Mammootty Wins Best Actor at 72nd National Film Awards

Mammootty, Vaikom Vijayalakshmi Shine at 72nd National Film Awards; Mixed Fortunes for Malayalam Cinema

Malayalam cinema celebrated notable wins and faced unexpected disappointments at the 72nd National Film Awards, announced in New Delhi on Saturday. Mammootty, one of the industry's stalwarts, emerged as a standout winner, clinching the Rajat Kamal for Best Actor. His riveting portrayal of Kodumon Potty, a tyrannical and enigmatic landlord in Rahul Sadasivan's horror-thriller Bramayugam, earned widespread acclaim. Mammootty shared the prestigious award with Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan.

Cinematography and Playback Singing Recognized

Another major win for Bramayugam came in the form of the Best Cinematography Award, which was bagged by Shehnad Jalal. A native of Thiruvananthapuram, Jalal's exceptional camera work played a pivotal role in elevating the film to critical success. This marks his second collaboration with Sadasivan, following their earlier work on Bhoothakalam. Jalal, who previously won the Kerala State Film Award for cinematography for Chitrasuthram (2010), is celebrated for his contributions to Malayalam cinema, including works like Ee Adutha Kalathu and Left Right Left.

Renowned singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi also made headlines, winning the Best Playback Singer Award (Female) for her soulful rendition of "Angu Vaana Konilu" in Ajayante Randam Moshanam. She expressed gratitude to music director Dhibu Ninan Thomas, crediting him for guiding her to deliver the song as a "memorable lullaby."

Feminichi Fathima Wins Best Malayalam Film

Fasil Muhammed’s debut feature, Feminichi Fathima (Feminist Fathima), was awarded the Best Malayalam Film. The movie, a sharp satire on patriarchy and religious constraints imposed on women, has already garnered international recognition, winning multiple awards at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). Muhammed expressed his confidence in the film's content and his joy at receiving national recognition for his work.

Disappointments for Some

Despite high expectations, films like Manjummal Boys and Kishkindha Kaandam failed to secure any awards, leaving fans and creators disappointed. Actor Asif Ali, who was in the running for Best Actor for his performance in Kishkindha Kaandam, expressed pride in being considered alongside Mammootty, whom he referred to as "Mammukka."

Special Mention for Non-Feature Film

In the non-feature film category, Bhadra-Kali Natakam (Bhadra-The Dance of Kali), directed by Ananda Jyothi (Jose Antony), received a special mention. The film's recognition adds another feather to Malayalam cinema's cap at this year’s awards.

A Mixed Outcome for Malayalam Cinema

While the wins for Mammootty, Shehnad Jalal, Vaikom Vijayalakshmi, and Fasil Muhammed underscore the creative prowess of Malayalam cinema, the lack of recognition for other anticipated films highlights the unpredictable nature of awards. The 72nd National Film Awards proved to be both a celebration and a moment of reflection for the industry.

Source: The Hindu