Malayalam actors who have won National Awards

Malayalam film industry has produced some brilliant actors over the years who have gone to claim national and international fame for their on-screen performances. Their excellence in work has also gained them recognition and appreciation from all quarters. The latest example being that of Fahadh Faasil who recently bagged an award for Best Supporting Actor at the 65th National Awards for his performance in 'Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum'. Here we give you a rundown of actors in the Malayalam industry who have bagged the prestigious National Awards for their works.

Started his career purely as a comedian and raised to fame with his humour evoking Thiruvananthapuram slang, Suraj Venjaramoodu's transformation as a character actor was natural. Typified initially in movies for his peculiar slang, Suraj slowly realised the danger of being typified and soon the actor got offers to play different roles. He excelled even in small roles he portrayed, like the roles in movies ‘Red Wine’, ‘Left Right Left’, ‘Spirit’. It was 'Perariyathavar' directed by Dr Biju that won Suraj the National Award in 2014. The award didn’t confine Suraj to do serious roles alone as the actor continues to play comic characters.The National Award has definitely prompted filmmakers to rope in Suraj for significant roles in critically appraised movies like ‘Action Hero Biju and ‘Thondimuthalum Drisakshiyum’.

Without any help of mainstream aesthetics demanded by commercial cinema, Salim Kumar has carved a space in M-town with pure humour and sheer talent. Playing a series of small-time comic roles, Salim Kumar's depth as an actor was revealed in the movie 'Achanurangatha Veedu', directed by Lal Jose in which he played the role of an anxious father of three daughters. The role won him State Award in 2005, but Salim Kumar was again typified to do repetitive comic roles which he made remarkable with his body language and expressions. In 2010, Salim Kumar won the prestigious National Award for his iconic role in the movie 'Adaminte Makan Abu' where portrays the role of Abu, an old Muslim man who is struggling to find money to go for Mecca.

A strong personality and a monumental actor, late actor Murali was a proud asset of Malayalam cinema. Regarded as the finest actors in Indian cinema, he was known for his powerful portrayal of character roles, lead roles and negative roles. A firm leftist till his death, Murali, didn't confine his work to only acting as he ventured into other passions like writing, theatre and politics. Each of the characters Murali played in his entire career is unique and stands out for its realism. However, it was the movie 'Neythukaran' directed by Priyanandan that won this legendary actor his only National Award.

Considered as one of the best actors India has ever produced, Mohanlal, lovingly called Lalettan, is a legend in his profession by all means. Winning two National Awards for Best Actor, and a special jury mention and special jury award, Mohanlal has won it all in the biggest of stages. The actor was honoured with Padma Shri in the year 2001 for his contribution to the field of cinema. Mohanlal's performance in the movies ‘Bharatham’ and ‘Vanaprastham’ won him National Awards in 1991 and 1999 respectively.

Another icon of Malayalam film industry, Mammootty is the most decorated actor from M-town winning the National Award three times, most by a Malayalam actor. The actor won his first National Award in 1989 for his performances in ‘Mathilukal’ and ‘Oru Vadakkan Veeragadha’. He won the award again in 1993 for the movies ‘Ponthan Mada’ and ‘Vidheyan’. In 1998 the actor won his last National Award for his portrayal of Dr BR Ambedkar. Mammootty was also honoured with Padma Shri in the year 1998.