Mammootty Celebrates His Padma Bhushan Win, Highlights Unique Essence of Malayalam Cinema |

During the award ceremony where Mammootty was honored with the Padma Bhushan, he championed Malayalam cinema’s knack for delivering impactful stories, citing ‘Feminichi Fathima’ as a prime example. The beloved actor pointed out that it is the discerning audience that elevates cinema to a realm of meaningful discourse, viewing film as a conduit for significant themes.

Mammootty was conferred the Padma Bhushan on Sunday, a recognition that was long-awaited. Megstar was also awarded the Best Actor award for ‘Bramayugam’ at the 55th Kerala State Film Award ceremony. This is the seventh time the actor is being honoured with the award! During his address at the event, Mammootty spoke about how Malayalam cinema is able to produce unique films. The actor also pointed at the critically acclaimed ‘Feminichi Fathima’ and explained that such films will only happen in Malayalam.

Mammootty explains why Malayalam cinema is unique

The legendary actor stated that films like ‘Feminichi Fathima’ would only happen in Malayalam, and there is only one answer to why. “There is an audience here to watch it.”‘Feminichi Fathima’ fetched Shamla Hamza her first Kerala State Award for Best Actress. Reflecting on the film, and win, Mammootty said, “Films like this will be made only in Malayalam. Only Malayalis can conceive and appreciate such films. I watched Feminichi Fathima a few days ago. The film talks about patriarchy,” he said.

Mammootty added that even technicians from other industries ask why only Malayalam cinema is able to find such good stories.“There is only one answer to it. There is an audience here to watch it,” the superstar said. He further spoke about how Malayalam cinema is unique. “Several of our aesthetically rich films that ran successfully in our state may not find an audience in other states. But we encourage all kinds of cinema. Beyond seeing cinema just as a means for entertainment, we believe it is a thought-provoking and message-imparting medium,” he added. Mammootty, fondly called Mammukka, has also won the National Film Award for Best Actor thrice. He won his first National award in 1989 for the films ‘Mathilukal’ and ‘Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha’. The second recognition came in 1993 for films ‘Ponthan Mada’ and ‘Vidheyan’, followed by ‘Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’ in 1999. Meanwhile, on the work front, Mammootty will be next seen in ‘Patriot’.