Malayalam cinema walked away with four awards at the 72nd National Film Awards announced on Saturday, July 18, with Mammootty securing a record-extending fourth Best Actor honour for Bramayugam. While the industry celebrated another landmark for one of its biggest stars, the overall results proved more modest than many had anticipated after a year of critically acclaimed releases.

The awards, which recognised films certified in 2024, were announced by the jury chaired by Malayalam filmmaker Jayaraj. Several Malayalam films had entered the race with strong expectations, but only a select few found a place among the winners.

Mammootty headlines Malayalam's winners

Mammootty shared the Best Actor award with Kartik Aaryan, who was recognised for Chandu Champion. It is Mammootty's fourth National Film Award for Best Actor, following his earlier wins in 1989 for Mathilukal and Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, in 1993 for Ponthan Mada and Vidheyan, and in 1998 for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. His performance in Bramayugam had also earned him the Kerala State Film Award.

Bramayugam added another National Award through cinematographer Shehnad Jalal, whose work on the black-and-white period folk horror film was recognised in the cinematography category.

Malayalam cinema's other winners included Vaikom Vijayalakshmi, who was named Best Female Playback Singer for Angu Vaana Konilu from ARM, and Fasil Muhammed's Feminichi Fathima, which won the Best Malayalam Film award.

High expectations

This year's results contrasted with the expectations surrounding Malayalam cinema. Films such as Manjummel Boys, Kishkindha Kaandam (Asif Ali-starrer) and Bramayugam had been widely discussed for their storytelling, performances and technical execution ahead of the awards.

While Bramayugam emerged with two honours, Manjummel Boys and Kishkindha Kaandam finished without a National Award. They also failed to secure recognition in the technical categories despite being considered strong contenders.