Veteran actor-filmmaker Prakash Raj has taken a sharp dig at the National Film Awards, claiming that they “don’t deserve” Mammootty. Speaking at the press conference announcing the winners of the 55th Kerala State Film Awards in Thrissur, Prakash, who chaired the jury, launched a scathing criticism of the national honours, suggesting that the process has become “compromised.”

“When I was invited to head the Kerala State Awards jury, the organisers told me they wanted an experienced outsider and promised not to interfere in the process. That’s not what happens with the National Awards anymore,” he said. Taking a pointed swipe at recent controversial winners like The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story, he added, “When files and piles start getting awards, we know what’s really going on. Such a jury and such a national government don’t deserve Mammootty.”

Mammootty won the Best Actor at the 55th Kerala State Awards for his masterful performance as Kodumon Potti/Chathan in Rahul Sadasivan’s folk horror film Bramayugam. The role has now earned him his seventh Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor, making him the artist with the most wins in the category in Malayalam. He previously shared the record with Mohanlal, both holding six each.

Praising Mammootty’s craft and enduring relevance, Prakash remarked, “His presence in Bramayugam and the nuances he conveyed just through silence and expression were remarkable. Young actors are yet to reach that level of depth. This isn’t a charity organisation; awards must go to the best. If Mammootty remains this relevant at his age, that is something truly inspiring.”

The jury, which reviewed 128 films this year, found that only around 10 per cent met the expected artistic standard. Reflecting on this, Prakash urged senior Malayalam talents not to drift away entirely into pan-Indian projects. “It’s the responsibility of those who grew up in this industry to keep its creative health alive. Malayalam cinema and its audience deserve more wonderful films,” he said.