Thiruvanathapuram (Kerala) [India], January 25 (ANI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday said that the announcement of the Padma Bhushan for veteran actor Mammootty was a moment of deep satisfaction and pride.

Speaking at the Kerala State Film Awards 2024 presentation ceremony, the Chief Minister said it was fortunate for the present cabinet to witness Mammootty receiving the Padma Bhushan. 'For several years, our cabinet had consistently recommended Mammootty for the honour. Everything has its own time, and the fact that it has finally been conferred now is deeply gratifying. We can wholeheartedly congratulate him,' Vijayan said.

The Chief Minister praised Mammootty's contribution to cinema, stating that each of his characters continues to amaze audiences with emotional depth. He specifically highlighted the actor's performance in Kaathal, remarking that it was a role many superstars would hesitate to portray. Mammootty won the Best Actor award at the State Film Awards 2024.

'This is Mammootty's ninth Kerala State Film Award. He is also the first actor from Kerala to have won the National Award for Best Actor three times,' Vijayan said. He added that Mammootty's performance in Bramayugam, which earned him the Best Actor honour, has brought international recognition to Malayalam cinema. The film is the only Indian entry selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Museum for a special screening and will be screened in Los Angeles next month, he noted.

Responding to the honours, Mammootty said technicians from other film industries often ask why Malayalam cinema consistently produces strong films and stories. 'The answer is simple, there is an audience here that watches and supports them. Cinema for us is not just entertainment; it is also a medium to think, understand and convey messages,' the actor said.

He added that the close bond between filmmakers and audiences is the greatest strength of Malayalam cinema. 'Each of us chooses films we believe in, and the audience walks with us. Malayalam cinema is a vast mine of talent, with many treasures yet to be discovered,' Mammootty said.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan presented the Kerala State Film Awards 2024 at a ceremony held at Nishagandhi Auditorium, presided over by Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian. Veteran actress Sharada received the J.C. Daniel Award, the highest film honour of the state government.

The Chief Minister presented awards to 51 film personalities, including Mammootty, Tovino Thomas, Asif Ali, Vedan, Shamla Hamza, Lijomol Jose, Jyothirmayi, Soubin Shahir, Siddharth Bharathan, Chidambaram, Fazil Mohammed, Sushin Shyam, Sameera Saneesh and Sayanora Philip. Congratulating Sharada, Vijayan described her as an iconic artiste who has created cinematic wonders for over five decades.

He also noted that the Kerala State Film Awards hold added significance as Malayalam cinema is just two years away from completing 100 years. (ANI)