On what makes Mohanlal a superstar

Image source: Filmysouth

He’s a towering icon of South Indian cinema and has been for several decades. From art house films to commercial blockbusters, he’s done it all. And Mohanlal’s brilliant performances are milestones in Malayalam cinema.

As we look forward to his much awaited new release ‘Pulimurugan’, we raise a toast to this superlative actor and star by revisiting some of his iconic roles.

1. Georgekutty in Drishyam

Image source: Filmysouth
Image source: Filmysouth

As Georgekutty, the iconic actor burrows deeply into the character of an uneducated cable operator, who is deeply influenced by movies. With his trademark subtlety, Mohanlal carries the film on his shoulders.

2. Rameshan Nair in Thanmathra

Ramesh
Image courtesy: indiancinemagallery.com

In Thanmathra, the actor has superbly portrayed the histrionics and throes of a man who gets forgetful all of a sudden. The director (Blessy) has fully tapped the potential of Mohanlal in this movie.

 3. Shivankutty in Bhramaram

Image courtesy: indiancinemagallery.com
Image courtesy: indiancinemagallery.com

After a slew of larger-than-life characters that gave him a demi-god image on the screen, Mohanlal bounced back with flair as Shivankutty in Bhramaram.  It was a whole new avatar that we wondered if it is Mohanlal himself.

4. Solomon in Namuku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal

Image courtesy: youtube.com
Image courtesy: youtube.com

Solomon is the best romantic character by Mohanlal, if you ask me. Who cares if he is just a vineyard owner, he is quoting Song of Solomon, saving the love of his life and staring straight into your heart. Worth swooning over, right?

5. Dr. Sunny Joseph in Manichithrathaazhu

Sunny
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Dr. Sunny, the eccentric psychiatrist he played in Manichithrathazhu, must be one of the most famous roles of Mohanlal. With unparalleled brilliance, the actor puts himself in the shoes of this crazy doctor and leaves you in splits.

6. Sethumadhavan in Kireedam

kireedam3
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Kireedam is Sethumadhavan’s odyssey from a nondescript existence to the euphoria of dreams and then to doom. A darker role, yet amazingly portrayed.

7. Jagannathan in Aaram Thampuran

aaram thampuran
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A ‘thampuran’ (lord) can’t get classier than Jagannathan.  With his punch dialogues and seasoned acting in this movie, Mohanlal yet again proved that he is the finest actor in the industry.

8. Jayakrishnan in Thoovanathumpikal

Image courtesy: 3.bp.blogspot.com
Image courtesy: 3.bp.blogspot.com

There is a certain enigma associated with Jayakrishnan, which makes him all the more  charming.  We can just watch with awed reverence when this man effortlessly switches between two different faces of the same man.

9. Vishnu in Chitram

Image courtesy: youtube.com
Image courtesy: youtube.com

A movie, which can be seen over and over again. Mohanlal as Vishnu  in this screwball comedy by Priyadarshan was phenomenal. No wonder Chitram went on to become an evergreen movie in Malayalam.

10. Aadu Thoma in Spadikam

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Even today, about two decades later, Aaduthoma still holds a certain cult status in Malayalam cinema. His rebellious angry young man image in this movie was quite a treat to watch.

11. Mangalassery Neelakandan in Devasuram

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Image courtesy: 2.bp.blogspot.com

At first, we hate Neelakandan for his pride and arrogance. But later, as we see the vulnerable side of this feudal lord, we start rooting for him.

12. Vinod in Thalavattom

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Image courtesy: 1.bp.blogspot.com

Acting can’t get more natural than this. His portrayal of Vinu, who is a mentally ill patient, will make you laugh and cry at the same time. Another power-packed performance from the God of acting.

13. Dasan in Nadodikattu

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Image courtesy: 4.bp.blogspot.com

Dasan is an unemployed young man who dreams to go to the ‘Gelf’ to make it big in life. Widely considered as one of the iconic characters in Malayalam cinema.

14. Gopi in Bharatham

Image courtesy: content9.flixster.com
Image courtesy: content9.flixster.com

In Bharatham, Mohanlal’s Gopi aptly depicts the agony and trauma of a man, who decides to conceal the news of his elder brother’s death fearing that it would disrupt their sister’s marriage.

15. Rajiv Menon in Dasharatham

Image courtesy: 4.bp.blogspot.com
Image courtesy: 4.bp.blogspot.com

If there is anyone whose eyes don’t well up on watching the climax scene of Dasharatham when Rajiv asks Maggi to be his mother, I will call them emotionless. That is the power of his acting.