Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor award at the 72nd [1] National Film Awards held in New Delhi.
The honors recognize the highest achievements in Indian cinema, bridging regional industries and highlighting the diverse range of performances across the country.
The ceremony took place at the National Media Centre [3], where the jury announced a rare tie for the top male acting honor. Mammootty was recognized for his work in "Bramayugam" [4], while Kartik Aaryan won for his performance in "Chandu Champion" [7]. Both actors shared the Best Actor title [2].
In the female category, Yami Gautam won Best Actress for her role in the film "Article 370" [3]. The award recognizes the technical and artistic merit of the production, and the lead performance.
There are varying reports regarding the specific timeline of the honors. Some sources said the awards recognize cinema from 2024 [4], while other reports associate the ceremony with the 2026 awards cycle [5].
The National Film Awards are among the most prestigious honors in India, often serving as a benchmark for critical success and cultural impact. By awarding both Mammootty, a veteran of Malayalam cinema, and Kartik Aaryan, a prominent figure in Hindi cinema, the 72nd [1] edition emphasizes a cross-industry appreciation of talent.
“Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor award”
The shared Best Actor win highlights a growing trend of parity between regional cinema and the mainstream Bollywood industry. By honoring both a veteran South Indian actor and a contemporary Hindi film star, the National Film Awards underscore the integration of diverse linguistic film industries into a single national cinematic identity.
