Veteran actor and filmmaker Prakash Raj has sparked a controversy by declaring that the National Film Awards are "compromised" and do not deserve to recognize the talent of Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty. Raj made these remarks on Monday, November 3, 2025, while serving as the jury chairman for the 55th Kerala State Film Awards, igniting a debate about the fairness and credibility of the national honors.
Speaking at the award announcement in Thrissur, Raj stated that the National Film Awards often go to "files and piles" rather than genuine artistry. This statement was widely interpreted as a critique of the system for allegedly overlooking Mammootty's performances over the years. Raj questioned the integrity of the National Awards, suggesting that external influences and biases may be affecting the selection process.
Raj contrasted the National Film Awards with the Kerala State Film Awards, where he felt the jury was given the freedom to make decisions without interference. He expressed his happiness in serving as the jury chairman for Kerala, emphasizing that he was chosen as an experienced outsider and was allowed to make decisions independently. He lauded the Kerala government's support for films made by women and those from marginalized communities, while also suggesting the need for a curating team to maintain the quality of these films.
The comments came shortly after Mammootty, 74, was named Best Actor for his performance as Kodumon Potty in Rahul Sadasivan's film, 'Bramayugam'. This marked Mammootty's 12th State Award and his eighth as Best Actor, adding to his illustrious career spanning over five decades with more than 400 films across various languages. Mammootty's performance in 'Bramayugam', a period drama, has been praised for its subtlety and captivating screen presence, reinforcing his reputation as one of Indian cinema's most versatile actors.
Mammootty has won the National Film Award for Best Actor three times for 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha' and 'Mathilukal' (1990), 'Vidheyan' and 'Ponthan Mada' (1994), and 'Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar' (1999). Despite his consistent performance and acclaim, many fans and critics have felt that he has been deserving of the honor on several other occasions.
In response to receiving the Kerala State Award, Mammootty expressed his gratitude and congratulated all the winners and nominees.
The 55th Kerala State Film Awards also recognized Shamla Hamza as Best Actress for 'Feminichi Fathima', while 'Manjummel Boys', directed by Chidambaram, won multiple awards, including Best Film and Best Director.
Prakash Raj's remarks have opened up a broader discussion about the integrity and representation of regional cinema at the National Film Awards. This isn't the first time Prakash Raj has voiced his opinions on national issues. In the past, he has been known to speak out against political matters and express his views on various social issues.
