Mohanlal Receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award : A Golden Moment for Malayalam Cinema

The Malayalam film industry is celebrating a golden moment as Mohanlal Viswanathan, fondly known as Mohanlal, has been chosen for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023. This award is the highest honour in Indian cinema, presented by the Government of India for outstanding contributions to the industry. With this, Mohanlal becomes only the second Malayalee to receive the award, after legendary filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan in 2004. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on September 20, 2025, sparking joy not only in Kerala but across India. The award will be formally presented on September 23, 2025, at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony in New Delhi.Mohanlal: The Timeless ActorMohanlal’s career spans 48 years, during which he has acted in over 400 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada cinema. Known for his versatility, he has portrayed a wide range of characters, from heroic figures and ordinary men to mythological roles. His performances have always carried a natural charm and emotional depth, making him one of India’s finest actors. Over the years, he has earned five National Awards, multiple Kerala State Film Awards, and the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to Indian cinema. Yet, according to him, this latest recognition is not his personal achievement alone but a tribute to Malayalam cinema and Indian film as a whole.A Humble AcceptanceSpeaking to media in Kochi on September 21, Mohanlal expressed heartfelt gratitude. “I speak with a deep sense of humility and gratitude here. This is a proud moment, and I cannot enjoy this alone. I’m sharing this with everyone: the audience, the people I have worked with in the past, the ones I am working with in the present, and those I will work with in the future.” For Mohanlal, cinema has always been a collective journey rather than an individual triumph. He described the award as a “beautiful and special moment” not just for him, but for the entire Indian film industry.Why the 2023 Award in 2025?The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is given for a particular year, but the announcement and presentation often happen later during the National Film Awards ceremony. In this case, the 2023 award is being conferred in 2025 because of scheduling delays in the National Film Awards process, which have faced disruptions in recent years. Thus, while Mohanlal’s award carries the 2023 title year, the honour is being officially presented at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony in September 2025.Cinema as Magic Mohanlal states that when two movies succeed, it elevates you, and when they fail, it is the opposite. To stay in such an industry for 48 years is like being in a circus. His words reflect the uncertainty and struggle behind the glamour of films. Yet, he credits his survival and growth to the supportive people he has worked with and the opportunities he has been blessed with. “I have had the privilege of working with many master actors and was lucky enough to play good roles,” he added. Unlike many who might consider the Dadasaheb Phalke Award the ultimate achievement, Mohanlal remains grounded. He insists that cinema has no pinnacle. For him, cinema is one language that unites everyone—artists, technicians, and audiences alike. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award: A Legacy of HonourInstituted in 1969 to honour the father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke, the award is given annually at the National Film Awards. It recognizes artists for their “outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.” The award includes a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹1,000,000 (US$12,000). The recipient is chosen by a distinguished jury of eminent film personalities. For Kerala, Mohanlal’s recognition marks a proud milestone, proving the global influence of Malayalam cinema.Kerala’s Pride, India’s TreasureMohanlal’s achievement is not just about a decorated career but about the emotions of millions who grew up watching his films. From the rustic simplicity of Kireedam to the grandeur of Vanaprastham and the mass appeal of Pulimurugan, his roles have touched lives in countless ways. For the Malayalee community, this award is deeply personal. It validates the richness of Malayalam cinema and the decades of dedication Mohanlal has given to it. Across India, fans from various states see this recognition as proof that great cinema has no language barriers.A Moment Beyond AwardsMohanlal’s Dadasaheb Phalke Award is more than a personal accolade; it is a celebration of Indian cinema’s diversity, resilience, and magic. While Mohanlal himself downplays the idea of having reached a pinnacle, his award is a landmark moment in Indian cinema. It honours not only his extraordinary journey but also the countless people who contributed to Malayalam cinema’s global reputation. As the curtains rise on the 71st National Film Awards ceremony, Mohanlal’s story reminds us that cinema, at its heart, is about people, passion, and shared dreams.