Mohanlal Viswanathan
Mohanlal Viswanathan, widely known as Mohanlal, is a towering figure in Indian cinema, particularly in the Malayalam film industry. Born on May 21, 1960, in Elanthoor, Kerala, he has established himself as one of the most versatile and accomplished actors in Indian cinema, with a career spanning over four decades and more than 350 films to his credit. His contributions to the film industry have earned him numerous awards, including five National Film Awards, nine Kerala State Film Awards, and the prestigious Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2019) from the Government of India.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Entry into Cinema
Mohanlal was born into a middle-class family, with his father Viswanathan Nair working as a law clerk and his mother Shanthakumari being a homemaker. From an early age, displayed a passion for acting, participating in school plays and local theater productions. He attended Model School in Thiruvananthapuram and later graduated from Mahatma Gandhi College.
Mohanlal’s entry into cinema was serendipitous. In 1978, while still a college student, he appeared in a small role in the unreleased film Thiranottam. His official debut came in 1980 with the film Manjil Virinja Pookkal, directed by Fazil. In this film, Mohanlal played the role of a villain, which was unusual for a newcomer. However, his natural acting style and powerful screen presence caught the attention of both audiences and filmmakers, marking the beginning of a remarkable career.
Rise to Stardom
The 1980s and 1990s were the golden era of Malayalam cinema, and was at the forefront of this movement. He quickly transitioned from playing negative roles to leading roles, showcasing his versatility in a wide range of genres. Some of his most iconic films from this period include:
- Rajavinte Makan (1986): This film marked a turning point in Mohanlal’s career, establishing him as a superstar. His portrayal of Vincent Gomez, a powerful underworld don, became legendary, and the film’s success catapulted him to stardom.
- T.P. Balagopalan M.A. (1986): In this film, directed by Sathyan Anthikad, played a struggling graduate who is trying to make ends meet. His performance earned him his first Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor.
- Chithram (1988): Directed by Priyadarshan, Chithram became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time. Mohanlal’s role as Vishnu, a man hired to pretend to be someone else’s husband, showcased his impeccable comic timing and cemented his status as a leading actor.
- Kireedam (1989): Directed by Sibi Malayil, Kireedam is one of most critically acclaimed films. His portrayal of Sethumadhavan, a young man whose life is shattered by unforeseen circumstances, earned him his first National Film Award – Special Jury Mention.
- Dasharatham (1989): In this film, Mohanlal played the role of Rajiv, a carefree bachelor who decides to have a child through surrogacy. The film was a critical and commercial success, with nuanced performance receiving widespread praise.
Expanding Horizons
As Mohanlal’s career progressed, he continued to explore different roles and genres, never shying away from challenging characters. He has a unique ability to seamlessly transition between intense dramas, action-packed thrillers, and light-hearted comedies, making him a favorite among directors and audiences alike.
One of the hallmarks of Mohanlal’s acting style is his naturalism. He has an uncanny ability to bring authenticity to his characters, making them relatable and memorable. This has allowed him to take on a wide variety of roles, from the everyman to larger-than-life characters.
- Bharatham (1991): In this film, directed by Sibi Malayil, played the role of Gopinathan, a musician who struggles with the burden of his brother’s death. His portrayal of the character’s inner turmoil and emotional depth won him the National Film Award for Best Actor.
- Kilukkam (1991): Directed by Priyadarshan, Kilukkam is a classic comedy that remains one of Mohanlal’s most popular films. His chemistry with co-star Revathi and his impeccable comic timing made this film a massive success.
- Vanaprastham (1999): This film, directed by Shaji N. Karun, is considered one of Mohanlal’s finest performances. He played the role of a Kathakali artist, Kunjikuttan, who struggles with his personal life and artistic ambitions. The film received international acclaim, and won his second National Film Award for Best Actor.
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Collaborations and Iconic Roles
Mohanlal’s career has been marked by several successful collaborations with prominent directors like Priyadarshan, Sathyan Anthikad, Sibi Malayil, and Ranjith. These collaborations have produced some of the most iconic films in Malayalam cinema.
- Drishyam (2013): Directed by Jeethu Joseph, Drishyam is one of the biggest blockbusters in Indian cinema. Mohanlal’s portrayal of Georgekutty, a common man who goes to great lengths to protect his family, resonated with audiences across India. The film’s success led to remakes in multiple languages, with Mohanlal reprising his role in the Malayalam sequel, Drishyam 2 (2021), which was also a huge success.
- Pulimurugan (2016): Directed by Vysakh, Pulimurugan became the first Malayalam film to gross over ₹150 crore at the box office. portrayal of the titular character, a hunter who takes on a deadly tiger, showcased his physical prowess and action skills, making it one of the most commercially successful films of his career.
