Kerala State Film Awards 2023: Mammootty in the race for ‘Best Actor’ award?

At 71, Mammootty remains a relevant figure in Malayalam cinema, thriving with new projects. In fact, his recent films - like Bheeshma Parvam, Puzhu and Rorschach - have revealed unseen facets of his acting prowess. The legendary actor has always taken the initiative to work with new directors on experimental projects, and has also been acclaimed for his work multiple times.

As he puts it, “It’s the greed to act that keeps me going, not the money.” Speaking of the latest, it looks like Mammootty has yet another shot at the upcoming Kerala State Awards, under the ‘Best Actor’ category. The veteran actor has already won seven State Awards in the past. And this time around, he is expected to be nominated for his performance in Puzhu, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam and Rorschach. Mammootty played diverse characters in these three films, all of which have been critically acclaimed.

He played a ‘wicked’ character in Nissam Basheer’s Rorschach, a psychological thriller. It was an outside-the-box attempt, and the first production of Mammootty Kampany. The actor, who proved his mettle in portraying grey characters, aced Luke Antony, an NRI with a mysterious past.

Meanwhile, Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, which touched on elements of magical realism, was another Mammootty movie that released this year. The storyline revolves around James, who is partaking in a family excursion to the Velankanni Church. During the journey, the bus stops at a village, and James suddenly assumes the persona of Sundaram, a local Tamilian in that village. Mammootty’s attention to minute details in his portrayal distinguishes the two characters. This is particularly evident in the final act, where he discovers that nobody recognises him, and he is in deep shock.

Kuttan in Puzhu was another grey character that Mammootty essayed in Rorschach. The film examines the caste system and the problem of untouchability from a different perspective. The narrative delves into the consequences of hatred and its impact on individuals. In the film, Mammootty plays a deeply flawed individual characterised by egoism and casteism. Kuttan also grapples with obsessive-compulsive disorder, which further exacerbates his rigid adherence to his ideologies.

With the awards to be announced soon, Kunchacko Boban and Prithviraj are also reportedly among the contenders for the ‘Best Actor’ award. Kunchacko was acclaimed for his roles in Nna Thaan Case Kodu, Pada and Ariyuppu, while Prithviraj may be considered for his characters in Jana Gana Mana and Theerppu.