From ‘Bramayugam’ to fourth National Award: Mammootty honoured again; receives standing ovation

AHMEDABAD: Mammootty received the National Film Award for Best Actor from President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday, adding a fourth National Award for Best Actor to his career. He was honoured for his performance in Bramayugam. The film also earned cinematographer Shehnad Jalal the Best Cinematography award. Singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi, meanwhile, received the Best Female Playback Singer award for her rendition of “Angu Vaana Konilu” from A.R.M.

The awards were presented at a ceremony held at Ekta Nagar, near the Statue of Unity. The event marked the first time in the history of the National Film Awards that the presentation ceremony was held outside Delhi.

Several other Malayalis were also among the award recipients. Ananda Jyothi (Jose Antony), director of Bhadra-Kali Natakam, received a Special Mention in the Non-Feature Film category. Joshy Benedict received the Best Animation Film award for Touched as Water (Silent), while Fasil Muhammed accepted the award for Best Malayalam Film for his film Feminichi Fathima.

Mammootty shared the Best Actor honour with Kartik Aaryan, who was recognised for his performance in the Hindi film Chandu Champion. Aditya Suhas Jambhale's Article 370 was named Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam won Best Actress for the same film. Rajkumar Periasamy, director of the Tamil film Amaran, was named Best Director. Malayalam filmmaker Jayaraj served as the chairperson of the jury.