Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 19: Actors Dhanush and Mammootty expressed gratitude on social media after their films emerged among the top winners at the 72nd National Film Awards.
Dhanush's directorial venture Raayan won the award for Best Regional Film, while the actor received the Special Mention (Best Actor) honour for his performance in Captain Miller. Mammootty was named Best Actor for his acclaimed performance in Bramayugam.
Sharing his reaction on X, Dhanush said, "I'm truly humbled and overwhelmed to have received the National Award for Best Regional Film for 'Raayan' and the National Award (Special Mention - Best Actor) for 'Captain Miller'. My heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed National Film Awards jury and the selection committee."
He also thanked the media and his fans for their continued support.
"My sincere thanks to the press, media and the social media fraternity for their unwavering support throughout my career. This is my third National Award as an actor and my first National Award as a director. None of this would have been possible without my fans – the pillars of my strength. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," he said.
Dhanush added that the recognition for Captain Miller was particularly meaningful as he considers it his finest performance to date, while winning a National Award as a director for Raayan was a memory he would cherish forever.
Mammootty also took to X to congratulate the other winners and thanked the team behind Bramayugam.
"Heartfelt congratulations to @dhanushkraja, Vaikom Vijayalakshmi, Shehnad Jalal, @Rajkumar_KP, Team Feminichi Fathima, Team Bhadra Kali Natakam, and all the winners of the coveted National Awards. Truly well deserved! Thanks Team #Bramayugam and Rahul Sadasivan for entrusting me with Kodumon Potty," he wrote.
The makers of Kalki 2898 AD, which won the awards for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Production Designer, also thanked audiences for their support.
"Humbled & Grateful. This recognition is a celebration of every artist, technician, and every heart behind Kalki2898AD. Thank you for believing in our vision and making this journey truly special. The next chapter carries not just our vision, but your belief. We promise to make the wait for Kalki2 worth it," the makers posted on X.
The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards in the Feature Film category were announced by filmmaker Jayaraj. Nearly 400 films certified for release between January 1 and December 31, 2024, were eligible for this year's awards.