A mixed bag for Malayalam cinema at the 72nd National Film Awards

Malayalam cinema had its hits and misses after the 72nd National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi on Saturday.

Acclaimed actor Mammootty won, Rajat Kamal came first as he shared the honor with actor Karthik Aaryan. In his outstanding performance as the tyrannical and mysterious landlord Kodumon Potty in Rahul Sadasivan’s thriller Bramayugam, the versatile actor was far ahead of his rivals in the final round.

Actor Asif Ali, who was among those considered for the Best Actor award for his performance in Kishkindha Kaandam, said he felt privileged to feature alongside the versatile ‘Mammukka’ (Mammootty).

Shehnad Jalal, the man behind the camera of Bramayugam won the best cinematography award. Hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, his cinematography helped elevate the horror-thriller to critical acclaim. It was his second work with Mr. Sadasivan after Bhoothakalam. He had earlier won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Cinematography for his first film Chitrasuthram (2010). Some of his other works include Ullozhukku, Ee Adutha Kalathu, Left Right Left, Kanyaka Talkies and Kamala.

For renowned singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi, the Best Playback Singer (Female) award was a “pleasant surprise”. She won the Jury Appreciation for her soulful rendition of the song Angu Vaana Konila… in ARM (Ajayante Randam Moshanam). “All the credit for this recognition goes to Dhib Ninan Thomas, the music director of the film, who asked me to sing it as a memorable lullaby,” she said.

Fasil Muhammed’s directorial debut Feminichi Fathima (Feminist Fathima) won the Best Malayalam Film Award. “I was confident about the content of the film. I am happy for this national recognition,” he said. A powerful satire on patriarchy and the religious restrictions placed on women, the film won several awards at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), including the Jury Prize, the Audience Award and the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Award for Best Film in International Competition.

Bhadra-Kali Natakam (Bhadra-The Dance of Kali) directed by Ananda Jyothi (Jose Antony) received a special mention in the non-fiction category.

Despite many expectations, the films Manjummal Boys and Kishkindha Kaandam did not receive any recognition.

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Published – 18 Jul 2026 21:44 IST