National Award Snubs in Mollywood: Remembering Past Controversies
National Award snubs in Mollywood: Kalabhavan Mani fainted after Mohanlal was declared Best Actor; Thilakan's 'Perumthachan' loss

(Picture Courtesy: Facebook)

As the controversy surrounding Blessy and Prithviraj Sukumaran's 'Aadujeevitham' National Award snub intensifies, it's important to look back at similar instances in Mollywood's history. In the year 2000, Kalabhavan Mani, the beloved actor-singer renowned for his natural charm and exceptional performance in 'Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum', was widely expected to win the National Award for Best Actor. In Chalakudy, celebrations had already started the night before, with fireworks, feasts, and a sense of pride among the locals.As reported by Mathrubhumi, when Mohanlal was announced as the winner for Vanaprastham, Kalabhavan Mani, watching the broadcast with his family, collapsed on the spot. The jubilation turned into shocked silence. Despite receiving a Special Jury Mention, the disappointment of being overlooked was overwhelming for him. Director Vinayan later revealed in an interview that Kalabhavan Mani cried with "a hundred times more pain than the happiness he felt the night before." This incident was later depicted in Vinayan's film 'Chalakkudikkaran Changathi'.

Thilakan's Legendary Loss to Amitabh Bachchan

A decade earlier, in 1990, Malayalam cinema experienced another heartbreaking moment. Thilakan, celebrated for his remarkable performance in 'Perumthachan', was the frontrunner for the Best Actor award. Critics, fans, and even jury insiders were confident of his victory, especially with filmmaker Shaji N Karun on the panel. However, the award went to Amitabh Bachchan for Agneepath. The backlash was immediate. The defeat was so personal that director Ajayan had to console the veteran actor by saying, "If Kochan was betrayed by Thachan, then Bachchan would betray Thachan." (A line from the film 'Perumthachan').

Rivalry and Regret: Mohanlal vs Mammootty

The National Awards have also been a battleground for Kerala's two megastars. In 1989, Mammootty won for 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha', overshadowing Mohanlal's 'Kireedam', despite its high acclaim. The following year, the tables turned as Mohanlal triumphed with 'Bharatham'. It was reported that Mammootty's performance in 'Amaram' was considered "too glamorous." Fast forward to 2025, 'Aadujeevitham' faced a similar fate. Mohanlal's latest appearance was in 'Thudarum'.

Watch Popular Malayalam Song Music Video 'Va Va Thaamarappenne' From Movie 'Karumaadikkuttan' Starring Kalabhavan Mani And Nandini

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