Kerala Triumphs at 72nd National Film Awards: Mammootty and Vaikom Vijayalakshmi Among Top Winners

Doha, Qatar Jul 19, 2026 ALN: The film industry emerged as one of the biggest winners at the 72nd National Film Awards announced in New Delhi on Friday, bagging honours across major categories. The state's achievements were led by Mammootty's joint Best Actor win for Bramayugam, Feminichi Fathima being named Best Film, and Vaikom Vijayalakshmi receiving the Best Female Playback Singer award for her rendition in ARM. Adding to Kerala's tally, Bramayugam also won Best Cinematography, while the non-feature film Bhadrakali Natakam received a Special Mention from the jury.

Best Actor: Mammootty
Legendary megastar Mammootty clinched the prestigious Best Actor award, sharing the top honor with Bollywood's Karthik Aaryan. This recognition underscores Mammootty's enduring legacy in Indian cinema, where he has consistently delivered powerful performances across various genres. His ability to embody complex characters has not only won him numerous accolades but has also made him a beloved figure among audiences.

The award recognises Mammootty's masterclass performance in Bramayugam (The Age of Madness), a black-and-white period horror-thriller rooted deeply in Kerala folklore, myth, and dark sorcery. The film was directed by Rahul Sadasivan, who is known for his unique storytelling style that often blends traditional narratives with contemporary themes. Notably, the movie also won the award for Best Cinematography for the visually stunning monochrome frames captured by cinematographer Shehnad Jalal, enhancing the film's eerie atmosphere and thematic depth.

Set in historical Kerala, the story follows a court singer who escapes captivity only to stumble into a mysterious, decaying mansion (mana) governed by a sinister feudal lord. This setting is significant as it reflects the socio-political dynamics of Kerala's past, where feudalism and its associated power struggles are explored through the lens of horror and folklore. Mammootty delivers a terrifying performance as the manipulative Kodumon Potti / Chaathan, a character that showcases his range as an actor. He is masterfully supported by co-stars Arjun Ashokan and Sidharth Bharathan, both of whom contribute to the film's intense emotional landscape.

Best Film: Feminichi Fathima
The top spot for the best regional language film went to the social drama Feminichi Fathima. The film was helmed by director Fasil Muhammed, who has been recognized for his ability to tackle pressing social issues through engaging narratives. This particular film stands out for its incisive commentary on gender equality, progressive values, and patriarchal mindsets that continue to permeate regional communities.

A lighthearted yet sharp satire, Feminichi Fathima is set in the coastal town of Ponnani, Kerala, where the narrative tracks a spirited young woman who openly defies traditional expectations to establish her independence. The character of Fathima, played by breakthrough performer Shamla Hamza, resonates with audiences as she navigates the complexities of societal norms and personal aspirations. Sharing the screen with Kumar Sunil and Viji Viswanath, Hamza's performance has been widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.

Feminichi Fathima, which won the best film at IFFK 2024, was also among the top 5 choices in the Critics' Choice Award, highlighting its critical acclaim and popularity among audiences. The film's success reflects a growing trend in Indian cinema where stories centered around women's empowerment and social justice are gaining traction, resonating with viewers across demographics.

Best Playback Singer (Female): Vaikom Vijayalakshmi
Renowned classical and playback singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi won the jury's vote for her soulful vocals in the fantasy film ARM. Her contribution to the film's soundtrack is not merely an artistic endeavor; it also plays a crucial role in enhancing the film's emotional depth and narrative flow.

She won the honour for the beautifully haunting, lullaby-esque track "Angu Vaana Konilu", composed by Dhibu Ninan Thomas with lyrics penned by Manu Manjith. The song is a significant element of the film, providing a poignant backdrop to the story's themes of love, sacrifice, and familial bonds.

The film ARM (Ajayante Randam Moshanam), directed by Jithin Laal, is a grand-scale action-fantasy epic that traverses three distinct eras (1900, 1950, and 1990). It follows three generations of heroes guarding their land's most sacred treasure, a narrative structure that allows for the exploration of historical and cultural themes within a fantastical framework. Leading actor Tovino Thomas delivers a stellar performance in a demanding triple role as the three generational protagonists, acting alongside a talented ensemble including Krithi Shetty, Aishwarya Rajesh, and Suraj Venjaramoodu. The film's ambitious scope and production values have set a new benchmark for cinema, often regarded as a trailblazer for future projects.

Special Mention (Non-Feature Category): Bhadrakali Natakam
Representing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage in the non-feature section, Bhadrakali Natakam received a Special Mention from the jury, sharing the spotlight with the Hindi short film Chola Dora Aur Sui. This accolade highlights the importance of preserving and promoting traditional art forms within contemporary cinema. The non-feature documentary was directed by Ananda Jyothi (Jose Antony), who has dedicated his career to exploring and documenting Kerala's diverse cultural landscape.

Subtitled Bhadra - The Dance of Kali, this project is a deeply researched documentary focusing on the ancient, ritualistic art form and powerful dance dramas dedicated to the goddess Kali. It serves not only as an artistic expression but also as an educational tool that sheds light on the historical and cultural significance of these performances. The documentary's recognition at the National Film Awards underscores the importance of such narratives in a rapidly globalizing world, where local traditions risk being overshadowed.

The achievements of Kerala's film industry at the 72nd National Film Awards reflect a broader trend in Indian cinema, where regional films are increasingly gaining national recognition. This shift is significant as it highlights the diverse storytelling capabilities of Indian filmmakers and the rich tapestry of cultural narratives that exist beyond the mainstream Bollywood framework. As audiences continue to seek more authentic and varied content, the success of these films could pave the way for greater investment in regional cinema, fostering a more inclusive film industry that celebrates the myriad voices and stories from across the country.

Moreover, the recognition of films tackling social issues, such as gender equality and cultural heritage, indicates a growing awareness among filmmakers and audiences alike regarding the power of cinema as a medium for change. As the industry evolves, it will be interesting to see how these themes are further explored and represented in future projects, potentially influencing societal perceptions and encouraging dialogue around important issues.

In conclusion, the 72nd National Film Awards not only celebrate individual talent and cinematic achievements but also serve as a reflection of the changing landscape of Indian cinema. The success of Kerala's filmmakers and artists at this prestigious event underscores the importance of regional narratives and the ongoing evolution of storytelling in the film industry. As the boundaries of cinema continue to expand, the potential for impactful storytelling remains limitless.