Is Mammootty and Rishab Shetty leading the race for Best Actor at 70th National Film Awards?

The 70th National Film Awards, which will honor the best of Indian cinema from 2022, are set to be announced this month with the felicitation ceremony scheduled for October. Among the leading contenders for the Best Actor award are Malayalam superstar Mammootty and Kannada actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty.

Mammootty, a three-time recipient of the National Film Award for Best Actor, is once again in the spotlight for his stellar performances in two notable films. His home production 'Rorschach' and the critically acclaimed 'Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam' have both garnered significant attention. 'Rorschach,' a 2022 theatrical release, showcased Mammootty's versatility and depth as an actor. 'Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam,' which premiered at the International Film Festival of Kerala in December 2022 and subsequently hit theatres in early 2023, further solidified his reputation. Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, the film earned Mammootty the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor, adding to his impressive list of accolades.

On the other hand, Rishab Shetty, who gained widespread recognition with his directorial debut 'Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shale' in 2019, is now a strong contender for his acting prowess in 'Kantara.' Although Rishab has not previously received any acting awards, his performance in 'Kantara' has been widely praised. The film's reach and acclaim have sparked a significant debate on social media platforms, with many fans and critics speculating that he could take home the Best Actor award this year.

The National Film Awards jury is carefully evaluating the performances from films censored between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. As anticipation builds, the competition between Mammootty and Rishab Shetty remains one of the most talked-about aspects of this year's awards.

On the work front, Mammootty's previous outing was with the action thriller 'Turbo' which turned out to be a superhit. The movie was directed by Vysakh and scripted by Midhun Manuel Thomas.