Mammootty on 4th National Award: 'It's very inspirational'

Mammootty on fourth National Award_ 'I am very fortunate'; says 'a lot of people' supported him.

Megastar Mammootty received the Best Actor honor at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Mammootty, in a chat with the media, reflected on receiving his fourth National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in 'Bramayugam'.

The actor played Kodumon Potti in Rahul Sadasivan's 2024 film.President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to Mammootty during the ceremony.In a chat with Mathrubhumi, Mammootty spoke about the significance of the recognition and acknowledged the people who supported him throughout his career. He also expressed his desire to continue entertaining audiences through his work.

Mammootty calls fourth National Award 'very fortunate'

Mammootty said national recognition remains an inspiration for performers.

He also credited directors, writers, co-actors, producers and audiences for being part of his long career.“As usual, it's very inspirational for every performer to get recognised by the nation. I am very fortunate to have my fourth national award for best actor. It’s been a long journey with a lot of people behind me and supporting me – my directors, my writers, my co-actors and producers, and the people who were appreciating me.

And I am very happy that I could entertain them for such a long time, and I hope that I could do more and more times. I can only assure you that I will be working very hard to be there,” Mammootty said.

Mammootty reveals how he approaches roles

The actor also spoke about his method of selecting films and preparing for characters. Mammootty said he gives greater importance to the script before considering the specific role.He explained that he does not usually undergo extensive preparation before starting a project.

Instead, he allows the character to develop naturally once filming begins.“I choose the script, then the role. I don't do much preparation. When I am set for the first day, I get something; I don't know what magic it is. I am not doing any magic myself, but something comes my way luckily.This (Kodumon Potti) was not what the director structured or brought to me—that was something else. I sat with the make-up man and costume designer, then I could become the character.

And I thank my director for that mind, make-up man, costumer and of course the cameraman, because it's a black-and-white film. It's my first black-and-white film; long, long ago I did a cameo in a black-and-white film,” he added.

Rahul Sadasivan's 'Bramayugam' earns recognition

Released in 2024, 'Bramayugam' was directed by Rahul Sadasivan. The film starred Mammootty alongside Arjun Ashokan, Sidharth Bharathan and Amalda Liz. Shehnad Jalal served as the cinematographer and was also honoured at the 72nd National Film Awards.

Mammootty shares heartfelt National Award post

After receiving the honor, Mammootty also shared a message on social media. He described the award as a moment he would remember for the rest of his life.The actor dedicated the recognition to everyone who has followed and supported his work over the years.Mammootty wrote, "Receiving the National Award for Best Actor at the 72nd #NationalFilmAwards is an honour I will cherish for a lifetime. To everyone who has watched, supported, celebrated and connected with my work over the years, this moment belongs to you as much as it belongs to me. Thank you for being part of the journey. With all my heart Mammootty."On the work front, Mammootty's recent film is 'Law and Order'.