Mammootty reveals why 'only Malayalam cinema is able to make distinctive films' | Kerala State Film Awards

It is truly a moment of pride for Malayalam cinema as the megastar Mammootty has been accorded the Padma Bhushan. Not just the Padma Award, Mammootty was also awarded the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for a record-breaking seventh time on Sunday. In his acceptance speech, Mammootty spoke about why Malayalam cinema has been able to make distinctive films, stating that ‘there is only one answer’: ‘There is an audience here to watch it.”

Mammootty on why Malayalam cinema is unique

Mammootty, who received the Best Actor Award for Bramayugam at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards, said that awards are always encouraging for artistes, especially when it comes for the performance in Malayalam cinema that makes the best films. Citing the example of Feminichi Fathima, which fetched actress Shamla Hamza her first state award for Best Actress, Mammootty said that these films are only possible to make in Malayalam.

“Such films will be made only in Malayalam. Only Malayalis can conceive and appreciate such films.” He went on to say that even other industry technicians keep asking why only Malayalam cinema is able to find such good stories.

“There is only one answer to it. There is an audience here to watch it,” he said, highlighting the role of the audience in determining the kind of films that are made.

“Several of our aesthetically rich films that ran successfully in our state may not find an audience in other states. But we encourage all kinds of cinema. Beyond seeing cinema just as a means for entertainment, we believe it is a thought-provoking and message-imparting medium,” stated the actor, who has been impressing audiences for more than four decades.

Mammootty on why he won Best Actor Award over Tovino Thomas, Asif Ali

The State Awards had also honoured Tovino Thomas and Asif Ali with Special Jury Mention for Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) and Kishkindha Kaandam. Stating that the younger actors were on par with him, the iconic star said, “They are not even a millimetre below me. I probably got the award because I am older than them,” he quipped. Mammootty also praised the other award recipients, actor Soubin Shahir and Shamla Hamza, the Feminichi Fathima actress.

Also read: Mammootty wins Padma Bhushan: Celebrities hail the Malayalam megastar, calling him the 'pride of cinema' 

Mammootty FAQs

Q. Did Mammootty get Padma Bhushan?

A. Yes, Mammootty was accorded the Padma Bhushan Award in 2026 by the Indian government.

Q. How many state awards did Mammootty get?

A. Mammootty has won seven Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actor.

Q. Which is Mammootty's new film?

A. Mammootty was recently seen in a cameo appearance in the movie Chatha Pacha. His new film is Patriot, also starring Mohanlal.