By President Droupadi Murmu,South First Desk
Copyright thesouthfirst
71st National Film Awards: Mohanlal receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award adds a crowning chapter to the actor’s long trajectory in Indian cinema and was hailed by fans and colleagues as a moment of pride for Malayalam film as well as for the broader film community.
Veteran Malayalam actor Mohanlal was presented with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award — India’s highest cinematic honour — at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan on Tuesday, 23 September.
The citation was handed over personally by President Droupadi Murmu as the gathering rose in applause.
Earlier, following the announcement of the award, Mohanlal spoke of humility and gratitude and said he could not claim the honour for himself alone.
“This is a proud moment and I cannot enjoy this alone. I’m sharing this with everyone — the audience, those I have worked with in the past, the people I work with now and those I will work with in the future,” he said, dedicating the prize to Malayalam cinema.
He also underlined the award’s national significance: “The award is for the entire Indian film industry.”
The ceremony, which was streamed live on the official PIB India YouTube channel, witnessed an emotional reception as Mohanlal walked onto the stage.
With a calm, dignified smile he received the honour — a recognition that crowns a career spanning more than four decades.
Also Read: Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Mohanlal — a recognition for Malayalam cinema
‘The Complete Actor’
Mohanlal, often described as “The Complete Actor,” has appeared in around 400 films across languages and has won five National Awards during his career.
Congratulating the actor, the President wrote on X: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Shri Mohanlal on being honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He has effortlessly portrayed emotions from the most tender to the most intense, and his image as The Complete Actor has been established.”
मोहनलाल जी को दादासाहब फाल्के पुरस्कार से सम्मानित किये जाने पर मैं उन्हें हार्दिक बधाई देती हूं। उन्होंने कोमल से कोमलतम और कठोर से कठोरतम भावों को सहजता से प्रस्तुत किया है और The Complete Actor की उनकी छवि बनी है। pic.twitter.com/bYS1fPjVP8
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 23, 2025
His performances — from the anguished young man in Kireedam (1989) to the calculating protagonist of Drishyam (2013) and the classical dancer in Vanaprastham (1999)— have been widely cited as examples of his range and ability to inhabit diverse roles.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award adds a crowning chapter to the actor’s long trajectory in Indian cinema and was hailed by fans and colleagues as a moment of pride for Malayalam film as well as for the broader film community.
Also Read: Mohanlal to be presented Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee receive awards
Meanwhile, Sharukh Khan and Vikrant Massey have received the Best Actor Awards, and Rani Mukherjee has received the Best Actress Award.
Among the other winners are 12th Fail directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film, while Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was awarded Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
From the Tamil and Malayalam industries, Vijayaraghavan won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Pookkaalam, while MS Bhaskar also received the award in the same category for his role in Parking.
The award for Best Supporting Actress was given to Urvashi for her powerful performance in the film Ullozhukku.
Best feature films in southern languages are:
Best Malayalam Film – Ullozhukku
Best Kannada Film – Kandeelu
Best Tamil Film – Parking
Best Telugu Film- Bhagavanth Kesari
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
