72nd National Film Awards: Mammootty and Prithviraj lead Mollywood's hopes

The wait is almost over, and for Malayalam cinema lovers, today feels like much more than any other awards announcement.

The 72nd National Film Awards are expected to be announced later today. After a remarkable year filled with powerful performances and ambitious storytelling, Mollywood is hoping to make a strong mark on India's most prestigious film honours.

At the heart of that excitement are two names that need little introduction — Mammootty and Prithviraj Sukumaran.

Mammootty's performance in ‘Bramayugam’ has been one of the most widely celebrated roles of the past year. Set in a haunting black-and-white world, the psychological horror film showcased the veteran actor in a role that relied more on presence than spectacle. His commanding performance won praise from critics and audiences alike, making him one of the strongest names in discussions surrounding the Best Actor category.

Social media has only added to the anticipation. Since morning, fans have been sharing posters, scenes from the film and messages expressing hope that ‘Bramayugam’ earns the recognition many believe it deserves. For many, another National Award for Mammootty would be a fitting tribute to one of the finest performances of his career.

Standing alongside him is Prithviraj Sukumaran, whose transformation in ‘The Goat Life’ has become one of the biggest talking points of the awards season.

The actor underwent an extraordinary physical and emotional journey for the survival drama, portraying a man trapped in unimaginable circumstances. His commitment to the role earned admiration across languages, with many calling it one of the most demanding performances seen in Indian cinema in recent years.

Fans have been rallying behind him online, arguing that ‘The Goat Life’ is exactly the kind of performance the National Film Awards have traditionally celebrated.

Beyond individual performances, the excitement reflects something bigger.

Malayalam cinema has steadily built a reputation for placing storytelling ahead of scale, with filmmakers continuing to experiment across genres while delivering performances that resonate with audiences nationwide.

Over the past few years, Mollywood has enjoyed growing recognition across India, and this year's National Film Awards could further strengthen that reputation.

While the official winners remain under wraps, fan predictions have consistently placed both Mammootty and Prithviraj among the leading contenders in the Best Actor race.

For Mollywood fans, today's announcement is about more than trophies. It is a moment of hope, celebration and recognition for an industry that continues to tell unforgettable stories with honesty, craft and conviction.