Tovino Thomas wins hearts with speech at 55th Kerala State Film Awards: ‘Both Asif and I can proudly say we just missed it to Mammukka’

Tovino Thomas’ address after receiving the Special Jury Mention at the 55th Kerala State Film Awards is now taking the internet by storm. He and Asif Ali received Special Jury Mentions for ‘ARM’ and ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’, respectively. Mammootty won the Best Actor award for his performance in ‘Bramayugam’.

Tovino Thomas’ speech takes the internet by storm

After receiving the award, Tovino Thomas was delivering his acceptance speech, in which he expressed that both he and fellow actor Asif Ali felt honoured to be recognised alongside Mammootty.

‘Both I and Asif can proudly say that we just missed it to Mammukka, we competed with Mammukka, and the audience's love is the biggest award we receive," Tovino Thomas said with a touch of humour.

Tovino’s refreshing address has won the hearts of the netizens for all the right reasons. The actor further added that this recognition, alongside Mammootty, is indeed an encouragement to work diligently.

The ‘ARM’ actor also expressed gratitude to everyone who has been part of his film journey since 2012. He also made a special mention to Jithin Lal, the director of ‘ARM’, for providing him with three different characters in the film.

Mammootty on winning Best actor award

Legendary actor Mammootty, who won the 55th Kerala State award for best actor, expressed that awards were not just personal achievements but a source of encouragement for everyone who is part of cinema. “Awards are always an encouragement for an artist,” he said. The ‘Bramayugam’ actor also appreciated Tovino Thomas and Asif Ali, who received Special Jury mentions. “They are not even a millimetre behind me. They are with me. I may have received the award because I am older in age,” he said.

The Centre announced the Padma Awards 2026 on the eve of Republic Day, and Mammootty was conferred the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in the country. In fact, Mammootty celebrated his Padma Bhushan win with Tovino Thomas and Asif Ali. On Monday, January 26, Tovino Thomas shared a picture of cutting a cake with Mammootty and Asif Ali to celebrate the win.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”