Thiruvananthapuram:
Actor-politician Prakash Raj, who chaired the jury for the 55th Kerala State Film Awards, made bold remarks about the difference between the state and national-level honours. During a press interaction after the awards were announced on Monday evening, he lauded the Kerala awards’ transparency but sharply criticised the National Film Awards, calling them “compromised.”
The announcement ceremony saw Manjummel Boys and Bramayugam emerge as the big winners of the evening, with Mammootty taking home his record-breaking seventh Kerala State Best Actor Award.
“National Awards Are Compromised,” Says Prakash Raj
Speaking about his role as jury chairman and his overall experience, Prakash Raj 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 went on to draw a stark contrast between the autonomy of the Kerala jury and the perceived interference at the national level:
“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.”
His strong words — referring to the legendary actor Mammootty as “Mammukka” — resonated deeply with fans who have long accused the National Film Awards of overlooking deserving performances.
Mammootty’s Historic 7th Kerala State Award
Mammootty, 73, set a new record by winning his seventh Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor this year for his stunning performance in Bramayugam.
Previously, he had clinched the National Film Award for Best Actor three times — for Mathilukal (1990), Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989), and a dual win for Ponthan Mada and Vidheyan (1993), followed by another recognition for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (1999).
Over the years, fans and critics alike have argued that Mammootty has been unfairly overlooked for his powerhouse performances at the national level.
This latest win cements his dominance in Malayalam cinema — placing him ahead of contemporaries Mohanlal and Urvashi, who each hold six Kerala State Awards.
Manjummel Boys, Bramayugam Sweep Kerala State Film Awards 2025
The 55th Kerala State Film Awards celebrated the best of Malayalam cinema with Manjummel Boys winning Best Film and Chidambaram bagging Best Director.
The survival drama Manjummel Boys, inspired by real-life events, was lauded for its technical brilliance and emotional depth. Meanwhile, Bramayugam, starring Mammootty, stood out for its atmospheric storytelling, striking visuals, and commanding performances.
A Jury Process Rooted in Transparency
Prakash Raj praised the Kerala State Film Awards for maintaining artistic integrity and freedom from political interference — qualities he implied were lacking in the National Awards.
“When they called me, they said — we need an outsider who is experienced, and we will let you take the decision. That freedom made this process meaningful,” he said.
The actor’s comments have since sparked widespread debate on social media, with many applauding his candour and calling for more accountability in India’s national award systems.