President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented the 71st National Film Awards in various categories in New Delhi on Tuesday. The ceremony also saw South superstar Mohanlal being honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023 for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

President praises Mohanlal as the “Complete Actor”

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu congratulated all award winners and lauded Mohanlal’s versatility, stating:

“Mohanlal has effortlessly portrayed the softest of the soft and the harshest of the harsh emotions, creating an image of the Complete Actor.”

She highlighted the role of cinema beyond entertainment, describing it as a powerful medium for raising awareness and sensitising citizens, particularly the younger generation, to societal issues.

Focus on women-centric films

The President expressed her appreciation for the increasing production and success of women-centric films. She noted that the awarded films included:

  • Stories of mothers shaping the morals of their children.
  • Women uniting to confront social stereotypes.
  • Narratives portraying the struggles of women within home, family, and social structures.
  • Courageous women raising voices against patriarchy.

She commended filmmakers who sensitively depict societal issues, underlining the impact of cinema in shaping public consciousness.

Indian cinema: Local, national, and global

President Murmu also emphasised the diversity and global potential of Indian cinema, saying:

“The world’s largest film industry represents the world’s largest democracy and most diverse society. Indian cinema develops in many languages, dialects, regions, and local contexts. Our films are both local and national.”

She encouraged the film fraternity to enhance the global acceptance of Indian films, increase their popularity, and gain international recognition.

About the Dadasaheb Phalke Award

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest recognition for lifetime contribution to cinema. Mohanlal, the second actor from Kerala to receive this honour, has been celebrated for his extensive and versatile body of work spanning over four decades.