Mammootty wins National Award for Best Actor for 'Bramayugam' at 72nd NFA
Synopsis
Mammootty's standing ovation at the 72nd National Film Awards was decades in the making. His win for 'Bramayugam' — a black-and-white period horror set in 17th-century Kerala — shared with Kartik Aaryan, is a powerful statement about the range and depth of Indian cinema, and signals Malayalam films' growing dominance at the country's highest film honours.
Key Takeaways
Mammootty received the National Film Award for Best Actor at the 72nd National Film Awards on 23 September 2026 in Kevadia, Gujarat .
The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu ; Mammootty received a standing ovation at the ceremony.
He shared the Best Actor honour with Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan , recognised for 'Chandu Champion' . 'Bramayugam' , directed by Rahul Sadasivan , is a black-and-white period horror film set in 17th-century Kerala .
Mammootty has a career spanning over 45 years and is a Padma Bhushan awardee.
Malayalam cinema legend Mammootty received the National Film Award for Best Actor at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on 23 September 2026 in Kevadia, Gujarat, honouring his performance in director Rahul Sadasivan's critically acclaimed period horror film 'Bramayugam'. The veteran actor received a standing ovation at the official event, where President Droupadi Murmu presented the award.
Mammootty's Heartfelt Tribute to Fans
Taking to his X timeline shortly after the ceremony, Mammootty posted a note of gratitude, writing: 'Receiving the National Award for Best Actor at the 72nd #NationalFilmAwards is an honour I will cherish for a lifetime.' He added, 'To everyone who has watched, supported, celebrated and connected with my work over the years, this moment belongs to you as much as it belongs to me. Thank you for being part of the journey. With all my heart, Mammootty.'
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 joint recognition highlights the strength of diverse storytelling across Indian regional and mainstream cinema this year.
About 'Bramayugam'
'Bramayugam', directed by Rahul Sadasivan, is a 17th-century Kerala-set period horror film shot entirely in black and white. The story follows Thevan, a young folk singer who seeks shelter at an isolated mansion, only to find himself ensnared in a sinister world controlled by the enigmatic Kodumon Potti — a role brought to life by Mammootty. The film also features Arjun Ashokan and Siddharth Bharathan in pivotal roles. It earned widespread critical acclaim and performed strongly at the box office upon release.
A Career Spanning Over Four Decades
With more than 45 years in Indian cinema, Mammootty made his acting debut in 'Anubhavangal Paalichakal' and has since become one of the most celebrated actors in the country. He is a recipient of the Indian government's prestigious Padma Bhushan award for his contributions to arts. This latest National Award further cements his legacy as one of Malayalam cinema's most enduring icons.
The recognition is expected to renew audience interest in 'Bramayugam' and spotlight Malayalam cinema's continuing rise on the national stage.
Point of View
A trend that has accelerated sharply over the past decade. The choice of a black-and-white, period-set horror film over more conventional award bait signals a maturing jury appetite for formal risk-taking. Sharing the honour with Kartik Aaryan also reflects the jury's attempt to balance regional and mainstream recognition — a recurring tension at the National Film Awards. The deeper question is whether this visibility translates into wider national theatrical releases for Malayalam films, or whether the awards circuit remains the primary gateway for non-Hindi audiences to discover them.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mammootty win the National Award for Best Actor?
Mammootty won the National Film Award for Best Actor at the 72nd National Film Awards for his performance as Kodumon Potti in the period horror film 'Bramayugam', directed by Rahul Sadasivan. The film, shot entirely in black and white and set in 17th-century Kerala, earned wide critical acclaim.
Who shared the Best Actor award with Mammootty at the 72nd National Film Awards?
Mammootty shared the Best Actor award with Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan, who was recognised for his role in the sports biopic 'Chandu Champion'. Joint Best Actor awards are awarded when the jury finds two performances equally deserving.
What is 'Bramayugam' about?
'Bramayugam' is a period horror film set in 17th-century Kerala, directed by Rahul Sadasivan. It follows Thevan, a young folk singer who gets trapped in an isolated mansion ruled by the mysterious Kodumon Potti, played by Mammootty, and also features Arjun Ashokan and Siddharth Bharathan.
Where was the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony held?
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony was held in Kevadia, Gujarat, where President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards to the recipients, including Mammootty.
What other major honours has Mammootty received in his career?
Mammootty, with a career spanning over 45 years since his debut in 'Anubhavangal Paalichakal', has been awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Indian government for his contributions to arts. The 72nd National Film Award adds to a long list of prestigious recognitions across his career.
