The Malayalam legend was hoisted by President Droupadi Murmu at the 72nd National Film Awards, sharing the top acting prize with Kartik Aaryan.
Mammootty walked onto the stage in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, to a roaring standing ovation and a gleaming trophy that marked his fourth National Film Award for Best Actor. President Droupadi Murmu handed him the award for his turn as Kodumon Potti in Rahul Sadasivan’s period horror, ‘Bramayugam’. The same night, Bollywood’s Kartik Aaryan lifted the identical honour for his work in ‘Chandu Champion’.
And this isn’t a flash‑in‑the‑pan moment. The Malayalam icon’s first national accolade came more than three decades ago, when he was recognised for two 1990 classics – ‘Mathilukal’ and ‘Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha’. A second batch arrived in 1994 for ‘Ponthan Mada’ and ‘Vidheyan’, followed by a third in 1999 for his portrayal of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. The latest win adds a fresh chapter to a career that has already spanned over 40 years.
But the applause wasn’t just for the trophy. Onmanorama noted that Mammootty also bagged the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for ‘Bramayugam’ a year earlier, underscoring the film’s critical momentum. The black‑and‑white horror, set in a bygone era, has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling and the depth of its titular character.
So what drives a veteran who’s already collected three national laurels? In his acceptance speech, Mammootty said national recognition still fuels his artistic fire. He added that he rarely dives into exhaustive prep before a role. "When choosing a film, I first look at the screenplay, followed by the depth of the character. I don't have a habit of doing extensive preparation beforehand. But when I stand in front of the camera on the first day of filming, some kind of energy fills me. I still don't know what that magic is," he explained.
And that mystery seems to be the secret sauce behind his longevity. The actor’s method – a quick script scan, a gut‑level feel for the role, then letting the camera capture the first spark – resonates with younger talent who often chase methodical rehearsal schedules.
The ceremony also highlighted the growing bridge between regional cinema and the national spotlight. Sharing the top acting prize with a Bollywood star signals a broader acceptance of Malayalam storytelling on the country’s biggest stage. Industry insiders are already speculating whether ‘Bramayugam’ will enjoy a wider theatrical rollout beyond its limited release, or if streaming platforms will snap it up for a pan‑India audience.
But for now, the focus remains on the moment: a standing ovation, a presidential handshake, and a fourth golden statue that cements Mammootty’s place among India’s most decorated actors.
What’s next?
The buzz around ‘Bramayugam’ is set to intensify as distributors weigh the commercial prospects of a period horror that’s already a critical darling. A wider release window could be announced in the coming weeks, and fans will be watching closely to see if the film rides the award‑season wave into the box‑office.
And as the awards season rolls on, all eyes will be on the next batch of nominees, wondering which other regional gems will break through the national barrier.
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