Thiruvananthapuram: “A final-round fight between Bachchan and Thachan” — this newspaper headline once perfectly captured the charged atmosphere among film lovers in Kerala, as they eagerly awaited the announcement of the 1990 National Film Awards. The buzz was palpable: it was widely expected that veteran actor Thilakan would win Best Actor for his role in Perumthachan. Critics and audiences alike believed his measured and masterful performance was unmatched. Adding to the anticipation was the presence of Malayalam filmmaker Shaji N. Karun on the jury.

However, in a shocking turn of events, the award for Best Actor was announced in favour of Amitabh Bachchan for his performance in Agneepath — a commercial film centred on Mumbai’s underworld — edging out Perumthachan, a film celebrated for its artistic merit. While debut director Ajayan and cinematographer Santosh Sivan won awards for their work on the film, Thilakan — the emotional backbone of the project — was overlooked. The decision sparked allegations of a North Indian lobby within the jury, which included chairperson Ashok Kumar and members like Bhupen Hazarika. Even Thilakan reportedly believed a last-minute betrayal had taken place.

Years later, Thilakan would reveal that a jury member had privately confided in him about immense pressure during the final stages of deliberation. The disappointment had such an emotional impact that director Ajayan had to personally console Thilakan, telling him simply:

"If Kochan was betrayed by Thachan, then Bachchan would betray Thachan."

Mammootty vs Mohanlal: The Chandu-Sethu showdown

Looking back further, the National Film Awards have often had moments of high drama behind the scenes. In 1989, Mammootty’s win for Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha was widely accepted, given his powerful portrayal of Chandu. Yet even that award had its share of debate. In the final round of consideration, it was Mohanlal who posed serious competition, having delivered remarkable performances in Kireedam, Season, and other films that year. A faction within the jury strongly backed Mohanlal, but Mammootty ultimately prevailed — thanks in part to a casting vote by jury member K.G. George.

Glamour worked against Mammootty

The very next year, in 1991, the Mammootty–Mohanlal rivalry returned. Mammootty’s role as Achuthan, a fisherman in Amaram, stood out for its emotional depth, while Mohanlal stunned critics with his portrayal of Gopinathan in Bharatham. However, it was Mohanlal who took home the Best Actor prize. The jury reportedly felt that the make-up and glamour associated with Achootty look undercut the rawness of the role — a rare instance where Mammootty’s polished screen presence became a disadvantage.

When dreams fell apart: Kalabhavan Mani’s heartbreaking moment

One of the most poignant episodes in the history of Malayalam cinema’s tryst with the National Film Awards came in 2000. The day before the announcement, the town of Chalakudy was in a festive mood. Firecrackers, feasts, and jubilant crowds celebrated what they believed was a sure-shot win for local hero Kalabhavan Mani, for his performance in Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum.

The following day, Mani sat before the television with his family and friends, eagerly awaiting confirmation. But as the winner was announced — Mohanlal, for Vanaprastham — the joy turned to shock. Mani fainted on the spot. His supporters were so devastated by the snub that they barely noticed he had received a Special Jury Award. Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum, a modest Malayalam film that had become a surprise hit, was seen by many as deserving of national recognition.

Recalling that moment, director Vinayan later said:

"The happiness Mani felt the night before the announcement — he cried with a hundred times more pain when the result came out. I was shaken."

Notably, controversies continue to swirl even after the recently announced 71st National Film Awards. Many had expected Blessy’s directorial Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life), starring Prithviraj in the lead role, to be recognised — but the film was overlooked. Instead, an alleged propaganda film like The Kerala Story was honoured with multiple awards, sparking widespread outrage.

The furore gained further momentum when veteran actor Urvashi — who won the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in Christo Baby’s Ullozhukku — publicly questioned the criteria used to determine the winners. She also questioned on what basis Vijayaraghavan was reduced to Best Supporting Actor for his role in Pookkaalam, while Shah Rukh Khan was awarded Best Actor for Jawan, especially in light of the former’s tremendous effort in portraying the character Ittoop in Pookkaalam – it should be noted that Jawan was just another mass masala movie in the tried and tested template.

Urvashi also questioned why the Best Actress award was not shared this year, unlike in previous editions. She stated that she would decide whether to accept the award only after receiving certain clarifications — making it clear that she no longer intends to quietly accept whatever is given to her and walk away.

The controversies surrounding the National Awards continue.