The Malayalam film industry erupted in celebration as Mohanlal was conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award by the government of India for 2023. But what makes this moment truly special isn’t just the award itself—it’s the heartfelt reactions from across the Indian film industry that showcase the deep respect and admiration for the Complete Actor.
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Mohanlal Complete Actor’s Graceful Acceptance
Mohanlal humbly accepted the honor, saying “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”—a response that perfectly encapsulates why he’s beloved across generations and film industries.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect, coming on the heels of his recent blockbuster success with Thudarum, proving that at 65, the Complete Actor continues to redefine excellence in Indian cinema.
Mammootty’s Emotional “Brother” Tribute
The most touching reaction came from his longtime friend and contemporary, Mammootty. The megastar congratulated his close friend, saying Mohanlal “truly deserved the crown”, referring to him as both colleague and brother—a testament to their decades-long friendship that transcends professional rivalry.
Mammootty’s tribute was particularly heartfelt: “Its an honor bestowed upon the Malayalam industry, in fact the entire South Industry”, highlighting how Mohanlal’s recognition elevates regional cinema as a whole.
Celebrity Reactions: A Who’s Who of Indian Cinema
| Celebrity | Relationship | Notable Quote/Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Mammootty | Friend & Contemporary | “You truly deserved this crown, brother” |
| Akshay Kumar | Bollywood Colleague | Called Mohanlal “greatest acting school” |
| Abhishek Bachchan | Bollywood Star | “Many congratulations, Mohanlal ji” |
| Dulquer Salmaan | Next-Gen Star | Expressed pride in Malayalam cinema |
| Prithviraj Sukumaran | Director & Actor | Celebrated the achievement |
| PM Narendra Modi | Political Leader | Offered kind words and blessings |
Akshay Kumar’s “Greatest Acting School” Praise
Bollywood’s Khiladi, Akshay Kumar, went beyond conventional congratulations, hailing Mohanlal as the “greatest acting school”—a remarkable tribute from one superstar to another. This recognition from Bollywood’s action king underscores Mohanlal’s pan-Indian influence and acting prowess.
The two actors have shared screen space and mutual respect, with Akshay often praising Mohanlal’s natural acting style and versatility across genres.
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The Dadasaheb Phalke Award Legacy
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, first given to actress Devika Rani, has honored 54 recipients as of 2024, making Mohanlal the latest addition to this illustrious list. The award recognizes lifetime contribution to Indian cinema, and Mohanlal’s four-decade career spanning over 350 films makes him a worthy recipient.
What Makes This Award Special:
- Highest honor in Indian cinema for lifetime achievement
- Government recognition of artistic excellence
- Pan-Indian respect transcending regional boundaries
- Legacy validation of Malayalam cinema’s global impact
Industry Impact: Beyond Personal Achievement
Mohanlal expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his kind words, stating they “fill me with encouragement and joy”, highlighting the national significance of this recognition.
This award represents more than individual achievement—it’s a validation of Malayalam cinema’s artistic excellence and its contribution to Indian cultural heritage.
Cultural Significance:
- Regional pride elevated to national recognition
- Malayalam cinema gets prestigious spotlight
- South Indian films gain increased credibility
- Acting excellence celebrated across language barriers
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The Perfect Timing: Career Renaissance at 65
What makes this award even more meaningful is its timing. Mohanlal’s recent success with Thudarum, his upcoming projects like Empuraan, and his continued box office dominance prove that great actors only get better with age.
The Complete Actor continues to:
- Challenge himself with diverse roles
- Mentorship of younger actors
- Innovation in Malayalam cinema
- Cross-industry collaboration with Bollywood and other regional films
A Celebration of Excellence
As the film industry unites in celebrating Mohanlal’s Dadasaheb Phalke Award, it’s clear that this recognition transcends regional boundaries. From Mammootty’s brotherly pride to Akshay Kumar’s professional admiration, the reactions showcase why Mohanlal remains Indian cinema’s most respected performer.
The award ceremony at the 71st National Film Awards will be a historic moment—not just for Mohanlal, but for every cinephile who believes in the power of authentic, transformative acting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why Did Industry Veterans Like Mammootty and Akshay Kumar React So Emotionally?
Mohanlal’s Dadasaheb Phalke Award represents more than personal achievement—it validates four decades of uncompromising artistic excellence. Mammootty’s “brother” reference highlights their unique friendship that has withstood professional competition, while Akshay Kumar’s “greatest acting school” comment reflects genuine admiration from someone who understands the craft. These reactions show how Mohanlal has earned respect not through politics or networking, but through pure artistic merit.
How Does This Award Change Malayalam Cinema’s National Standing?
This recognition elevates Malayalam cinema’s prestige significantly on the national stage. With Mohanlal becoming one of the youngest recipients and the first Malayalam actor to win in decades, it signals that regional content has achieved artistic parity with mainstream Bollywood. The award opens doors for increased funding, pan-Indian collaborations, and greater respect for Malayalam storytelling traditions, potentially inspiring more national recognition for South Indian talent.
