Thrissur, Nov 3 (NationPress) Actor and filmmaker Prakash Raj, who chairs the jury for the 55th Kerala State Film Awards, stirred controversy on Monday with a bold statement, asserting that "the National Awards don't deserve Mammootty".

During the award announcement in Thrissur, Prakash Raj criticized the national accolades, suggesting they often prioritize "files and piles" over authentic artistry. This comment was viewed as a pointed critique of the awards system that has frequently overlooked the renowned Malayalam actor.

This remark followed shortly after Mammootty, aged 74, was honored as the Best Actor for his compelling performance as Kodumon Potty in Rahul Sadasivan's 'Bhramayugam'.

The portrayal, rich in psychological nuance and subtle tension, underscored the veteran's reputation as one of Indian cinema's most adaptable and dedicated performers.

This recognition marks Mammootty's 12th State Award and his eighth as Best Actor, highlighting a prolific career spanning over five decades and more than 400 films across the Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi film industries.

His role in 'Bhramayugam', a genre-defying period drama, was celebrated for its restraint and captivating screen presence.

Since his debut in the 1970s, Mammootty has effortlessly balanced commercial success and artistic merit.

This latest accolade solidifies his status as a living legend who continues to push cinematic boundaries and inspire future generations of actors.

In a brief media interaction at his residence in Kochi, Mammootty expressed gratitude for the support he has received and congratulated all winners, encouraging those who did not win this time to strive for future accolades.

The 55th Kerala State Film Awards also recognized Shamla Hamsa as Best Actress for 'Feminichi Fathima', while 'Manjummel Boys', directed by Chidambaram, claimed multiple awards, including Best Film, Best Director, and honors for cinematography, art direction, and sound design.

Commenting on the film's success, Chidambaram described the win as "a perfect team victory", while actor-producer Soubin Shahir, who received the Best Character Actor award, shared his excitement about the film's collective achievements.

For Mammootty, 'Bhramayugam' represents another significant milestone in a career characterized by unwavering consistency and innovative evolution.

Meanwhile, Prakash Raj's pointed critique reflects a broader sentiment—that authentic artistic excellence, as demonstrated by Mammootty, transcends awards, categories, and national prejudices.