The 70th National Film Awards were announced on Friday, August 16. Fans of actor Mammootty were disappointed that the actor and his critically acclaimed films, which were eligible for awards this edition, did not win any awards. However, film director and National Film Awards jury member MB Padmakumar has revealed that the producers did not submit any of Mammootty’s films for consideration at the 70th National Film Awards.

Padmakumar told Manorama Online that while filmmaker Lijo Jose Pelissery’s acclaimed 2022 drama Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, starring Mammootty in the lead, was a strong contender for the National Film Award, “the truth is that not a single film starring Mammootty was submitted for consideration this year.”

Padmakumar, who was part of the South jury for the National Awards, said, “People are quick to blame the government, but the truth is that Mammootty’s films were not submitted at all. We need to ask who took this decision.”

The filmmaker said it was sad that people had fabricated a ‘negative’ story and concluded, “It’s a big mistake to not submit such a remarkable film for consideration. It’s a loss not just for Mammootty but also for Malayalam cinema.”

Malayalam drama Attam was chosen at the 70th National Film Awards for the Best Feature Film. Actor Rishab Shetty won the Best Actor award, while Nithya Menen and Manasi Parekh shared the Best Actress award. Actor Manoj Bajpayee received a special mention for his performance in the film Gulmohar.

The winners of the Best Feature Film category will be given Rs 3 lakh each and a medal, while Rishab Shetty, Nithya Menen and Manasi Parekh will get Rs 2 lakh each and a medal. Manoj Bajpayee will only get a certificate.