Reacting to the monumental honor, Mohanlal described it as a major recognition for himself and a proud achievement for Malayalam cinema. He expressed profound gratitude to the audience, his family, and the film industry for their unwavering support throughout his 48-year journey
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honor in Indian cinema, was conferred upon Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in a landmark decision that celebrated his nearly five-decade-long career. On September 23, 2025, at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony in New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious award to the actor, affectionately known as “Lalettan.” This recognition marks a historic moment for both Mohanlal and the Malayalam film industry, solidifying his status as one of India’s most versatile and beloved performers. At 65, he became the youngest-ever recipient of the award, joining an elite league of cinematic legends. He is the second Malayali to receive the honor, following legendary director Adoor Gopalakrishnan, who was awarded in 2004.
A Career of Excellence and Versatility
Mohanlal’s journey is a testament to his extraordinary talent and relentless hard work. His cinematic career, spanning over 400 films across various languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada, has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
His acting debut came in 1978 with the film “Thiranottam,” though his first on-screen appearance was as an antagonist in the 1980 romantic drama “Manjil Virinja Pookkal.” He honed his craft in villainous and secondary roles before rising to stardom with the 1986 crime drama “Rajavinte Makan,” which cemented his status as a box-office star.
Over the years, Mohanlal has delivered iconic and critically acclaimed performances in films like ‘Kireedam’, ‘Bharatham’, ‘Vanaprastham’, and the globally renowned ‘Drishyam’ series. His natural acting style and expressive delivery have made him a favorite among audiences and critics alike. Beyond his acting, he has also contributed to cinema as a producer and singer. His monumental career has earned him five National Film Awards (including one as a producer), nine Kerala State Film Awards, the Padma Shri in 2001, and the Padma Bhushan in 2019. In 2009, he also became the first actor in the Indian film industry to be awarded the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army.
Applause from All Corners
The announcement of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Mohanlal was met with an outpouring of congratulatory messages from across the nation and the film fraternity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the actor, stating that he “epitomises excellence and versatility” and that his accomplishments would “continue to inspire generations to come.”
His close friend and fellow superstar, Mammootty, expressed his happiness, calling Mohanlal “more than a colleague, a brother,” and said he truly deserved the “crown.” The sentiment was echoed by many of his peers. Renowned director Priyadarshan, a longtime collaborator, expressed his pride, while Bollywood star Akshay Kumar said that observing Mohanlal’s work “is like sitting in the front row of the greatest acting school ever.”
Producer Antony Perumbavoor, a steadfast companion in Mohanlal’s journey, shared his joy, stating that it was a “celebration of a lifetime of love and dedication to cinema” and that he was “blessed to stand by his side always.” Actress Manju Warrier and Sshivada also extended their heartfelt congratulations, with Sshivada sharing a memorable quote from the star: “Life is beautiful, amazing—make it extraordinary.”
Tamil actress Khushbu Sundar called the honor a tribute to the entire South Indian film industry, and even director Ram Gopal Varma, known for his unique style, went so far as to suggest that Dadasaheb Phalke himself should be given the “Mohanlal Award.”
A Moment of Gratitude and Responsibility
Reacting to the monumental honor, Mohanlal described it as a major recognition for himself and a proud achievement for Malayalam cinema. He expressed profound gratitude to the audience, his family, and the film industry for their unwavering support throughout his 48-year journey. “This award is a recognition I can give back to those who have loved me,” he said. “This is a major honor for me and for Malayalam cinema. I share this recognition with all who love me.”
In a beautiful display of humility, he likened his artistic path to water flowing steadily, merging with the sea, and credited his success to a combination of luck and the blessings of his seniors. “Cinema is magic,” he noted. “To become successful, one has to be lucky, and I consider myself lucky.”
The day after the announcement, he returned to his home state of Kerala to seek blessings from his mother, Shanthakumari Amma. This intimate act turned a professional milestone into a personal celebration of love, gratitude, and legacy. At the airport, he told the media that the award belonged not just to him, but to the industry and its audiences. He also expressed hope that the recognition would inspire younger generations to “dream bigger and work harder.”
Mohanlal also reflected on the award as both a “catalyst” for his artistic journey and a “responsibility.” “My responsibility is to do my role well,” he said, emphasizing his dedication to his craft above all else. His journey, he believes, has been a “collective journey, not a solitary one,” shaped by every role and every experience.
The government of Kerala also announced a grand, star-studded felicitation ceremony to honor the actor, calling it a “historic moment for Kerala” and a recognition of the state’s rich cinematic talent.
An Extraordinary Legacy Continues
At the 71st National Film Awards ceremony, a visibly moved Mohanlal accepted the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. In his acceptance speech, he once again dedicated the honor to his family, the film industry, and his beloved audience. He spoke about the “magic” of cinema and the collective effort that goes into creating a film. The award, he said, was a recognition of the hard work of all those who have been part of his journey.
Mohanlal’s legacy is defined by his ability to become the characters he portrays, captivating audiences with his effortless charm and deep emotional range. This award not only celebrates his past achievements but also affirms his enduring influence on Indian cinema. As Kerala prepares to celebrate its cultural ambassador, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award serves as a fitting crown for a true king of the silver screen.
