72nd National Film Awards: Mammootty wins Best Actor for Bramayugam
Synopsis
Mammootty's third National Best Actor win — for the black-and-white folklore horror 'Bramayugam' — drew a standing ovation at the 72nd National Film Awards in Kevadia. Presented by President Droupadi Murmu, the honour caps a remarkable 45-year career and arrives as Malayalam cinema asserts itself as India's most adventurous filmmaking force.
Key Takeaways
Mammootty received the National Film Award for Best Actor at the 72nd National Film Awards for his role in 'Bramayugam' .
The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at the ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat .
He shared the Best Actor honour with Kartik Aaryan , recognised for 'Chandu Champion' . 'Bramayugam' , directed by Rahul Sadasivan , is a black-and-white period horror set in 17th-century Kerala .
This is Mammootty's third National Film Award for Best Actor , adding to 7 Kerala State Film Awards and 13 Filmfare Awards South .
The Government of India awarded Mammootty the Padma Bhushan in 2026 for his contribution to the arts.
Malayalam cinema legend Mammootty received a standing ovation at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony after being conferred the Best Actor honour for his performance in the period horror film 'Bramayugam'. President of India Droupadi Murmu presented the award at the official ceremony held in Kevadia, Gujarat, where attendees rose in tribute to the actor's decades-long contribution to Indian cinema.
A Career-Defining Honour
The standing ovation came as a spontaneous mark of respect from those present, acknowledging not just the award but Mammootty's 45-year career in Indian cinema. The actor, who made his screen debut in 'Anubhavangal Paalichakal' and rose to prominence in the 1980s, now holds three National Film Awards for Best Actor — among the most decorated tallies in the history of the honour. In 2026, the Government of India further recognised his contribution to the arts with the Padma Bhushan.
About Bramayugam
'Bramayugam' is a period horror film directed by Rahul Sadasivan, also starring Arjun Ashokan and Siddharth Bharathan. Set in 17th-century Kerala, the film follows Thevan, a young folk singer who seeks shelter at an isolated mansion and finds himself ensnared in a sinister world controlled by the enigmatic Kodumon Potti — a role brought to life by Mammootty. Shot entirely in black and white, the film draws on Kerala folklore, mythology, and themes of power, caste and exploitation, creating an eerie, oppressive atmosphere that critics widely praised.
Shared Honour with Kartik Aaryan
Mammootty shared the Best Actor award with Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan, who was recognised for his performance in the sports biopic 'Chandu Champion'. The dual-winner format underscored the breadth of this year's jury mandate, acknowledging contrasting cinematic styles — a black-and-white Kerala folklore horror and a mainstream Hindi sports drama — within the same top honour.
A Pan-Indian Legacy
Beyond Malayalam cinema, Mammootty has worked across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and English-language films during his career. His accolades include seven Kerala State Film Awards and 13 Filmfare Awards South. Notably, this third National Award arrives at a moment when Malayalam cinema commands national and international attention — a broader industry wave that 'Bramayugam' itself helped define with its uncompromising artistic vision.
Point of View
Rooted in caste politics and Kerala folklore, with zero concessions to mainstream palatability — is exactly the kind of film the National Awards should be rewarding, and increasingly does. The shared award with Kartik Aaryan is worth noting: it reflects a jury balancing regional and national Hindi industry representation, a dynamic that has drawn scrutiny in past editions. What stands out is that the standing ovation was not scripted; it was a room full of film professionals acknowledging that some careers transcend competition.
NationPress
22 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What film did Mammootty win the National Film Award for Best Actor for?
Mammootty won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in 'Bramayugam', a black-and-white period horror film set in 17th-century Kerala and directed by Rahul Sadasivan. It is his third National Award in the Best Actor category.
Who presented the award to Mammootty at the 72nd National Film Awards?
President of India Droupadi Murmu presented the Best Actor award to Mammootty at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony held in Kevadia, Gujarat.
Did Mammootty share the Best Actor award with anyone?
Yes, Mammootty shared the Best Actor honour with Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan, who was recognised for his role in the sports biopic 'Chandu Champion'.
What is 'Bramayugam' about?
'Bramayugam' is a period horror film directed by Rahul Sadasivan, set in 17th-century Kerala. It follows a young folk singer who finds himself trapped in an isolated mansion controlled by a sinister figure played by Mammootty. The film draws on Kerala folklore and themes of power, caste and exploitation, and was shot entirely in black and white.
What are Mammootty's other major achievements in cinema?
Mammootty has a career spanning 45 years, with three National Film Awards for Best Actor, seven Kerala State Film Awards, and 13 Filmfare Awards South. He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 2026 for his contribution to the arts.
