Mohanlal has been an irreplaceable determine and thespian in Malayalam cinema for a few years. The actor’s prominence in performing quite a lot of genres through the years began off with him taking part in the primary antagonist in a film.
Shifting ahead, the performing facet of Mohanlal showcased immense pure expertise and eternal appeal that one couldn’t get sufficient of. Whether or not taking part in a chocolate romantic hero, your common Joe, a sadistic villain, a playful man, or perhaps a gut-wrenching artist, he ensures all eyes are on him, even when it’s only a minor glimpse.
Having surpassed over 4 many years within the movie business, the celebrity has ventured into a number of languages, making him a widely known face and among the finest actors in India. Listed below are a few of Mohanlal’s iconic roles in cinema.
Prime 12 Most Iconic Roles of Mohanlal
1. Gopalakrishnan – Poochakkoru Mookkuthi (1984)
- Style: Comedy
- Identified for: Screwball humor
- Why it’s iconic
Mohanlal and Priyadarshan are broadly identified to be shut mates, beginning their faculty years collectively in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Because the duo continues to be iconic for followers, this was the primary time Mohanlal featured underneath his pal’s route.
The debut undertaking of Priyadarshan, Poochakkoru Mookkuthi, is a screwball comedy movie identified for its witty dialogues, sarcastic moments, and recent humor. The loopy experience supplied by the Oppam director presents the celebrity as if somebody straight out of a Dickensian drama. The enduring film, which holds important impact inside the realms of popular culture in Malayalam, was remade in Hindi as Hungama.
2. Shyam – Boeing Boeing (1985)
- Style: Romantic Comedy
- Identified for: French play adaptation
- Why it’s iconic
Boeing Boeing, as soon as once more, introduced collectively director Priyadarshan and Mohanlal. It introduced a wild, enjoyable, and twisted story, which was based mostly on the French play of the identical identify.
The film options Shyam, a silver-tongued, clean talker who, along with his appeal, manages to woo 3 completely different flight attendants. Nonetheless, confusion and sureshot chaos erupt when all of them collide with one another, ending the person’s ruse as soon as and for all. The Hindi remake of the movie, titled Garam Masala, featured Akshay Kumar within the lead.
3. Vincent Gomez – Rajavinte Makan (1986)
Up till 1986, Mohanlal was thought-about to be an ideal actor match for romantic and comedy roles, however was stereotyped. Nonetheless, breaking all norms, in 1986, the actor grew to become a celebrity with a gangster function as Vincent Gomez in Rajavinte Makan.
Primarily based on the novel, Rage of Angels by Sidney Sheldon, the film options the story of against the law boss who units out for revenge in opposition to Dwelling Minister N. Krishnadas. The movie, directed by Thampi Kannanthanam, rejected by a number of stars again then, was made on a small finances and accomplished filming in only a month.
The dialogue, “My cellphone quantity is 2255,” remains to be an iconic popular culture reference for a lot of followers, remembering the actor’s calm and menacing portrayal.
4. Dasan – Nadodikkattu (1987)
- Style: Satirical Comedy
- Identified for: Cult-classic
- Why it’s iconic
Nadodikkattu is an irreplaceable cinematic enterprise in Malayalam cinema, which withstands the exams of time even after years since its launch. The film focuses on the lives of two mates – Dasan and Vijayan, who make a fundamental livelihood within the struggling financial system.
In hopes of a brighter future, they resolve to illegally make their method into Dubai, however the ferryman methods them and drops them off at Chennai as an alternative. With a number of cases that observe, they arrive throughout an expert hitman, ultimately turning out as detectives on this Sathyan Anthikad directorial.
5. Sathyanadhan – Sadayam (1992)
- Style: Psychological Drama
- Identified for: Portrayal of paranoia
- Why it’s iconic
Standing aside in his lengthy line of iconic ventures, Sadayam featured the celebrity in a conflicting function. The movie options the story of a person convicted of killing a number of ladies and awaiting his capital punishment.
Taking us by a collection of flashbacks, the movie focuses on how the person is caught within the murders and the paranoia that led him to that state.
6. Mangalassery Neelakandan – Devaasuram (1993)
- Style: Motion Drama
- Identified for: Enjoying a feudal lord
- Why it’s iconic
Devaasuram and Mangalassery Neelakandan would absolutely be one of the vital memorable characters performed by Mohanlal in his profession. The movie by IV Sasi featured the story of an conceited Mangalassery Neelakandan, a feudal lord who shares a rivalry with Mundakkal Shekaran.
Within the heated feud they share, Neelakandan finds out a surprising fact about his existence, turning his total world the wrong way up. The movie’s dialogue, “Vazhi Maaru-eda Mundakkal Shekara,” remains to be a well-liked phrase in Kerala.
7. Aadu Thoma – Spadikam (1995)
- Style: Motion
- Identified for: Cult-classic character
- Why it’s iconic
If there’s a personality of Mohanlal that will be each fan’s favourite, then it will likely be Aadu Thoma in Spadikam. This function featured the actor because the son of a poisonous father, going in opposition to the latter’s needs in life, turning into a ruffian in all features.
8. Kanimangalam Jagannathan Thampuran – Aaraam Thampuran (1997)
- Style: Motion Drama
- Identified for: Fashionable character
- Why it’s iconic
Created by Shaji Kailas, Aaram Thampuran featured the story of Jagannathan, a Mumbai-based enforcer whose solely want is to personal a royal manor known as Kanimangalam in Kerala. Along with his arrival within the village, the socio-political stability shifts, with an previous private rating for him to be settled.
9. Kunjikuttan – Vanaprastham (1999)
- Style: Psychological drama
- Identified for: Portrayal of melancholy
- Why it’s iconic
Whereas he is probably not a well-liked character among the many plenty, this movie options Mohanlal’s epic performing expertise as he portrays an individual affected by melancholy. A favourite for cinephiles and performing lovers, the story focuses on Kunjikuttan, a person who was by no means accepted by his father, disgraced for being from the decrease caste, and even dealing with betrayal from the lady he beloved.
The nuances and layers of this character clarify why the celebrity is taken into account a GOAT.
10. Vasco Da Gama aka Thala – Chotta Mumbai (2007)
- Style: Motion Comedy
- Identified for: Balancing humor and motion
- Why it’s iconic
An iconic Mohanlal film, particularly for Gen Z women and men, can be the Anwar Rasheed directorial Chotta Mumbai. With a cult following, the movie had him taking part in a good-for-nothing man dwelling along with his father and sisters, carrying on day-to-day life along with his wayward mates.
Nonetheless, the happy-go-lucky lives of Thala and his gang are shaken when he crosses paths with Nadeshan, a corrupt police officer.
11. Stephen Nedumpally / Khureshi Ab’ram – Lucifer (2019)
- Style: Political motion drama
- Identified for: Illuminati reference
- Why it’s iconic
Lucifer, starring Mohanlal within the lead, featured the story of Stephen Nedumpally, a well-liked politician who faces adversity after the passing of his father-figure, PK Ramdas. It is among the most up-to-date ventures of the actor, and can be broadly widespread with a number of references inside Malayali popular culture.
12. Benz – Thudarum (2025)
- Style: Drama Thriller
- Identified for: One of many highest-grossing Malayalam films
- Why it’s iconic
Thudarum is the most recent cinematic expertise that portrays the nuances and brilliance of performing by the celebrity. A movie that solidifies his stature as one of many biggest is a household drama thriller, which had him taking part in a spread of feelings.
Conclusion
Analyzing the characters and iconic roles of Mohanlal isn’t a straightforward activity. The actor and his lengthy record of movies can every be taken out and given a whole focus as materials for learning.
This evolution of a person from character roles to comedy and superstardom makes it a lot simpler to explain him as a phenomenon reasonably than the rest. With such an illustrious background, Mohanlal continues to reinvent himself with newer characters and challenges. How can we neglect, he’s the one and solely, Malayalam cinema’s Mohanlal.
ALSO READ: All the pieces about Akhil Akkineni and Zainab Ravdjee’s marriage: Grand wedding ceremony venue, visitor record and extra