Malayalam superstar Mohanlal to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award

 

# Mohanlal: The Complete Actor Bags India's Highest Cinema Honour – Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023

**Posted on September 20, 2025**

In a moment that's lighting up screens and hearts across Kerala and beyond, Malayalam cinema's evergreen icon, Mohanlal, has been announced as the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023 – India's pinnacle tribute to cinematic excellence. Affectionately known as "Lalettan," the 65-year-old superstar joins an elite league of legends like Raj Kapoor, Lata Mangeshkar, and more recently, Mithun Chakraborty, for his "iconic contribution to Indian cinema." The news, dropped by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting today, has sparked a tidal wave of celebrations – from fan frenzies in Kochi to tributes from Bollywood A-listers. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi put it on X: "Mohanlal epitomises excellence and versatility. He is a leading light of Malayalam Cinema and his iconic roles have added to Kerala's cultural richness." Let's rewind on why this feels like destiny for the man who's redefined stardom.

## A Journey from Villain to Virtuoso: Mohanlal's Cinematic Odyssey

Born Mohanlal Viswanathan on May 21, 1960, in Elanthoor, Kerala, Lalettan burst onto the scene as a wide-eyed villain in the 1980 Malayalam flick *Manjil Virinja Pookkal* – India's first villain-lead debut that had audiences hooked. Fast-forward four decades, and he's the heartbeat of over 400 films, seamlessly slipping into roles across Malayalam (his fortress), Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and even Hindi cinema. From the raw intensity of *Kireedam* (1989) to the heartfelt family saga in *Drishyam* (2013) – which spawned remakes in six languages – Mohanlal's chameleon-like range is unmatched.

What sets him apart? That effortless blend of humor, pathos, and power. Remember the philosophical depth in *Vanaprastham* (1999), earning him a National Film Award for Best Actor? Or the box-office beast *Pulimurugan* (2016), India's first Rs 100-crore Malayalam hit? He's not just an actor; he's a director (*Barroz*, his 2024 fantasy epic), producer, and singer whose voice in *Chandralekha* still gives chills. With nine Kerala State Awards and two National Awards under his belt, plus the Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2019), Mohanlal's trophy cabinet was already groaning – but the Dadasaheb Phalke? That's the golden swan song.

Here's a quick peek at his award-winning highlights:

| Year | Film/Achievement | Award |

|------|------------------|-------|

| **1991** | *Bharatham* | National Film Award – Best Actor |

| **1999** | *Vanaprastham* (Producer) | National Film Award – Best Feature Film |

| **2001** | Padma Shri | Civilian Honour |

| **2019** | Padma Bhushan | Civilian Honour |

| **2020** | Overall South Cinema Excellence | Dadasaheb Phalke South Award |

| **2023** | Lifetime Contribution | Dadasaheb Phalke Award |

## The Legacy: Second Malayali Maestro in the Pantheon

This honour isn't just personal; it's a proud chapter for Malayalam cinema, often the underdog in India's pan-Indian narrative. Mohanlal becomes only the second artist from Kerala to claim the Dadasaheb Phalke, following the great Adoor Gopalakrishnan in 2006 – a nod to Mollywood's quiet revolution in parallel and mainstream storytelling. The award, instituted in 1969 to honour father of Indian cinema Dadasaheb Phalke, celebrates those who've "set a golden standard" in the industry. For Mohanlal, it's recognition of how he's bridged Kerala's lush narratives to national screens, inspiring generations with roles that mirror life's messy beauty.

Off-screen, Lalettan's humility shines – he's the guy who directs traffic during fan mobs and champions causes like the AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) revival post-2024 floods. His production house, Prithviraj Productions (co-founded with son Prithviraj), keeps pushing boundaries, from *Lucifer* (2019) to the upcoming *L2: Empuraan*.

## The Ceremony: Lights, Camera, Accolades on September 23

Mark your calendars: Mohanlal will receive the swanky Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus), a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, and a shawl from President Droupadi Murmu at the 71st National Film Awards gala on September 23, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Expect emotional speeches, star-studded cheers (Mammootty? Prithviraj? The whole Mollywood brigade?), and maybe a sneak peek at his directorial flair. As the Ministry tweeted: "Mohanlal’s remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations!"

## Why It Matters: A Win for Regional Cinema's Renaissance

In an era of Bollywood-South crossovers (*RRR*, *Pushpa*), Mohanlal's win spotlights how regional talents are scripting India's global story. It's a reminder that true icons don't chase spotlights – they create them. For fans, it's validation of those late-night rewatches of *Spadikam* or *Udayananu Tharam*. For aspiring actors, it's a masterclass in staying real amid the glamour grind.

Congratulations, Lalettan! You've earned every frame of this glory. What's your all-time fave Mohanlal moment – the brooding cop in *Aaraam Thampuran* or the comic chaos in *Boeing Boeing*? Spill in the comments. Here's to more encores from the king.

*Disclaimer: This post draws from official announcements; ceremony details may evolve.*