At the Kerala State Film Awards 2024, actress Shamla Hamza’s name echoed across the state as she won the Best Actress award for Feminichi Fathima. Her win was a heartwarming surprise, marking a defining moment for both her career and Malayalam cinema’s growing space for real, grounded stories.
The small yet emotionally charged drama also brought recognition to director Fasil Muhammed, who won the Best Debutant Director award. On the same night, veteran actor Mammootty bagged the Best Actor award for Bramayugam. But it was Feminichi Fathima’s double victory that caught everyone’s attention, a quiet film with a big heart that continues to touch audiences wherever it’s screened.
Who is Shamla Hamza?
Before lighting up the big screen, Shamla Hamza was best known as a radio jockey, known for her warm voice and strong connection with listeners. According to The Week, her journey from the studio microphone to cinema sets has been one of resilience and passion.
In Feminichi Fathima, Shamla plays Fathima, a domestic worker and mother of three, who faces life’s challenges with humour and quiet courage. Her portrayal isn’t just powerful; it feels lived-in, deeply rooted in the lives of women who go unseen and unheard in mainstream cinema.
What makes Shamla’s win even more special is the personal challenge behind it. She shot the film while caring for her six-month-old daughter, often bringing the baby to the set. In interviews, she revealed how difficult it was to juggle her roles as a mother and an actor. “It was not easy,” she said, crediting her mother and the film’s crew for their support. During the film’s screening at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), Shamla even walked in holding her baby, a moment that earned her a spontaneous standing ovation from the audience.
What is Feminichi Fathima about?
The film tells the story of domestic workers, their struggles, dignity, and humour amid hardship. Through Fathima’s eyes, it brings out the resilience of women who find laughter in chaos and strength in silence.
Director Fasil Muhammed, who hails from Ponnani, infused the story with realism and warmth. Before his directorial debut, he had worked as a spot editor on 1001 Nunakal (2022). His writing and direction in Feminichi Fathima reflect a deep understanding of human emotions and the social realities of everyday life.
Produced by Sudheesh Scariah and Thamar KV under AFD Cinemas, the film was distributed by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films and hit theatres on October 10. It had earlier impressed critics at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala, where it was featured in the International Competition category.
A film born out of sincerity
With Feminichi Fathima, both Shamla Hamza and Fasil Muhammed have delivered a film that celebrates everyday women, those who find strength in simplicity and laughter in pain. The movie’s journey, from film festivals to state honours, reflects how sincerity and storytelling still have the power to win hearts.
Highlights:
- Shamla Hamza won Best Actress for Feminichi Fathima at the Kerala State Film Awards 2024.
- She filmed the movie while caring for her six-month-old daughter.
- Feminichi Fathima also won Best Debutant Director for Fasil Muhammed and was backed by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films.
