South Indian Cinema Shines at the 72nd National Film Awards

Doha, Qatar Jul 18, 2026 ALN: The 72nd National Film Awards, a prestigious event celebrating the best in Indian cinema, recently took place in New Delhi, showcasing a remarkable array of talent, storytelling, and technical prowess from filmmakers across the country. This year, South Indian cinema, particularly Malayalam films, emerged as a dominant force, garnering several top honours and reaffirming the region's significant contribution to the Indian film industry.

Malayalam cinema, known for its rich narratives and strong character development, has consistently produced films that resonate with audiences both domestically and internationally. At this year's awards, veteran actor Mammootty was awarded the Best Actor accolade for his compelling portrayal in the black-and-white horror thriller Bramayugam, directed by Rahul Sadasivan. His role as Kodumon Potti not only showcased his acting prowess but also highlighted the film's unique storytelling approach, which draws heavily from Kerala's folklore. This win adds to Mammootty's illustrious career, which includes previous National Film Awards for his performances in critically acclaimed films such as Mathilukal, Vidheyan, and Ponthan Mada.

Mammootty's recognition at the National Awards is significant not just for his career but also for the Malayalam film industry, which has seen a resurgence in quality storytelling and innovative filmmaking techniques in recent years. The film Bramayugam also won the Best Cinematography award, awarded to Shehnad Jalal, further emphasizing the film's artistic merit. The use of black-and-white cinematography in modern storytelling is a bold choice that speaks to the film's thematic depth and the director's vision.

In addition to Mammootty's win, the Malayalam film Feminichi Fathima, directed by Fasil Muhammed, was named Best Malayalam Film. The film's narrative focuses on gender equality and the pursuit of independence, reflecting contemporary social issues that resonate with many viewers. This thematic relevance is crucial in a cinematic landscape often dominated by commercial narratives, as it encourages dialogue around pressing societal challenges.

Another noteworthy achievement for Kerala cinema was the recognition of singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi, who won the Best Female Playback Singer award for her song “Angu Vaana Konilu” from the fantasy action film ARM (Ajayante Randam Moshanam). Her win underscores the importance of music in enhancing the emotional and narrative depth of films, particularly in Indian cinema, where songs often play a pivotal role in storytelling.

Kerala's contributions were further acknowledged with Bhadrakali Natakam receiving a Special Mention in the non-feature film category, illustrating the state's diverse cinematic output that spans both feature and non-feature formats.

The awards also highlighted the achievements of Tamil cinema, with actor-filmmaker Dhanush receiving a Special Mention for his performance in Captain Miller. His directorial venture Raayan was awarded Best Tamil Film, showcasing his multifaceted talent in both acting and filmmaking. Dhanush's previous accolades, including National Film Awards for Aadukalam and as a producer for Kaaka Muttai, further cement his status as a key figure in the Indian film industry.

In a broader context, the dominance of South Indian cinema at the 72nd National Film Awards reflects a shift in the Indian film landscape, where regional films are gaining recognition and appreciation on national and international platforms. The success of films from Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada industries was evident, with notable winners such as Amaran, which secured three awards including Best Direction for Rajkumar Periasamy, Best Editing for R Kalaivanan, and Best Background Music for GV Prakash Kumar. This film's triumph illustrates the collaborative effort of various departments in filmmaking, emphasizing that storytelling is a collective art form.

In Telugu cinema, Committee Kurrollu was awarded Best Telugu Film, while 35 - Chinna Katha Kaadu was recognized with multiple awards, including Best Children’s Film. This recognition is vital as it highlights the importance of diverse storytelling that appeals to different demographics, including children, thereby nurturing the next generation of filmgoers.

Kannada cinema also made its mark with Mithya (Illusion), directed by Sumanth Bhat, being named Best Kannada Film. The film's success is indicative of the growing recognition of Kannada films, which have been increasingly gaining traction for their unique narratives and artistic expression.

The awards ceremony also recognized major titles such as Pushpa 2: The Rule, which won Best Original Screenplay for Sukumar and Best Costume Design for Deepali Noor and Sheetal Sharma, and Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, which received the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. These films exemplify the high production values and creative storytelling that have become hallmarks of contemporary South Indian cinema.

The implications of these wins extend beyond mere accolades; they underscore the evolution of regional cinema in India. As South Indian films continue to gain recognition, they pave the way for a more inclusive cinematic landscape that values diverse voices and narratives. The growing appreciation for regional films also encourages filmmakers to explore unique stories that reflect the cultural richness of their respective states.

The 72nd National Film Awards serve as a reminder of the vibrant and dynamic nature of Indian cinema, where storytelling transcends language and regional boundaries. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to celebrate and support the diverse narratives that contribute to its richness, ensuring a bright future for filmmakers and audiences alike.

In conclusion, the 72nd National Film Awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the collective strength of South Indian cinema. With Mammootty's Best Actor win, Dhanush's dual recognition, and significant technical wins for films like Amaran, Pushpa 2, and Kalki 2898 AD, the event showcased a thriving cinematic ecosystem that is poised for further growth and recognition on both national and international stages.