Rajat Kamal for Mammootty: a sign of approval for the iconic actor who keeps reinventing himself

Rajat Kamal’s Best Actor win for legendary actor Mammootty – a record fourth that now ranks him alongside veteran Amitabh Bachchan – for his chilling portrayal of Kodumon Potty in the horror thriller Bramayugam reads almost like a scripted heroic comeback for the big screen.

Just a year ago, the versatile actor was staring at the biggest crisis of his glittering career spanning over five decades. Diagnosed with major health scares, the 74-year-old veteran was forced to take an eight-month hiatus – the first such hiatus in his colorful career. It would have been unbearable for an actor who loved being in front of the camera, so much so that between 1983 and 1986 he averaged an almost impossible 30 films a year.

He was far from the limelight. In a rare display of restraint, the media respected his family’s request for privacy while he underwent treatment. This respect in itself is a measure of the status and respect he has built up over the past 50 years.

His return in October last year, after what was undoubtedly a traumatic time for his family and loved ones, marked the beginning of a remarkable purple patch. It started with his seventh Kerala State Award for Best Actor for Bramayugam himself, directed by Rahul Sadasivan. Hardly had the celebrations died down when he was awarded the Padma Bhushan. And now, the National Award for Best Actor at the 72nd National Film Awards for the same film completes the hat-trick of honors since his return to the silver screen.

The applause that greeted the announcement of his name by the chairman of the jury and filmmaker Jayaraj was a testament to his rising popularity. “The jury was unanimous in recognizing his exceptional performance,” said Mr. Jayaraj. In recent years, Mammootty has won admiration across Indian cinema for his bold choices as seen in his outstanding performances in films like Rorschach, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Kaathal – The Core and Kalamkaval.

It remains another moment for Malayalam cinema to appreciate the gift from the iconic actor. Rajat Kamal last won in 1999 for his outstanding performance in Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. He won the award in 1989 for two films, Mathilukal and Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha. He won it again in 1994 for Vidheyan and Ponthan Mada.

Published – 18 Jul 2026 20:56 IST