The Government of India has announced that ‘the Complete Actor’ Mohanlal will be conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023, the most prestigious recognition in Indian cinema. The honour will be presented at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on September 23, 2025.

With a cinematic journey spanning more than four decades and over 350 films across languages, Mohanlal’s contribution to Indian cinema remains unmatched. His versatility and screen presence have made him one of the most celebrated actors in the country.

Who was the first Malayali to receive It?

Here’s what makes the moment historic — Mohanlal becomes only the second Malayali ever to win the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. The first was none other than Adoor Gopalakrishnan, the master filmmaker whose groundbreaking works like ‘Elippathayam’, ‘Mukhamukham’, ‘Mathilukal’ and ‘Nizhalkuthu’ brought global acclaim to Malayalam cinema.
Interestingly, both Mohanlal and Adoor hail from Pathanamthitta district.

Together, Mohanlal and Adoor Gopalakrishnan embody the artistic brilliance of Kerala’s cinematic legacy — one through unforgettable performances, the other through visionary direction.