New Delhi, Nov. 4 -- Actor and filmmaker Prakash Raj has ignited debate over the credibility of India's most prestigious film honours, claiming that the National Film Awards have lost their integrity.

Speaking after the announcement of the 55th Kerala State Film Awards on Monday, Raj remarked that the National Awards "do not deserve" legendary Malayalam actor Mammootty.

Raj, who chaired the jury for this year's Kerala State Film Awards, made the statement during a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram while reflecting on his experience leading the panel.

"I don't mind saying that National Film Awards are compromised," he said. "I am so happy to be a jury chairman of Kerala because when they called me, they said we need an outsider who...