Four Decades of Excellence Recognized: Cinema Fraternity Celebrates Legend
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has been named the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023, the country’s highest recognition in the field of cinema, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry announced on September 20, 2025. The award will be presented at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on September 23, 2025, by President Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Mohanlal is being recognised for “his iconic contribution to Indian cinema,” and becomes the second Malayali film personality to win the award, after iconic Malayalam film auteur Adoor Gopalakrishnan. The government of India previously honoured the actor with Padma Shri in 2001 and Padma Bhushan in 2019, and he received the Best Feature Film Award for Vanaprastham as a producer.
With over 400 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi cinema, the 65-year-old actor has established himself as one of India’s most versatile performers. His career spans from his debut in “Thiranottam” (1978) to recent acclaimed performances, showcasing remarkable adaptability across genres from comedy to intense drama.
The veteran star, who has worked for more than four decades in Malayalam cinema and beyond, called the award a tribute to the entire Malayalam film industry, explaining that he views the award as something much bigger than himself. Accepting the honour with characteristic humility, Mohanlal expressed overwhelming gratitude for the recognition of his 48-year cinematic journey.
Industry Celebrates the Recognition
Filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad, who has worked with Mohanlal on several films, expressed extraordinary happiness, stating “As an actor, this honour is exactly what he deserves for what he has given.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated Mohanlal on receiving the prestigious honour. The Malayalam film fraternity and national cinema community have unanimously praised the selection, recognizing Mohanlal’s unparalleled contribution to Indian storytelling.
From Bollywood, Akshay Kumar praised Mohanlal as the “greatest acting school,” recognizing his influence on generations of actors. The cross-industry appreciation reflects Mohanlal’s impact beyond regional boundaries, establishing him as a true pan-Indian cinema icon.
Malayalam superstar Mammootty, calling Mohanlal “more than a colleague, a brother,” stated: “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.
This recognition comes at a time when Malayalam cinema continues to gain national and international acclaim, with Mohanlal’s award serving as a testament to the region’s rich cinematic heritage and its growing influence on Indian film culture
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