Prakash Raj says National Film Awards are compromised and do not deserve Mammootty: ‘Files and piles are getting awards’

Prakash Raj served as the chairman of the jury for the 55th Kerala State Film Awards. Here's what he said about the awards and his responsibility.

The winners of the 55th Kerala State Film Awards were announced on Monday evening. Manjummel Boys and Bramayugam won multiple awards. Actor Prakash Raj served as the jury chairman for the awards this year and attended a press conference to discuss the winners and the awards presented. (Also read: Kerala State Film Awards 2025: Mammootty breaks record with 7th Best Actor win, Manjummel Boys sweep)

What Prakash Raj shared

Actor-politician Prakash Raj has called out National Film Awards. (X/@prakashraaj)

During the event, Prakash Raj was asked about his experience serving as a jury member for the Kerala State Film Awards and his thoughts on Mammootty's chances of winning the National Film Awards. He said, “I don't mind saying that National Film Awards are compromised. I am so happy to be a jury chairman of Kerala because when they called me, they said we need an outsider who is experienced, and we will not poke our hands into it, and we will let you take the decision."

He added, "That is not happening in the National Awards, and we see it. When files and piles are getting awards! When such sort of a jury and such sort of a national government… they don't deserve Mammukka.”

Mammootty's award wins

His Kerala State Award win for Bramayugam this year marked his seventh win in the category, the highest for any actor. Mohanlal and Urvashi both tie with six wins each in the same category. Survival drama Manjummel Boys won the Best Film honour at the Kerala State Film Awards as well as the Best Director award for Chidambaram.