Veteran Malayalam actor Mammootty has won his fourth National Film Award for Best Actor for his remarkable performance in Bramayugam, further strengthening his reputation as one of India’s finest performers. He shares the honour at the 72nd National Film Awards with Kartik Aaryan, who was recognised for his role in Chandu Champion.
The award is widely seen as recognition not only of Mammootty’s haunting portrayal in Bramayugam but also of the creative transformation that has defined the later years of his career. Over the past decade, the veteran actor has increasingly moved away from conventional superstar roles, embracing challenging characters that prioritise storytelling over screen image.
Known for constantly reinventing himself, Mammootty has evolved through multiple phases during his decades-long career, from the intense performer of the 1980s to the commercial superstar of the 1990s and 2000s. In recent years, however, he has become known for selecting unconventional films that explore complex human emotions and morally ambiguous characters.
That transformation is reflected in critically acclaimed films such as Peranbu, Puzhu, Rorschach, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, and Kaathal – The Core. Each of these projects showcased a different facet of his acting, with Mammootty portraying vulnerable, flawed and deeply layered characters rather than traditional heroes.
In Bramayugam, directed by Rahul Sadasivan, Mammootty plays Kodumon Potti, a mysterious and unsettling figure at the centre of a black-and-white folk horror story set against Kerala’s feudal past. Instead of relying on dramatic dialogue or conventional villainy, the performance is driven by silence, psychological intensity and ambiguity, allowing the character’s unsettling presence to unfold naturally throughout the film.
The film received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric storytelling, striking monochrome cinematography and Mammootty’s commanding performance. Critics praised his ability to embody a character whose motivations remain deliberately mysterious, making Kodumon Potti one of the most memorable roles of his career.
This latest National Award joins Mammootty’s previous Best Actor honours for Mathilukal, Vidheyan and Ponthan Mada (shared award), and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. With Bramayugam, the veteran actor once again demonstrates that his willingness to experiment and challenge expectations continues to define his enduring legacy in Indian cinema.
