Mammootty is currently witnessing one of the most significant weeks of his legendary career, highlighted by a rare “triple win” of prestigious honors and a major film announcement. On January 25, 2026, the Government of India conferred the Padma Bhushan on him for his five decades of service to cinema, an honor that arrived just as he was preparing to receive his 9th Kerala State Film Award (his 7th for Best Actor) for his haunting performance in Bramayugam. Adding to this momentum, on Republic Day, Mammootty and Mohanlal officially announced that their massive reunion film, Patriot, will hit theaters worldwide on April 23, 2026. Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, this political spy thriller features the two superstars in lead roles together for the first time in 18 years, supported by a stellar cast including Nayanthara and Fahadh Faasil.
During his State Award acceptance speech, Mammootty won further praise for his humility and forward-thinking outlook. He shared the stage with younger stars Asif Ali and Tovino Thomas (who received Special Jury awards), stating they are “not even a millimeter behind me” and suggesting his own win might simply be a reflection of his age. He also took the opportunity to champion the intellectual depth of the Malayalam audience, citing the success of films like Feminichi Fathima as proof that Kerala is uniquely receptive to bold, unconventional storytelling that challenges social norms.
