Cinema VinesMammootty, the celebrated Malayalam actor, has just claimed his fourth National Film Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Kodumon Potti in the black‑and‑white drama Bramayugam. The ceremony, held in New Delhi, saw the veteran reflect on the nature of his craft, saying that the real “magic” of a performance often comes spontaneously in the first moments before the camera. He added that he does not rely on exhaustive prep work; instead, an unexpected energy seems to take over, bringing the character to life on set.
During the awards speech, the actor explained how the character of Kodumon Potti evolved from the initial outline he received. He spent about half an hour with the film’s makeup artist and costume designer to transform into the role, crediting the director, makeup team, costume designer and especially the cinematographer for shaping the visual language that made the film distinctive. “I am deeply indebted to my director, makeup artist and costume designer, and especially the cinematographer who created the visual language for the character,” he said.
"Bramayugam" was shot entirely in black and white, a first for Mammootty aside from a brief cameo in a previous monochrome film. He described the choice as a “full‑fledged black‑and‑white experiment” that added to the film’s atmosphere. The actor noted that the film’s aesthetic played a key role in his performance, allowing him to tap into a different kind of energy on camera.
When asked about the significance of the award, Mammootty described it as a deeply meaningful honour from his motherland and a source of inspiration for artists. He thanked directors, writers, co‑stars, producers and audiences for their support over his long career, saying, “My greatest happiness lies in having been able to entertain them for all these years.” He expressed hope that he can continue to do so in the future, embracing the accolade with humility and gratitude.
