November 4, 2025: Veteran actor Prakash Raj heaped praise on Malayalam cinema legend Mammootty, calling him a powerhouse of talent and a true inspiration for every generation of actors.
With the Best Actor win, Mammootty has broken the record for most wins in the category with 7 wins. Mohanlal and Urvashi have 6 each. Mammootty had previously won Best Actor for Adiyozhukkukal; Oru Vadakkan Veeragadha, Mrigaya, Mahayanam; Vidheyan, Ponthan Mada, Vatsalyam; Kaazhcha; Paleri Manikyam; Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam.
Speaking at the Kerala State Film Awards 2025, where Mammootty won Best Actor for his acclaimed performance in Bramayugam, Prakash Raj couldn’t hold back his admiration. “I am jealous of Mammukka’s might as an actor,” he confessed, using the affectionate nickname fans often use for Mammootty.
“Young Actors Should Learn from Mammootty”
Prakash Raj emphasized that young performers across India should look up to Mammootty’s discipline and dedication. “His presence on screen is pure class,” he said. “The way he carries himself and transforms into every role is something every actor should study.”
The veteran actor also shared that Mammootty’s success continues to inspire him even after decades in the industry, calling his consistent excellence “a rare gift.”
On National Awards: ‘They Are Compromised’
When asked about why Mammootty hasn’t been recognized recently with a National Film Award, Prakash Raj gave a blunt response. “National Awards are compromised. The award doesn’t deserve him,” he remarked, hinting at what he perceives as politics and bias in the selection process.
Prakash Raj himself served on this year’s Kerala State Film Awards jury, which selected some of the finest talents from Malayalam cinema.
Kerala State Film Awards 2025; Manjummel Boys Leads, Mammootty Best Actor Win Lauded by Prakash Raj
Apart from Mammootty’s win, actors Asif Ali and Tovino Thomas were also honored for their exceptional performances. The Best Popular Film award went to Premalu, starring Naslen, which emerged as one of the biggest crowd-pleasers of the year.
Manjummel Boys, the immensely popular survival drama directed by Chidambaram and based on a real life story, won big at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards 2024, garnering awards nine, including the top honours of Best Film and Best Director, on Monday.
Check out the full list of winners:
Best Actor (Male): Mammootty for ‘Bramayugam’
Best Actor (Female): Shamla Hamza for ‘Feminichi Fathima’
Best Director: Chidambaram S Poduval for ‘Manjummel Boys’
Best Character Artist (Female): Lijomol Jose for ‘Nadanna Sambhavam’
Best Character Artist (Male): Soubin Shahir (‘Manjummel Boys’) and Sidharth Bharathan (‘Bramayugam’)
Special Jury Award for Acting (Male): Tovino Thomas and Asif Ali for ‘ARM’ and ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’
Special Jury Award for Acting (Female): Jyothirmayi for ‘Bougainvillea’ and Darshana Rajendran for ‘Paradise’
The evening celebrated Malayalam cinema’s creative excellence, but it was Prakash Raj’s candid praise for Mammootty that stole the spotlight.