Actor Prakash Raj served as the jury chairman for the Kerala State Film Awards this year. The winners were announced at a press conference held in Thrissur today. This marked the 55th edition of the Kerala State Film Awards, where Mammootty and Shamla Hamza bagged the top acting honours.
Prakash Raj says National Film Awards are compromised
At the event, Prakash Raj was asked about his experience serving as jury chairman for the Kerala State Film Awards and his thoughts on Mammootty’s chances of winning big at the next National Film Awards. He said, “I don`t mind saying that National Film Awards are compromised. I am so happy to be a jury chairman of Kerala because when they called me, they said we need an outsider who is experienced, and we will not poke our hands into it, and we will let you take the decision.”
He added, “That is not happening in the National Awards, and we see it. When files and piles are getting awards! When such sort of a jury and such sort of a national government… they don’t deserve Mammukka.”
Mammootty wins Best Actor
Legendary actor Mammootty, 74, reaffirmed his unparalleled stature in Indian cinema by winning the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for his riveting performance as Kodumon Potty in Rahul Sadasivan’s critically acclaimed Bramayugam.
This latest honour marks Mammootty’s 12th State Award — and his eighth for Best Actor — a remarkable milestone in a career spanning over five decades and more than 400 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.
His performance in Bramayugam, a psychological period drama, was lauded for its depth, restraint, and magnetic screen presence, underscoring his reputation as one of Indian cinema’s most formidable performers.
Since his debut in the 1970s, Mammootty has remained an enduring figure in Malayalam cinema, effortlessly balancing mainstream appeal with artistic excellence. His recognition comes at a time when he continues to experiment with challenging roles, earning both critical and popular acclaim.
Mammootty on his win
After the awards were announced, the superstar addressed the press outside his home in Kochi. When asked if he would “lift” the award next year as well for his performance in the upcoming film Kalamkaval, Mammootty quipped, “Is this some measuring weight to ‘lift’?”
Mammootty also addressed a question about competing with younger actors like Asif Ali and Tovino Thomas. “This is a journey. There will be many who accompany us on that journey. They are all friends who offer us strength. Let’s think of it that way. This is not a competition, right? It’s not a running relay.”
