Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal Celebrate Mammootty's Best Actor National Award Win, Call It 'Well Deserved'

The 72nd National Film Awards were finally announced on July 18, 2026. The day turned into a celebration for Malayalam cinema, with Mammootty’s Best Actor win for Bramayugam. As congratulatory messages poured in from across the industry, two of the warmest came from his longtime peers and friends, Kamal Haasan and Mohanlal. The duo made sure to celebrate the veteran actor’s latest achievement in their own heartfelt ways.

Mammootty shared the Best Actor award with Kartik Aaryan, who was recognised for his performance in Chandu Champion. The honour comes at a special time for the Malayalam superstar, especially after many fans had felt he was overlooked at a few major award ceremonies in recent years. It also follows his recent Padma award recognition.

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan Reacts To National Award Win: ‘A Dream I’ve Carried For Years…’

Taking to X, Mohanlal congratulated Mammootty and wrote, “Heartfelt congratulations to dear Ichakka on winning the National Award for Best Actor for Bramayugam. This is a moment of immense pride for all of us and a recognition that is truly well deserved.”

Mohanlal didn’t stop there. He also applauded other National Award winners from the Malayalam film industry. Congratulating singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi, he described her honour as “a beautiful tribute to her extraordinary talent.” He further wrote, “I am equally delighted to see Shehnad Jalal being recognised for Best Cinematography and Feminichi Fathima being honoured as the Best Malayalam Film. Congratulations to director Fasil Muhammed and the entire team on this remarkable achievement.” Shehnad Jalal won Best Cinematography for Bramayugam, while Fasil Muhammed’s Feminichi Fathima took home the Best Malayalam Film award.

The actor also extended his wishes to winners from across the country, including Kartik Aaryan, Yami Gautam, Dhanush and several others. He signed off by saying, “My congratulations as well to Kartik Aaryan, Yami Gautam, Dhanush, and to every artist, filmmaker, and technician honoured at the 72nd National Film Awards. It is always heartening to see the richness, diversity, and excellence of Indian cinema celebrated on such a prestigious platform. Congratulations to all the winners and best wishes for many more milestones ahead.”

Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan’s message came with a dose of nostalgia. Looking back at an old conversation with Mammootty, he reminded the actor of a promise he had once made. Kamal wrote, “You once promised me you would overtake me in the number of National Awards. As always, you are a man of your word! Here’s to many more accolades, my friend.”

Mammootty replied with equal warmth, writing, “Thank you, Kamal sir. You are being too modest. Truly humbled by your words.”

Kamal also congratulated the rest of the winners, including the team behind Kalki 2898 AD. In his message, he wrote, “Congratulations as well to all the winners of the 72nd National Film Awards. Special congratulations to Nag Ashwin, Vyjayanthi Films and entire Kalki 2898 AD family. Indian cinema is richer because of your excellence.”