The 70th National Film Awards, set to honor the best of Indian cinema from 2022, are just around the corner, with the announcement expected this month and it is said to be held in October. This year, the competition for the Best Actor award is particularly fierce, with two talented stars from the Malayalam and Kannada film industries, Mammootty and Rishab Shetty.
Mammootty: A Legendary Actor
Mammootty, a stalwart of Malayalam cinema, has previously won the National Award for Best Actor three times. His performances in “Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha” and “Mathilukal” (1989), “Vidheyan” and “Ponthan Mada” (1994), and “Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar” (1999) have earned him a place in the annals of Indian cinema. This year, Mammootty is in contention for his roles in “Rorschach” and “Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam.”
“Rorschach,” a theatrical release in 2022, is a home production that showcased Mammootty’s versatility. “Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam,” which premiered at the International Film Festival of Kerala in December 2022 before hitting theatres in early 2023, has also received critical acclaim. Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, the film won Mammootty the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor. Recently, he also bagged the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his dual roles in the film, further solidifying his position as a strong contender for the National Award.
Rishab Shetty: The Rising Star
Rishab Shetty, known for his dual role as actor and director in “Kantara,” is another major contender for the Best Actor award. Produced by Hombale Films, “Kantara” was a nationwide sensation, particularly praised for its last 15-20 minutes, which earned the film the moniker “divine hit.” Rishab Shetty’s performance, both in front of and behind the camera, has garnered widespread acclaim, making him a formidable competitor.
While Rishab has not previously won any acting awards, his directorial efforts have been recognized. He has twice won the Karnataka State Film Award, first for “Kirik Party” and then for “Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shale Kasaragode,” the latter also earning him a National Award for Best Children’s Film. “Kantara” has only added to his growing reputation.
