Cinema VinesIn a celebratory moment at the 72nd National Film Awards, Malayalam icon Mammootty secured his fourth National Award for Best Actor, a recognition that has cemented his place among India’s cinematic greats. The award, presented for his chilling performance in the 2024 horror film Bramayugam, saw the veteran actor triumph over a competitive field of nominees and add another prestigious accolade to his already impressive résumé.
Following the announcement, Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan took to social media to extend his congratulations. In a playful yet heartfelt message, Haasan recalled a previous jest in which Mammootty had promised to surpass him in the number of National Awards. Haasan wrote, “My dear @mammukka, Congratulations on your fourth National Award. You once promised me you would overtake me in the number of National Awards. As always, you are a man of your word! Here’s to many more accolades, my friend.” The exchange underscores the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists between the two stalwarts of South Indian cinema.
While Kamal Haasan technically holds five National Awards, only three of those are for Best Actor—Moondram Pirai (1982), Nayakan (1987), and Indian (1996). His other two honors include a Best Child Artist award for Kalathur Kannamma (1960) and a Best Feature Film award as a producer for Thevar Magan (1992). Mammootty’s fourth award follows his earlier wins for Mathilukal and Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989), Ponthan Mada and Vidheyan (1993), and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (1998).
In addition to his personal triumph, Haasan also highlighted the achievements of the film Kalki 2898 AD, which earned Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Production Design. He extended his congratulations to the entire team, noting that Indian cinema benefits from their excellence. The film, starring Haasan as Supreme Yaskin, has become a notable entry in the national awards lineup.
Mammootty’s recent filmography includes a cameo in Chatha Pacha and a lead role in Patriot this year. He has several Malayalam releases lined up, such as Law and Order and Mattancherry Mafia, while his Tamil projects include OM: Chapter 1. His 2024 horror venture, Bramayugam, directed by Rahul Sadasivan, features him as a shapeshifting Chathan who masquerades as the sorcerer Kodumon Potti. The film follows his 2022 work Bhoothakaalam and precedes the upcoming Diés Iraé (2025).
Haasan, meanwhile, remains active in the industry with recent appearances in Mani Ratnam’s 2025 film Thug Life—which did not achieve commercial success—and upcoming projects such as Dharman, a film he is producing with director Ashwath Marimuthu and starring Rajinikanth. He also has a yet‑to‑be‑titled collaboration with Nelson Dilipkumar, reuniting him with Rajinikanth after more than forty years. The new film’s promotional material has elicited mixed reactions, and details remain scarce.
