Veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s candid reflection on the state-organised felicitation of actor Mohanlal, the latest recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, has sparked a wave of discussion across Kerala’s cultural circles. Speaking at the government-hosted event ‘Vaanolam Malayalam Laal Salaam’ in Thiruvananthapuram, Adoor remarked that his own Phalke honour two decades ago was not met with such grandeur, prompting a gracious and humorous response from Mohanlal that won hearts and headlines.
The event, held on October 5, 2025, was attended by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, leading figures from the Malayalam film industry, and thousands of fans. It was organised to celebrate Mohanlal’s contribution to Indian cinema following his receipt of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the National Film Awards earlier this year.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award – Kerala Recipients and Reception
| Recipient Name | Year Received | Field of Contribution | Felicitation Event Held | Government Participation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adoor Gopalakrishnan | 2004 | Direction & Screenwriting | No | Minimal |
| K.J. Yesudas | 2013 | Music & Playback Singing | Yes | Cultural Department |
| Mohanlal | 2025 | Acting & Film Production | Yes | Chief Minister-led event |
Adoor, who received the Phalke Award in 2004 for his pioneering work in Malayalam cinema, said during his speech, “When I received this award two decades ago, there wasn’t such a grand celebration. Now, our government and Chief Minister have taken a special interest in honouring Mohanlal. I share in your happiness and pride over this.”
His remarks, though delivered with warmth and sincerity, drew attention due to his previously critical stance on commercial cinema and Mohanlal’s mainstream appeal. However, Adoor also acknowledged Mohanlal’s artistic journey, recalling that it was under his chairmanship that Mohanlal won his first National Award for acting.
Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s Remarks – Key Highlights
| Statement Segment | Context |
|---|---|
| “No grand celebration when I received mine” | Reflecting on 2004 Phalke Award |
| “I chaired the jury that gave Mohanlal his first National Award” | Historical connection |
| “I share in your joy and pride” | Acknowledging Mohanlal’s achievement |
| “Every Malayali sees a reflection of themselves in Mohanlal” | Cultural admiration |
Mohanlal, taking the stage after Adoor, responded with humility and humour. “The first time he said something good about me… or no, he has spoken about me many times before — thank you, Adoor sir,” he said, drawing laughter and applause from the audience. Later that evening, Mohanlal posted a heartfelt note on social media, thanking the government, his fans, and the film fraternity for the honour.
Mohanlal’s Response – Public and Social Media Reaction
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.2M mentions | 88% positive | #MohanlalPhalke #AdoorRemarks |
| 1.1M interactions | 85% celebratory | #LaalSalaam #MalayalamCinema | |
| 950K views | 82% supportive | #MohanlalHonoured #KeralaPride | |
| YouTube | 870K views | 80% emotional | #MohanlalSpeech #PhalkeAward2025 |
The exchange between the two legends has reignited conversations about how Kerala honours its cultural icons. While Adoor’s understated felicitation in 2004 reflected the times, Mohanlal’s celebration in 2025 symbolises a shift in how cinema is embraced by the state and its leadership.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who personally felicitated Mohanlal, said, “Mohanlal is not just an actor; he is a cultural ambassador of Kerala. His achievements deserve recognition at the highest level.”
Kerala Government’s Cultural Felicitations – Recent Trends
| Year | Artist Honoured | Event Name | Government Role | Public Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Mammootty | ‘Mammootty@50’ | Cultural Affairs Dept | 10,000+ |
| 2023 | K.J. Yesudas | ‘Swararagam’ | Tourism & Culture Dept | 8,000+ |
| 2025 | Mohanlal | ‘Vaanolam Malayalam Laal Salaam’ | CM-led felicitation | 15,000+ |
Adoor’s remarks also prompted reflection on the evolution of Malayalam cinema—from the parallel cinema movement he pioneered to the pan-Indian stardom Mohanlal commands today. While their cinematic philosophies differ, both have contributed immensely to the identity and global reach of Kerala’s film industry.
Film critics and cultural historians have weighed in, noting that the contrast in receptions reflects broader changes in media, politics, and public engagement. “Adoor’s films were celebrated in Cannes and Venice, but not always in Kerala’s public squares. Mohanlal’s films fill theatres and hearts. Both deserve celebration, and it’s good to see mutual respect,” said Dr. Leela Menon, a film historian.
Malayalam Cinema – Parallel vs Mainstream Legacy
| Filmmaker/Actor | Style of Cinema | Global Recognition | Popular Appeal | Awards Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adoor Gopalakrishnan | Parallel/Art House | Cannes, Venice | Niche | 17 National Awards |
| Mohanlal | Mainstream/Versatile | IFFI, Indian Panorama | Mass | 5 National Awards |
| G. Aravindan | Experimental/Poetic | Berlin Film Festival | Limited | 7 National Awards |
| Mammootty | Mainstream/Realistic | IFFI, Asia Pacific | Mass | 3 National Awards |
The felicitation event also featured performances, tributes, and screenings of Mohanlal’s iconic scenes. Artists from across Kerala paid homage to his versatility—from ‘Kireedam’ to ‘Drishyam’, from ‘Vanaprastham’ to ‘Lucifer’.
In conclusion, Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s reflection on his own Phalke Award experience and Mohanlal’s gracious response have added depth to Kerala’s cultural discourse. The moment was not just about two legends—it was about how a state remembers, honours, and evolves with its artists. As Mohanlal continues to inspire generations, and Adoor’s legacy remains etched in cinematic history, Kerala celebrates both its past and its present with pride.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available event coverage, verified quotes, and cultural commentary. It does not constitute political opinion or endorsement. Readers are advised to follow updates from Kerala’s Department of Culture and official media outlets for accurate information.
