Kerala's cinema industry once again lived up to its reputation of fine quality as many Malayalam films bagged top honours at the National Film Awards in New Delhi Tuesday, including the one for best film.

In the National Awards for 2006, Malayalam film "Pulijanmam" was declared the best feature film and director Priyanandanan said he was "really happy because recognition has finally come to me for all the hard work".

He added: "Those who are sidelined cannot be kept out for long because one day recognition will come, and it has come now with this national award."

"Pulijanmam" is Priyanandanan's second film after the critically acclaimed "Neythukaaran". The film is based on a play by N. Prabhakaran of the same title.

The movie tells the story of contemporary society through the eyes of an activist, who speaks for the public, their problems and their undertakings.

Prakashan, the protagonist of the film played by award-winning actor Murali, is a graduate who finds it difficult to adjust his ideas about social existence with those prevalent in the society.

Another Malayalam film that featured on the national awards list is director Kamal's "Karuthapakshikal".

"I am really excited because this is the second time my film has won the national award for the best family film," Kamal said.

In "Karuthapakshigal", Malayalam superstar Mammootty plays a Tamil migrant worker who ekes out his living by ironing clothes. It also stars actress Padmapriya.

Kamal pointed out that the state awards had ignored films that had been recognised at the national level.

"Another reason for joy is that the films that have won laurels at the national level are those that have been ignored at the state level. This clearly shows that jury thinks differently," he remarked.

Veteran actor Thilakan bagged the Special Jury Award for his stellar performance in "Ekantham", which was also selected as the best film by a debutante director.

"In the film I did not act, I just behaved and of course I am excited because even though I am disliked by many in the industry here since I speak out, I broke the shackles and won the award," the thespian said.

Directed by Madhu Kaithapuram, "Ekantham" (Solitude) brings out the loneliness one goes through during old age.

Priyamani, who won the best actress award for her role in Tamil film "Paruthi Veeran", also happens to be a Malayali settled in Bangalore.

" What I have heard is too hard to digest. My happiness just cannot be explained. I give full credit to all the members who worked with me in the film. I am really happy," said an excited Priyamani.