Why Mammootty Fans, Pa Ranjith Are Disappointed With Tamil Nadu State Film Awards - Explained

The Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for 2016–2022 were announced on January 29 recognizing achievements in both film and television. While the awards honoured actors and technicians such as Dhanush, Vijay

Sethupathi, Suriya, Nayanthara, AR Rahman and Keerthy Suresh, it also drew sharp criticism from popular director Pa Ranjith and a section of netizens. Pa Ranjith’s boxing drama Sarpatta Parambarai earned acting awards but missed out on Best Film, making him question the integrity of award processes. Meanwhile, fans of Mammootty expressed outrage over the lack of recognition for his performance in the acclaimed 2018 film Peranbu. Here are the details about it.

Pa Ranjith Questions Award Integrity

Director Pa Ranjith, known for films backed by social messaging, publicly raised concerns about the fairness of award selections at both government and private levels. After the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards were announced, he took to X (formerly Twitter) to question whether organisations giving awards truly operate with integrity.

His film Sarpatta Parambarai won Best Actor for Arya and a Special Prize for Pasupathy, but did not secure the Best Film award, which several had wished for. The actor-director’s comments have started a debate because they point out how awards sometimes overlook popular films or performances. By questioning how fair and clear the award process is, Pa Ranjith has brought attention to accountability in honouring talent.

Mammootty Fans Disappointed Over Peranbu's Omission At Awards

Fans of Padma Bhushan awardee Mammootty have voiced strong disappointment with the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, regarding the omission of his 2018 film Peranbu from major categories. Although the film earned Theni Easwar the Best Cinematographer award, Mammootty’s intense performance was not acknowledged, nor were other accolades for the film. Peranbu has received international acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of disability, relationships, and women. Many fans feel Mammootty deserved Best Actor over other recipients. Discussions online have repeatedly questioned whether the jury had considered all eligible films.

This is not the first time Mammootty supporters have expressed frustration over awards; similar criticism was given when the National Film Awards overlooked the actor's Peranbu performance. Social media commentary has intensified the discussion.The controversy over awards reveals that film buffs wish for the process to be fair and trustworthy.