Mohanlal Honoured with 2023 Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has been named the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023, India’s highest honour in cinema. The Government of India announced that the award will be formally presented during the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on September 23, 2025. Recognised for his unmatched versatility and contribution to cinema, Mohanlal joins the illustrious list of actors and filmmakers who have shaped Indian film history.

Mohanlal’s Cinematic Journey

Mohanlal’s career spans more than four decades, beginning with his debut in Thiranottam (1978), a film directed by his longtime collaborator Priyadarshan. Since then, he has acted in over 400 films, establishing himself as one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema.

Awards & Recognitions

• Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2019), India’s top civilian honours.

Five National Film Awards including,

• Two Best Actor awards
• Special Jury Mention and Special Jury Award
• Best Feature Film as producer
• Nine Kerala State Film Awards across categories.

Notable Performances

His memorable roles include: Namukku Paarkan Munthirithoppukal, Kireedam, Dasharatham, Bharatham, Vanaprastham, Manichithrathazhu, and Thazhvaaram.

Beyond Malayalam Cinema

Although rooted in Malayalam cinema, Mohanlal has also acted in other Indian languages,

• Tamil film Iruvar (1997) by Mani Ratnam
• Hindi crime drama Company (2002) by Ram Gopal Varma
• Telugu blockbuster Janatha Garage (2016)

He is globally recognised as the face of the Drishyam franchise, which has been remade in multiple languages, including international adaptations.

Recent Work & Blockbusters

Mohanlal remains an active star,

• L2: Empuraan (2024), directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, became the biggest-ever Malayalam hit, grossing over ₹260 crore worldwide.
• His 2025 Onam release Hrdayapoorvam continues to run successfully in theatres.
• He has also excelled as a playback singer, producer, distributor, TV host, theatre artiste, and author.

About the Dadasaheb Phalke Award

• Instituted in 1969, named after Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema.
• Recognises lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.
• Includes a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and ₹10 lakh cash prize.
• First recipient: Devika Rani, pioneer of Bombay Talkies.
• Recent awardees include Mithun Chakraborty (2022), Waheeda Rehman (2021), and Asha Parekh (2020).

Static Facts

• Award: Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023
• Recipient: Mohanlal (Malayalam superstar)
• Ceremony: 71st National Film Awards
• Date of Presentation: September 23, 2025
• Debut Film: Thiranottam (1978)
• Films Acted In Over: 400
• National Awards: 5 (including 2 Best Actor)
• Civilian Honours: Padma Shri (2001), Padma Bhushan (2019)