Updated on: 22 September, 2026 06:41 PM IST |Kavya Agarwal
South Indian cinema has given India some of its most celebrated acting talents. From Kamal Haasan to Prakash Raj, these stars have set standards that earned them recognition at the prestigious National Film Awards. Take a look at the actors whose exceptional craft has earned them multiple national honours.
Prakash Raj
Prakash Raj won total of 5 National Film Awards (4 for acting and 1 as a producer). Few actors possess the versatility that Prakash Raj brings to every character. Whether he is playing a powerful antagonist, a vulnerable father, a sharp-witted politician or a deeply emotional supporting character, he leaves an unmistakable impression. And he has never failed at production too, the proof is this award! His performances are driven by nuance, conviction and an understanding of the smallest details that make a character memorable.
Prakash Raj won total of 5 National Film Awards (4 for acting and 1 as a producer). Few actors possess the versatility that Prakash Raj brings to every character. Whether he is playing a powerful antagonist, a vulnerable father, a sharp-witted politician or a deeply emotional supporting character, he leaves an unmistakable impression. And he has never failed at production too, the proof is this award! His performances are driven by nuance, conviction and an understanding of the smallest details that make a character memorable.
Kamal Haasan
He has won total of 4 National Film Awards (3 for Best Actor and 1 as a producer for Thevar Magan). Kamal Haasan's contribution to Indian cinema goes far beyond his incredible performances. Known for constantly challenging himself as an actor, he has inhabited characters across genres, languages and emotional landscapes with extraordinary precision.
He has won total of 4 National Film Awards (3 for Best Actor and 1 as a producer for Thevar Magan). Kamal Haasan's contribution to Indian cinema goes far beyond his incredible performances. Known for constantly challenging himself as an actor, he has inhabited characters across genres, languages and emotional landscapes with extraordinary precision.
Mammootty
He has won total of 5 National Film Awards (2 for Best Actor, 1 Special Jury/Special Mention, and awards as a producer). Mammootty's career stands as a proof of the power of consistently choosing challenging and meaningful characters. With his commanding screen presence and extraordinary emotional range, he has repeatedly transformed himself for roles that demand both restraint and intensity.
He has won total of 5 National Film Awards (2 for Best Actor, 1 Special Jury/Special Mention, and awards as a producer). Mammootty's career stands as a proof of the power of consistently choosing challenging and meaningful characters. With his commanding screen presence and extraordinary emotional range, he has repeatedly transformed himself for roles that demand both restraint and intensity.
Dhanush
Dhanush has been awarded with total of 6 National Film Awards (3 as Best Actor for Aadukalam, Asuran, and Captain Miller / other categories, plus wins as a producer and director). He has carved a remarkable space for himself with performances that never feel manufactured. From intense emotional drama to deeply layered characters, he brings an extraordinary naturalness to the screen.
Dhanush has been awarded with total of 6 National Film Awards (3 as Best Actor for Aadukalam, Asuran, and Captain Miller / other categories, plus wins as a producer and director). He has carved a remarkable space for himself with performances that never feel manufactured. From intense emotional drama to deeply layered characters, he brings an extraordinary naturalness to the screen.
Mohanlal
He has won total of 5 National Film Awards (2 for Best Actor, 1 Special Jury/Special Mention, and awards as a producer). Mohanlal's greatest strength lies in the subtlety with which he portrays emotion. sometimes through a glance, a pause or the slightest change in expression. Across decades, he has brought remarkable depth to characters ranging from the intensely dramatic to the beautifully ordinary.
He has won total of 5 National Film Awards (2 for Best Actor, 1 Special Jury/Special Mention, and awards as a producer). Mohanlal's greatest strength lies in the subtlety with which he portrays emotion. sometimes through a glance, a pause or the slightest change in expression. Across decades, he has brought remarkable depth to characters ranging from the intensely dramatic to the beautifully ordinary.
