Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan share National Award for Best Actor: Why this tie feels unfair to a legend

Dubai: When Indian film legend Mammootty collected his fourth National Film Award for Best Actor for his role in Bramayugam, the crowd erupted in a standing ovation. Unbeknownst to many, the same moment saw another actor, Kartik Aaryan, also named Best Actor in a Leading Role for Chandu Champion. While both actors deserve credit for their respective performances, some argue that sharing the same award for the same year feels unfair to a legend like Mammootty.

Mammootty, who has been in the industry for over four decades, has not only delivered outstanding performances but has also consistently pushed the boundaries of Indian cinema. His transformation in Bramayugam, where he played a sinister character, has earned him a place among the few with the most Best Actor wins in the award's history. At 75 years old, Mammootty continues to reinvent himself and challenge the audience's perceptions of ageing actors.

Kartik Aaryan, on the other hand, has shown immense dedication to his craft, even going to great lengths to prepare for the role of Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar in Chandu Champion. However, placing him alongside an actor like Mammootty, who has a legacy spanning decades, feels like a compromise to the true significance of the award.