From Debuting As On-screen Villain To Attaining Superstardom, A Look At Mohanlal’s Career

Indian cinema, over the decades, has produced some of the best talents in the world. The list also includes Malayalam cinema superstar Mohanlal, who celebrated his birthday yesterday, on May 21. Let’s take a look at his inspiring success story, from a debutant villain to one of the most influential names in Indian cinema. He commenced his illustrious career with the role of an antagonist in the film Manjil Virinja Pookkal, released in 1980. It was also the directorial debut of filmmaker Fazil, another notable name in South cinema. After his debut, Mohanlal went on to do several antagonistic roles in successful films and became a known name in the industry. In 1986, he appeared in the crime-drama film titled Rajavinte Makan, which proved to be his breakthrough release, propelling him to superstardom in the film industry. The film is directed by Thambi Kannanthanam and also stars Suresh Gopi, Ratheesh and Ambika. The same year, Mohanlal acted in reported 34 films, out of which 25 proved to be superhits at the box-office, a record which is yet to be broken.

In the following year, Mohanlal appeared in Irupatham Noottandu, another gangster release, which is considered a cult classic in Malayalam cinema.

Despite debuting as a villain in a successful film and continuing with the roles in subsequent films, the audience came to love his boy-next-door image. Mohanlal gave some memorable performances in films like Chithram and Kireedam.

Mohanlal made his debut in Bollywood with Company, another gangster flick, released in 2002. Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, he was seen sharing the screen space with Ajay Devgn, Vivek Oberoi and Manisha Koirala. It was produced under the banners of Varma Corporation, Vyjayanthi Movies and Bayview Projects LLP. The film earned Mohanlal a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. He is a recipient of five National Awards, a Padma Shri and a Padma Bhushan.

Currently, Mohanlal is busy with the shoot of his upcoming, L2: Empuraan, where he will be reprising the role of Khureshi Ab’ram, from his 2019 superhit Lucifer. It is being helmed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, under the banners of Lyca Productions and Aashirvad Cinemas.