In a bold critique that has reverberated across Indian cinema, veteran actor and Kerala State Film Awards jury chairperson Prakash Raj lambasted the National Film Awards on November 3, 2025, declaring they are “compromised” and unworthy of the talent of Malayalam legend Mammootty. Speaking at a press conference in Thrissur after the announcement of the 55th Kerala State Film Awards, where Mammootty secured his record seventh Best Actor trophy for his chilling portrayal in Bramayugam, Raj bluntly stated, “When files and piles are receiving awards, they don’t deserve Mammukka.” The fiery remarks, amid ongoing debates on regional biases and award integrity, have exploded with 900K #PrakashOnAwards X mentions, underscoring fractures in India’s ₹101 billion entertainment industry and 467 million social media users championing South cinema’s voice.
A State Triumph Sparks National Tensions
The 55th Kerala State Film Awards, judged by a seven-member panel led by Raj—joined by experts like film critic C.S. Venkiteswaran and director Anjali Menon—celebrated excellence from 128 entries, with 26 finalists. Mammootty’s win for Bramayugam, a black-and-white horror-thriller where he embodies the eerie Kodumon Potti, marks his seventh in the category, surpassing Mohanlal’s six. Other highlights included Manjummel Boys as Best Film, Shamla Hamza as Best Actress for Rekhachithram, and Chidambaram S. Poduval as Best Director for Premalu. Raj praised the process as transparent—”They needed an outsider like me, promised no interference”—contrasting it sharply with the National Awards’ perceived flaws. The timing couldn’t be more poignant: Mammootty’s recent National snubs, despite three prior wins (Mathilukal 1990, Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha 1989, Ponthan Mada 1994), have long fueled fan outrage, amplified by the 71st National Awards’ October 2025
announcements that overlooked his Kaathal – The Core performance.
Raj’s Unfiltered Rebuke: ‘Tainted’ System Over Talent
Raj’s tirade was unsparing: “I have no problem saying that National Film Awards are tainted… When such a jury and national government exist, they don’t deserve Mammukka.” He accused the system of favoring “files and piles” over genuine artistry, implying bureaucratic lobbying trumps merit—a nod to whispers of regional favoritism and political influence. Defending Mammootty’s omission, Raj highlighted his evolution: “Mammootty competes with youngsters; they should adore and follow him. This isn’t charity—it’s for the best.” The jury suggested reforms like awards for dialogue writing and action choreography, while merging sync sound with mixing, signaling a push for evolution. Raj’s stance echoes his own multilingual career—over 300 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi—where he’s advocated for South cinema’s equity post-RRR’s global roar.
Industry Echoes and Broader Backlash
Social media ignited: Fans rallied with “Mammootty > Mediocre Awards” (500K likes), while peers like Lijo Jose Pellissery (Bramayugam director) praised Raj’s candor. Critics in Hindustan Times called it a “much-needed gut punch,” amid 2025’s 20% rise in award controversies (FICCI-EY). In India’s 780-language cinematic mosaic, Raj’s words amplify South’s frustration—Malayalam’s 15 National wins in 2024 vs. Hindi’s dominance—fueling calls for diverse juries. Yet, defenders argue Nationals prioritize “national impact,” though Mammootty’s Pazhassi Raja (2009) global acclaim counters that.
A Legend’s Slight, A Jury’s Justice
Prakash Raj’s National Awards roast isn’t rant—it’s reckoning. As Mammootty’s state crown gleams, it challenges: Can honors heal divides? Raj’s righteous roar heralds yes, honoring artistry over agendas in cinema’s contested crown
-By Manoj H