Rapper Vedan’s Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyricist has sparked outrage as he faces rape allegations. Netizens criticised the government for honouring an accused, questioning the credibility of the state awards
Vedan
The winners of the 55th Kerala State Film Awards were announced at a press conference by Minister of Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian. The jury panel, which was headed by well-known actor Prakash Raj, comprised of eminent professionals such as film director Ranjan Pramod, filmmaker Jibu Jacob, screenwriter Santhosh Echikkanam, playback singer Gayathri Ashokan, Sound designer and director Nithin Lukose, and actor, writer, and dubbing artiste Baghyalakshmi. However, one award that raised eyebrows and criticism was that of the Best Lyricist for Rapper Vedan for the film Manjummel Boys. The honour came as a surprise to many as Vedan is currently an accused in a rape case.
Netizens slam Kerala government
Rapper Vedan's award has not gone down well with netizens, who slammed the government's decision to honour man accused of sexual harassment. Some questioned the credibility of the State Awards while some questioned what message this gives artists.
Check out reactions:
Why was Vedan considered for awards? Thought it was state policy to exclude those who are accused in crime.
— Nikhil Muraleedharan (@nikhilmuraleed9) November 3, 2025
I mean wasn't that one of the reasons #Kammarasambhavam was sidelined!??
Just saying!#KeralaStateFilmAwards
Imagine doing PR for being a righteous govt and then platforming abusers like Vedan and Chidambaram with awards? Dare I say, both state & centre - two sides of the same coin.
— Hara ✨ (@Mystic_riverrr) November 3, 2025
And they gave an undeserved recognition to Vedan, who’s facing multiple sexual abuse & rape allegations. Not much difference between State and National Awards now, State Award is just slightly better, that’s all. Special mention for Jyothirmayi is another joke @prakashraaj 🤝 https://t.co/dJpy24UoLn
— Akshay (@iAkshayRPillai) November 3, 2025
About Vedan's case
According to the FIR lodged in Kochi in July 2025, the complainant alleged that she was sexually exploited by Vedan between 2021 and 2023. Their relationship began while she was a medical student. She claims that on at least five occasions in Kozhikode, Kochi, and other locations, he assaulted her under the pretext of marriage. The complaint also mentions that they briefly lived together. She further alleged financial exploitation, stating that in 2021, when Vedan was preparing to release his debut album, she gave him Rs 15,000 on two occasions and another Rs 8,300 to fund his train travel.
Their acquaintance reportedly began over social media, but in 2023, Vedan allegedly broke off the relationship, leading to distress and prompting her to file the complaint.
Two other women have also since accused the rapper of misbehaviour.
Who is Vedan?
Vedan, 25, rose to fame under the banner Voice of the Voiceless. He debuted in 2020 and, within the same year, gained recognition as a lyricist in hit films like Nayattu (2021), Karam (2019), and Manjummel Boys (2024).
His socially conscious rap style earned him a large following across Kerala.
This is not his first brush with controversy. In April, Vedan was arrested along with eight others following a narcotics raid, though he was later released on bail. Around the same time, forest officials briefly detained him after discovering a tiger’s tooth on his necklace.
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