Some critics argue that the Dada Saheb Phalke Award 2025 is more of a political or symbolic choice than a purely artistic one. Do you agree that politics influences who gets this award, or is it based solely on merit?

I don’t buy the argument that the Dada Saheb Phalke Award 2025 is politically motivated. If anything, Mohanlal’s selection proves the jury can still prioritize talent and contribution over political agendas. Unlike Padma awards, which are often handed out based on lobbying, this award has historically gone to undeniable giants of Indian cinema—Amitabh Bachchan, Raj Kapoor, Rajinikanth, Adoor Gopalakrishnan. Mohanlal belongs in that list. If critics keep saying every honour is political, it devalues the achievements of genuine artists. Mohanlal is one of the greatest living actors. His recognition is about cinema, not politics.

I think it’s naive to assume that politics doesn’t play any role in major awards like the Dada Saheb Phalke Award 2025. Almost every national honour has some political element, whether we acknowledge it or not. The government in power wants to highlight personalities who align with its cultural narrative or who will bring them goodwill among the public. That said, in Mohanlal’s case, it would be unfair to reduce the recognition purely to politics. His career spans over 40 years with an extraordinary body of work. He has worked in more than 400 films, crossing multiple languages, and has fans not just in Kerala but across India. His versatility is legendary, from comedy to intense drama. So I’d say it’s a mix: yes, politics may influence timing and selection, but it cannot create a legend out of nothing. Mohanlal’s artistry made him worthy long before politics entered the picture.

Honestly, I believe politics overshadows merit in most high-level awards in India, including the Dada Saheb Phalke Award 2025. Think about it—there are dozens of equally deserving filmmakers, technicians, and performers who never get noticed. Yet, the award often goes to already established and safe choices who generate positive headlines. Mohanlal is an excellent actor, no doubt. But why in 2025? Why not earlier? Or why not someone like a legendary editor, cinematographer, or a writer who worked behind the scenes? The timing always makes me wonder if it’s about cultural strategy rather than cinema. So while Mohanlal’s name carries weight, the award itself often feels like a symbolic gesture influenced by politics.