‘One thing is for sure, if I had not done it then, Mammootty wouldn’t have won his third National Award’, says Balachandra Menon

In a recent video, Director Balachandra Menon revealed that he was the reason behind Mammootty winning his third National Award. The director made the revelation through his YouTube channel. In the video, Balachandra Menon talked about the awardees who were nominated when he was a member of the national awards committee and how Malayalam cinema received awards through him.

“At that time, the jury members used to stop watching Malayalam films if they felt the beginning was not good. But, I objected it. Sometimes, the best actor could be in such a film. His opportunity is being lost there. Then, there was the competition to choose the best actor. Mammootty should listen to what I am saying next. I am the reason for your third National Award. At the time, everyone said that Ajay Devgn was the best actor. But I loved Mammootty’s performance in ‘Ambedkar’. It led to an argument there. That argument happened only because I said that name. After the verbal dispute, it was decided to give awards to both the actors. I am someone who finds happiness in seeing other people’s success. That day, I argued like Mammootty’s lawyer. Later, the jury members jokingly told Mammootty to give a special treat to Balachandra Menon for the award. Then, Mammootty pinched my cheeks and said, “Isn’t it Balachandra Menon’s duty?”. But I told him, “It is my duty, but if you were in my place, I’m sure that you would have never done this.”