Dasa, this is your time: Filmmakers praise Mohanlal after Dadasaheb Phalke award win

Mohanlal’s remarkable journey in Malayalam cinema is poised to receive one of its highest honours. The actor will be presented with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and the announcement has already sparked an outpouring of admiration from colleagues and friends who have witnessed his legendary career firsthand.

Filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad, who has worked with Mohanlal on several films, expressed his joy at the actor receiving the award. “The whole world knows Mohanlal is my friend. I feel an extraordinary happiness today. As an actor, this honour is exactly what he deserves for what he has given Malayalam cinema. It has come at the right time, and that is why everyone is happy. He first entered films as ‘Lal Master’, but for many of us, he has always been ‘Dasa’. This award is not just his alone—it belongs to the entire community that loves him,” Anthikad said.

Actor and ad film maker Prakash Varma also praised Mohanlal, highlighting both his versatility and humility. “From ‘Manichitrathazhu’ to ‘Vanaprastham’ to ‘Bharatham’, he has displayed brilliance across genres. Even a short conversation with him reveals his humility. This recognition is richly deserved. He is a legend not only because of his performances, but also because of the simplicity and grace with which he lives his life,” Varma noted.

For director Priyadarshan, a long-time collaborator and close friend, the award carried a deeply personal significance. “We started out in cinema together, and though our journeys took different turns, he has always remained my closest friend. That is why every recognition that comes his way makes me proud. I had often felt he should have received such a big honour earlier. When the announcement was made, I was overwhelmed—I cried, as if it were my own brother’s victory,” he said.

Priyadarshan added, “Mohanlal, the actor, has reached unimaginable heights, yet he has never lost his humility or commitment to cinema. Whether in success or failure, he has remained the same. For me, he is not just a friend but also the greatest inspiration in my life. This honour will open the doors to many more such recognitions for him.”

With tributes pouring in from across the film industry, Mohanlal’s Dadasaheb Phalke Award win is being celebrated not just as a recognition of his extraordinary talent, but also as a testament to the grace and integrity he brings to Malayalam cinema.