In a beautiful moment of camaraderie and cinematic brotherhood, Malayalam superstar Mammootty has extended a warm and heartfelt congratulatory message to his long-time friend and fellow legend Mohanlal, who has been named the recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award—India’s highest honor in cinema.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Mammootty expressed his joy and pride with touching words: “More than a colleague, a brother, and an artist who has embarked on this wonderful cinematic journey for decades. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is not just for an actor, but for a true artist who has lived and breathed cinema. So happy and proud of you, Lal. You truly deserve this crown.”
The bond between Mammootty and Mohanlal has been one of mutual respect and admiration for decades, both dominating Malayalam cinema with their powerful performances, while maintaining an enduring personal friendship that fans across the nation admire.
Reacting to the announcement earlier, Mohanlal took a moment to thank his supporters and acknowledged the emotional weight of the recognition: “Truly humbled to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. This honour is not mine alone, it belongs to every person who has walked alongside me on this journey. To my family, audience, colleagues, friends, and well wishers, your love, faith, and encouragement have been my greatest strength and have shaped who I am today.”
He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his words of encouragement.
Mohanlal will officially receive the award at the 71st National Film Awards, scheduled for September 23, adding another milestone to an extraordinary career that has spanned over four decades and over 340 films.