'Asif Ali and Tovino Thomas are not below me; Maybe age helped me win': Mammootty on State Award win

Mammootty received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor and his speech is making the rounds for all the right reasons. During the acceptance speech Mammootty said that awards are not just trophies and are encouragement for artists. The 'Bramayugam' actor also said that getting an award for good acting gives even more strength to keep going.Mammootty made it clear that he does not see himself above others. He said Asif Ali and Tovino Thomas who won the Special Jury Award along with him are not lesser than him in any way. The superstar felt that maybe he got the Best Actor award because he is older in age.“An award is encouragement for artists. Getting an award for good acting is even more encouragement. Today along with me Tovino Thomas and Asif Ali have received the Special Jury Award. They are not even one millimetre below me. They stand with me. Maybe I got the award because I am older,” Mammootty said.Mammootty also spoke about the film 'Feminichi Fathima'. He said he watched the film recently and felt very happy about it. He praised the theme and said such films can happen only in Malayalam cinema.“I watched 'Feminichi Fathima'. Films like this can happen only in Malayalam. Malayalis are people who watch cinema to think, understand, and receive a message. I watched Feminichi Fathima a few days ago. The film talks about patriarchy. Only in Malayalam can such films be made. Only Malayali audiences can accept such a film. There are people here who will come to watch it. All films should be encouraged,” Mammootty added.'Bramayugam' win and Padma Bhushan happinessMammootty won the Best Actor award for his performance in 'Bramayugam'. This is his seventh Kerala State Film Award. The jury said he was selected for bringing two characters, Kodumon Potti and Chaathan, into one body through his acting. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a sculpture, and a citation.Along with this Mammootty also received another big honour. The veteran actor won the Padma Bhushan, one of the highest civilian honours in India. The award was announced on the last daySpeaking about it, Mammootty did not sound big or dramatic. He spoke like a simple man filled with gratitude. Talking to Mathrubhumi News, he said, “Santosham, athi santhosham.(Happy, the most happiest). there is nothing bigger than the honour from the country.”