Legendary Malayalam actor Mohanlal’s recent Dadasaheb Phalke Award win has reignited discussions around South Indian actors and their recognition in India’s highest cinematic honour. Mohanlal is only the second actor from Kerala to receive the prestigious award, prompting many fans to question why his contemporary Mammootty has not yet been similarly honoured.

Mammootty and Kamal Haasan fans express disappointment

Social media platforms are abuzz with debates regarding the exclusion of Mammootty and Tamil cinema icon Kamal Haasan from the award list. In Tamil cinema circles, fans pointed out that while other stalwarts like Rajinikanth, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Rajkumar, and Sivaji Ganesan have been recipients, Kamal Haasan is still awaiting recognition. Actor-filmmaker LV Prasad is another South Indian legend who has won the award.

Mammootty himself extended warm congratulations to Mohanlal, showcasing the camaraderie between the two Malayalam superstars. Fans continue to debate the criteria and timing of such prestigious awards, highlighting the enduring public interest in South Indian cinema.

Clarifying misconceptions about Rajinikanth’s award

Interestingly, there have been circulating claims suggesting Rajinikanth faced a lack of appreciation when he received the award in 2021. In reality, he received congratulations from top personalities, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Kamal Haasan, who described the decision as “100 per cent appropriate.” Legendary music composer AR Rahman also lauded Rajinikanth’s acting prowess, reaffirming the recognition’s credibility.

Widespread acclaim for Mohanlal

Unlike the debates around other actors, Mohanlal’s win has been widely accepted as well-deserved. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, and several filmmakers and critics praised the actor for his contribution to Indian cinema. Ram Gopal Varma, director of the cult film Company, humorously remarked that the award was “long overdue” for Mohanlal, reflecting the general sentiment in the film fraternity.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, instituted in 1969, recognises lifetime contributions to Indian cinema. With Mohanlal joining the elite list, discussions are expected to continue regarding future recipients from South India and the broader balance of recognition across film industries.