Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 18 (PTI) Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan and other leaders on Saturday congratulated the Malayalam personalities who won honours at the 72nd National Film Awards, hailing their achievements as a matter of pride for the state and its industry.
In a statement, the CM hailed actor Mammootty for winning his fourth National Film Award for ‘Bramayugam’, describing him as an “enduring icon of Indian cinema.” Satheesan said Mammootty was not just a name to Malayalis, but “a habit” that had remained unchanged for decades.
“The one and only Mammootty of Indian cinema stands enriched with his fourth National Film Award. His unwavering dedication to cinema, his willingness to go to any extent for the perfection of a character, and his constant desire to explore new roles have made him a phenomenon in Indian cinema,” the CM said.
Satheesan congratulated ‘Bramayugam’ cinematographer Shehnad Jalal, singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi, director Fazil Muhammed and the crew of the award-winning Malayalam film ‘Feminichi Fathima’, as well as the makers of the non-feature film ‘Bhadra Kali Nadakam’, which received a Special Jury Mention.
“They have all upheld the pride of Malayalam cinema and Kerala before the nation. It is a matter of heartfelt joy,” he said.
Tourism, Culture and Cinema Minister P C Vishnunadh congratulated all the artistes and technicians from the Malayalam film industry who won honours at the National Film Awards, saying their achievements had brought pride to the state.
He expressed special happiness over Mammootty winning the Best Actor award for the fourth time and said his portrayal of Kodumon Potti in ‘Bramayugam’, once again showcased the actor’s extraordinary versatility.
Vishnunadh said film lovers had expected Mammootty’s performance to receive national recognition and that the honour was a proud moment for Malayalam cinema.
He also congratulated Shehnad Jalal on winning the Best Cinematography award, saying his visual language, which created an atmosphere of mystery and horror through black-and-white frames, reflected the technical excellence of Malayalam cinema.
The minister hailed singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi for winning national recognition for the song “Angu Vaana Konil” from ‘Ajayante Randam Moshanam’, saying the honour added to the prestige of the National Film Awards.
Vishnunadh welcomed the recognition received by ‘Feminichi Fathima’, directed by Fazil Muhammed, saying the film, which had won five awards at the International Film Festival of Kerala, had emerged as a landmark women-centric work highlighting women’s resilience and survival.
He congratulated the makers of the documentary ‘Bhadra Kali Nadakam’, directed by Ananthajyothi, which received a Special Jury Mention in the non-feature category.
Higher Education Minister Roji M John, in a Facebook post, congratulated the Malayalam film personalities who won honours at the National Film Awards, saying their achievements had brought pride to Malayalam cinema.
Describing Mammootty as an acting phenomenon, John said the actor’s portrayal of Kodumon Potti in ‘Bramayugam’, with its menacing smile and remarkable transformation, showed that he continued to reinvent himself despite being at the peak of his career.
“Even while remaining at the peak of his career, Mammootty continues to create waves with commercial films while embracing experimental cinema and constantly reinventing himself as an actor. This award is a well-deserved recognition of his talent,” the minister said.
John congratulated Vaikom Vijayalakshmi, Shehnad Jalal and debut director Fazil Muhammed for the recognition received by ‘Feminichi Fathima’.
“Malayalam cinema is basking in the glory of national recognition. Congratulations to all the talented personalities who have elevated the pride of Malayalam cinema at the National Film Awards,” he said.
Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty congratulated Mammootty on winning the Best Actor award at the 72nd National Film Awards.
In a Facebook post, Kunhalikutty said the honour was a recognition of Mammootty’s unwavering passion for acting and his commitment to bringing every character to perfection.
He said the actor’s dedication, energy and ability to transcend age had made him an inspiration to film lovers and future generations alike.
CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby said Mammootty was the pride of Kerala and the acting world.
“There isn’t much more to say about Mammootty’s acting. To put it in terms that are easy to understand today, I feel he is the Lionel Messi of the acting world. With love, I send my hugs and greetings to Mammootty,” he said. PTI TBA SSK
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