Mammootty wins high praise from fellow Kerala State Award winners Vincy Aloshious, Kunchacko Boban and Alencier Lopez

The buzz was always strong that megastar Mammootty could clinch this year’s Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor. So, when it finally happened – for the eight time in the megastar’s life, it didn’t quite come as a surprise. But that didn’t stop his fellow winners from lavishing praise on the actor’s performance in Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam.

Justifying their pick, the jury panel had said that Mammootty was able to exhibit totally diverse personalities belonging to two different States and cultures through his body language and expressions in Lijo Jose Pellissery’s film, which had also bagged the Best Film at the 53rd edition of the awards.

Also read: Kerala State Film Awards 2023: Mammootty, Vincy Aloshious and Nna Thaan Case Kodu win big, here's the complete list of winners 

Actor Alencier Ley Lopez, who was also in competition with the megastar for the Best Actor award, said that it was a given that Mammootty would clinch the award. He said that soon after he watched Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam in theatres, he told his son that Mammootty will win the award. “That’s how amazing he was. He used every inch of his face and body to embody the character,” said the actor, who got a Special Jury Mention (Acting) for his performance in Maju’s Appan that is currently streaming on Sony LIV.

Actress Vincy Aloshious, who was adjudged the Best Actress for her role in Jithin Isaac Thomas’ Rekha that is streaming on Netflix, told media that her next dream after winning the award is to sit with the megastar and collect the honour. Calling herself a Mammootty and Messi fan, the actress said, “My cabinet has been empty till now and the State Award would be the first trophy.” She also explained that the honour would also help her and the team get the word out, for more people to watch Rekha.

Meanwhile, Kunchacko Boban, who had put up some of the best performances in the past year through movies such as Nna Thaan Case Kodu, Pada and Ariyippu, told the media that he wasn’t disappointed with not getting the Best Actor award. “Everyone who was in competition are my colleagues and it’s like the award has gone to one of my friends,” said the actor, who also won a Special Jury Mention (Acting) for his role in Nna Thaan Case Kodu. “It’s also good for Malayalam cinema because we know that the quality of our content is right up there.”