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Malayalam superstar Mammootty was Monday named best actor at the Atlas Film Critics Awards here for his poignant performances in Kaioppu and Karuthapakshigal.

Karuthapakshigal, in which Mammootty plays a Tamil migrant worker eking out a living by ironing clothes, went on to bag six more awards. It was adjudged the best film for the year 2006 and Kamal got the best director award for it.

Padmapriya was adjudged best actress for her role in Karuthapakshigal and Yes Your Honour.

Mammootty said he was delighted. Asked if this would set the stage for his fourth National Award, Mammootty said: "I hope so. I have done my job."

Manarakayam Baby, secretary of Atlas Film Critics, said that many of their award winners had gone on to win the coveted National Award.

The awards, sponsored by Middle East-based jeweller Atlas Ramachandran, are to be given away April 22 at Kozhikode.