Lights, Camera, Algo

Eligibility: This competition ("Competition") is open only to currently enrolled students of colleges and universities located in Kerala, India.

Participants below 18 years of age are restricted from participating in the competition.

The participants shall duly submit their Identity Card issued by the educational institution and an authorisation letter issued by the Head of the Institution.

While submitting the candidate’s photograph, participants must ensure that their face is clearly visible. Onmanorama reserves the right to publish the submitted photograph on its website, official social media platforms, and in the Malayala Manorama daily newspaper, if deemed necessary.

Only one submission per participant is allowed. Multiple submissions from the same participant will result in disqualification.

Children/students/relatives directly related to the Employees/Personnels of Malayala Manorama group, sister concerns, affiliates and other agencies associated with Malayala Manorama are also strictly restricted from participating the competition.

The competition shall be held from November 11, 2025, or on such date as may be decided by Onmanorama.

The theme for the 1-minute short video was announced by Onmanorama on November 11, 2025, through its website, social media pages and print publications.

The prospective applicants/participants to the competition can create an original short video adhering strictly to the given theme and duration of 1 minute. Those exceeding the time limit will be disqualified outrightly.

Reels submitted through the specified medium in the notification/advertisement of the competition shall only be accepted and the Malayala Manorama reserves the discretion to accept or reject the entries or reels.

The submission shall include the specific download link directly leading to their shareable folder. No public post or links will be allowed or permitted. The contents sent as specified, till the date of December 10, 2025, shall only be considered, unless otherwise determined by Onmanorama.

Onmanorama reserves the right to share or promote the contents created by any of the Social Media Influencers except as specifically created for Onmanorama under this agreed terms and conditions.

That contents which includes but not limited to unwelcoming contents with sexual flavours, adult, vulgar, indecent, politically biased, purposeful provocation, indecent exposure or representation of women or men inviting erotical attention, other types which are purely against social well being and illegal, shall be rejected ab initio and will not be encouraged during any stage of the Competition.

Participants agree that the team nominated and deputed by Onmanorama shall initially screen the theme, analysing the technical features audio/video clarity, quality and its authenticity. Any videos that do not meet the basic quality standards prescribed by Onmanorama will be disqualified without any notice or information and shall short list the participants.

Selection: Based on the list prepared by Onmanorama, the shortlisted candidates will be nominated to the competition on a first come first basis.

Participants further agree that the post analysis and verification of the entries by Onmanorama team, designated juries/judges engaged and arranged by Onmanorama shall evaluate the shortlisted Reels based on the following criteria: A. Creativity - 30% B. Originality - 30% C. Adherence to the theme -20% D. Technical quality -10% E. Engagement- 10%

The decision of the Judging Panel shall be final and binding on the participants.

Prizes and benefits: Onmanorama may arrange cash prizes or other benefits for the participants based on the reach, quality, views, likes, positive comments etc. The prizes if any may include A. First prize worth Rs 20,000 B. Second prize worth Rs 10,000 B. Third prize worth Rs 7,000 D. Popular Category (2 winners) prizes worth Rs 5,000 each. This will be based on the total number of likes and views the reel receives after being shared on Onmanorama's Instagram handle.

Winner Declaration: Onmanorama reserves the right to declare the winners.

The contents sent to Onmanorama shall be the intellectual property of the Malayala Manorama Co Private Limited/Onmanorama and shall reserve the right to reproduce the same in any manner for any purpose and the participants waives off all his rights over the content on sending/posting their contents to Manorama, reserving the right to add credit line by Onmanorama at its discretion.

The participants consents to give their personal details including contact, address, personal identification records, and technical records as may be found necessary by Manorama/Onmanorama, which shall be stored and used by Malayala Manorma for contacting and promotional purposes for a period of not less than 12 months from the announcement of the Competition.

The participants shall not be permitted to create their promotional contents during or after the Competition based on any information of the Competition.

The participants shall not use the content in any manner detrimental to the interests of Malayala Manorama Co Private Limited/Onmanorama, which includes camouflage, editing, or mixing with any other contents. Their use of the contents created by them at the Competition shall only for the promotional activities as may be instructed by Malayala Manorama Co Private Limited/Onmanorama.

Onmanorama reserves the right to record/broadcast/post or telecast the Competition in part or full and without the express permission of Onmanorama, no other person shall be eligible to use the Competition content in any manner.

By participating in the Competition, you agree to abide by these Terms and any additional guidelines provided by Onmanorama. Onmanorama reserves the right to modify or cancel the Competition at any time without prior notice.

Participants are solely responsible for obtaining any necessary permissions or clearances for any copyrighted material (music, images, etc.) used in their videos if any in accordance with the terms of the competition. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Onmanorama shall not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by a participant as a result of participating in this Competition.

Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless Onmanorama from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses arising out of or related to their participation in the Competition or their submission.

Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless Onmanorama from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses arising out of or related to their participation in the Competition or their submission.

Any non-compliance with the above terms and conditions at any stage of the competition shall result in the immediate disqualification and elimination of the participant without prior notice.