3rd MICA Award: A night of triumph for Malaysian Indian Cinema

The Malaysian Indian Creative Awards (MICA Award) 2024 unfolded in a spectacular showcase of talent and accomplishment at the HGH Convention Centre. Held on February 1, 2024, the event brought together luminaries from the Malaysian Indian creative community, creating an electric atmosphere as they celebrated the outstanding achievements within the industry.

The prestigious evening, graced by The Honourable YB Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications, and YBhg. Dato’ Kamil Othman, Chairman of FINAS, saw the presentation of 48 accolades, recognizing the exemplary contributions of artists and behind-the-scenes talents in the Malaysian Indian creative landscape. The event paid tribute to those who have left an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of Malaysia, creating a legacy that resonates within the nation.

Among the distinguished guests were YB Tuan Yuneswaran a/l Ramaraj, Member of Parliament for Segamat, Encik RG Naidu, Chief Executive Officer of MICA Awards, and YBhg. Datin Rozita Waty Ridzuan, Deputy Director-General of Management.

The night’s big winners, “Poochandi” and “Adai Mazhai Kaalam,” took center stage, dominating multiple categories and reaffirming their status as exceptional contributions to Malaysian Tamil-language cinema.

“Poochandi”: A Supernatural Masterpiece

“Poochandi,” a 2022 Malaysian Tamil-language horror thriller directed by JK Wicky, emerged as the crowning jewel of the night. Supported by the Digital Content Fund (DKD) from FINAS, the film claimed the Best Movie award and earned individual accolades for its key contributors.

JK Wicky expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming recognition received by ‘Poochandi,’ stating, “I am truly overwhelmed with this recognition for our debut theatrical venture, absolutely humbled and grateful.”

The film weaved together elements of mythology, history, and mystery, following the journey of a journalist from India encountering a supernatural entity in Malaysia. The film’s success extended to various technical categories, securing awards for Best Director (JK Wicky), Best Cinematography (A Salisham bin Mohd Ali), Best Background Music (Dustin Riduan Shah), Best Art Direction (Ravindas Aridas), and Best Makeup (Mira Manohgaran).

A Sweeping Success in Multiple Categories

“Adai Mazhai Kaalam,” a romantic fantasy film written and directed by Karthik Shaamalan, was another triumph of the evening. Karthik Shaamalan’s creative prowess earned him the Best Scriptwriter and Best Artwork Poster awards.

The acting ensemble of “Adai Mazhai Kaalam” left a lasting impression, with Evarani winning Best Supporting Actress and newcomers Loga Varman Strideran and Thia Lakshana honored as Best Male Newcomer and Best Female Newcomer, respectively. The film also shone in the Music Category, with awards for Best Music Director (Shameshan Manimaran) and Best Lyricist (Yuwaji) for the soulful composition “Ittana Thavam.”

Stellar Performances Shine

The Actors Awards category saw Kash Villanz and Moon Nila winning Best Actor and Best Actress for their outstanding performances in ‘Senthozhan Sengkathiravaanan.’ Alvin Martin was recognized as the Best Comedian for his role in ‘Narigal,’ while Irfan Zaini claimed the title of Best Villain for his portrayal in ‘Naam Katra Isai.’

Kash Villanz dedicated the accolade to director Govind Singhs, acknowledging the director’s brilliance. He expressed, “I am humbled and honored to receive this award, and I owe it all to the visionary director, Govind Singhs, who brilliantly crafted the character that earned me this recognition.”

A Fan-Powered Celebration

The MICA Popular Award Categories actively engaged the public in celebrating their favorite celebrities, providing a platform for fans to play a proactive role in recognizing outstanding talents. During the nomination phase, enthusiasts were invited to submit their preferred choices, and the top 5 entries with the highest number of nominations were shortlisted for the subsequent public voting. As the voting phase unfolded from January 15 to January 20, 2024, fans fervently rallied to support their preferred nominees.

The announcement of the MICA Popular Awards winners during the event night was met with excitement. Naam Katra Isai claimed the title of Popular Movie, with Thevaguru and Moon Nila being crowned as the Popular Actor and Actress, respectively. The recognition extended beyond traditional entertainment categories, as Theyvekgan received the Popular RJ award, Magen Vikadakavi earned the Popular TV Host title, and Gunamax and Dharshamini Kesavan were celebrated as the Popular Social Media Personality and Social Media Content Creator, reflecting the diverse talents cherished by the enthusiastic public.

Celebrating Icons and Legacy

The MICA Awards also paid homage to the luminaries and pioneers who have shaped the Malaysian Indian creative landscape through the presentation of The Jury Awards, Lifetime Achievement Awards, and a Special Recognition Award. The Jury Awards acknowledged individuals whose significant contributions have indelibly marked the Malaysian Indian creative scene. Honorees such as Saresh D7, Sangeeta Krishnasamy, Punnagai Poo Gheetha, Dato’ Abdul Malik Dasthigeer, Ganteeban @ Ben G, Shamini Shradha, Shabby, Chandhine Kaur, Hamsni Perumal, and Yuvaraj Krishnasamy were celebrated for their dedication and impactful roles in shaping the industry.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards paid tribute to stalwarts who have played pivotal roles in shaping the Malaysian Indian creative landscape. Vijeyasingham Kandasamy, Jasmine Michael, K Gunasekaran, and Rathey Sakubai received this prestigious honor, symbolizing not just a recognition of their past accomplishments but also a celebration of their lasting impact on the industry. A special moment unfolded with the presentation of the Special Recognition Award, acknowledging the significant impact of the Singaporean series Ayya Veedu and recognizing the outstanding contributions of Krishna.

As the night concluded, the resonance of achievement and celebration echoed, emphasizing the thriving creativity within the Malaysian Indian community. The 3rd Edition of MICA Awards showcased not only the current zenith of success but also a promising future for the Malaysian Indian creative industry.