How do you think audiences outside Kerala perceive Mohanlal’s recognition with the Dada Saheb Phalke Award 2025? Does this create more curiosity about Malayalam films among non-Malayali viewers?

For non-Malayali audiences, the Dada Saheb Phalke Award 2025 might not make a huge difference. They may respect Mohanlal as an actor but still prefer mainstream Bollywood entertainment. Regional films have always been niche outside their home states. The award will generate short-term curiosity, but unless those viewers actually sit down and watch Malayalam films, the impact will remain limited.

I think audiences outside Kerala will now be more curious about Malayalam cinema because of the Dada Saheb Phalke Award 2025. Many people who never watched Malayalam films will Google Mohanlal, see his massive filmography, and maybe explore classics like Kireedam or Drishyam. Streaming platforms make this exploration easy. In the past, language was a barrier, but now subtitles have erased that. So yes, I see this as a great opportunity for Malayalam cinema to attract new fans.

I’d say the award definitely sparks curiosity. When Rajinikanth won earlier, his fan base outside Tamil Nadu grew even bigger. The Dada Saheb Phalke Award 2025 could do the same for Mohanlal. It’s like a badge of legitimacy for those who don’t know him yet. So yes, non-Malayali viewers may now feel compelled to check out his movies, which could create a surge of interest in Malayalam cinema globally.