Archive · 19 Jul 2026
Chandu Salimkumar Criticizes National Film Awards
Chandu Salimkumar, an actor from Malayalam cinema, was upset because his movie Manjummel Boys didn't win any awards at the 72nd National Film Awards.
He wrote a message on social media saying that if kids in the future study these awards, they might think that the awards were given for reasons other than talent, like being close to the people in power.
He also praised other winners from Malayalam cinema, like Mammootty who won Best Actor.
Manjummel Boys is a movie about a group of friends from Kerala who go on a trip and have to rescue one of their friends.
Many people think Chandu's message was about his movie not winning any awards.
Chandu Salimkumar indirectly criticized the 72nd National Film Awards for overlooking deserving films like Manjummel Boys.
He suggested that awards might be influenced by political proximity rather than talent.
Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan jointly won the Best Actor award for their respective films.
Feminichi Fathima's film won the Best Malayalam Film award.
Manjummel Boys is inspired by a real-life incident involving a rescue mission in Kodaikanal.
- Who
- Chandu Salimkumar, a Malayalam actor
- What
- Criticized the 72nd National Film Awards for overlooking deserving films, including Manjummel Boys
- When
- After the awards were announced on Sunday
- Where
- India, with specific reference to Malayalam cinema
- Why
- Believes that awards were influenced by political proximity rather than talent
- Actor
- Chandu Salimkumar
- Film
- Manjummel Boys
- Awards Ceremony
- 72nd National Film Awards
- Notable Winners
- Mammootty (Best Actor), Kartik Aaryan (Best Actor), Feminichi Fathima (Best Malayalam Film)
- Actor's Concern
- Political influence on award decisions
- Film's Inspiration
- Real-life incident in Kodaikanal