Veteran actor Mohanlal received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s top film honor, at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony in New Delhi on September 23, 2025. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to him for his outstanding work in cinema over four decades, making him the second person from Kerala to earn this recognition.
A Historic Moment for Malayalam Cinema
The event at Vigyan Bhawan drew cheers and a standing ovation as Mohanlal stepped up to accept the award. This marks a big win for Malayalam films, spotlighting the industry’s talent on a national stage.
Fans and fellow stars clapped loudly, showing their respect for his long career. A short video played during the ceremony, highlighting his key roles and impact on Indian movies.
Mohanlal attended with his wife, Suchitra, adding a personal touch to the evening. Officials praised him as a beloved figure who has shaped cinema for generations.
Mohanlal’s Heartfelt Speech
In his speech, Mohanlal shared his deep thanks and humility. He called the award a tribute to the whole Malayalam film world, not just his own efforts.
He spoke about the teamwork behind his success, from directors to fans. This moment reminded everyone of cinema’s power to connect people across languages and regions.
Mohanlal also posted on social media earlier, thanking his family and supporters for their constant encouragement. His words touched many, sparking online buzz and shares.
Key Highlights from the Ceremony
The 71st National Film Awards celebrated films from 2023, with several big names taking home prizes. The event honored diverse stories and talents from across India.
A mix of Bollywood and regional cinema shone bright. President Murmu handed out awards, stressing the role of films in society.
One fun note was the warm interactions among winners, like chats between stars from different film industries. This showed the unity in Indian entertainment.
The ceremony also featured live performances and clips from winning films, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
Other Major Winners
Several actors and filmmakers stood out at the awards. Here is a quick look at some top honors:
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Actor | Shah Rukh Khan | Jawan |
| Best Actor | Vikrant Massey | 12th Fail |
| Best Actress | Rani Mukerji | Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway |
| Best Film | Vidhu Vinod Chopra (Director) | 12th Fail |
| Best Direction | Sudipto Sen | The Kerala Story |
| Best Popular Film | Karan Johar (Producer) | Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani |
| Best Malayalam Film | Christo Tomy (Director) | Ullozhukku |
These awards highlight the variety in Indian cinema, from action hits to emotional dramas.
Shah Rukh Khan’s win for Jawan added to his list of accolades, while Rani Mukerji’s role in a family story earned high praise. Vikrant Massey’s performance in 12th Fail inspired many with its real-life grit.
Mohanlal’s Journey in Film
Mohanlal started acting in the 1980s and quickly became a star in Malayalam movies. He has appeared in over 300 films, taking on roles from heroes to complex characters.
His work spans languages, including Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu, showing his wide appeal. Awards like Padma Shri in 2001 and Padma Bhushan in 2019 already mark his legacy.
Recent films like Lucifer and Barroz keep him relevant, blending action with strong stories. Fans love his natural style and ability to connect on screen.
Beyond acting, he directs and produces, adding depth to his career. This latest award cements his place as a true icon.
Public Reactions and Future Impact
Social media lit up with congratulations after the event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Mohanlal an example of excellence and versatility.
Other leaders like Amit Shah shared warm messages, noting his influence on culture. Fans posted videos and photos, turning the award into a trending topic.
This honor could boost Malayalam cinema’s visibility, encouraging more stories from the region. It also inspires young actors to aim high.
As Indian films grow globally, moments like this build excitement for what’s next.
What do you think about Mohanlal’s win? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article to fellow film fans for more discussions on cinema’s best.
