with both audiences and critics.
Director Fasil Muhammed, who also wrote the film, hails from Ponnani and drew inspiration from his own surroundings and experiences. Before making his directorial debut, he had worked as a spot editor on the acclaimed film 1001 Nunakal (2022). His storytelling in Feminichi Fathima focuses on authenticity, humour and emotion in a way that feels grounded and relatable.
Before its theatrical release, Feminichi Fathima received widespread praise at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), where it was featured in the International Competition category. Produced by Sudheesh Scariah and Thamar KV under AFD Cinemas, the film was later distributed in theatres by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films on October 10.
The recognition at the state awards highlights how smaller, independent Malayalam films are steadily reshaping the industry.
You may also like
Belgium drones LIVE: Airspace closed as flights cancelled at Brussels and Liège airports
CBDT successfully achieves targets of Special Campaign 5.0
Reckless driver killed dad-of-four after crashing £105k Audi at 102mph
Arne Slot makes feelings crystal clear on Liverpool crowd booing Trent Alexander-Arnold
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle issued dire warning after Andrew banishment
