Happy Birthday Mohanlal: Top Movies, Dialogues, and Upcoming Projects of the Malayalam Actor

Mohanlal is arguably one of the best actors in Malayalam cinema. In his career spanning decades, he has delivered countless blockbusters, stealing the limelight with his gritty performances, action stints, and powerful dialogues. A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, the 63-year-old has been honoured with several awards for his film contributions. For Mohanlal, age is only a number as he is prepping for upcoming projects in the future. On the occasion of his 64th birthday on May 21, here’s a look back at his top movies, dialogues, and yet-to-be-released movies.

Top Movies

1. NeruMohanlal breathed life into the character of Vijayamohan, a former lawyer back at the business to serve justice to a blind woman. Also starring Priyamani, the courtroom drama was a commercial success with Mohanlal’s stance as a man seeking redemption drawing praise from the crowd.
2. JailerAlthough it was a Rajinikanth film, Mohanlal spelled brilliance with his short and impactful cameo in Nelson Dilipkumar’s Jailer. As the quirky crime lord Mathew, his wit, hilarious dialogues, and loyal friendship with Rajinikanth’s Muthuvel Pandian were applaud-worthy. Cinema enthusiasts even demanded a spinoff based on Mathew’s character.
3. Drishyam 1 and 2It needs no introduction that Mohanlal’s Drishyam franchise paved the way for the suspense thriller to be remade in Bollywood. The film was one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films, winning the Kerala State Film Award among other accolades. The second part released almost 8 years later received the same love from fans.
4. Bro DaddyMohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s comedy-drama made us laugh our hearts out. The veteran star played a father to Prithviraj, unaware of the life that his on-screen son leads. A through-and-through family entertainer, Mohanlal kept the audience glued to the screens every time he appeared on the screen.
5. 12th ManMohanlal struck the perfect balance between a drunk cop and the seriousness of his profession in this mystery thriller. When the lives of 11 friends at a bachelor’s party go awry after a shocking phone call and a murder, Mohanlal’s Chandrasekhar swears to solve the puzzle and save the youngsters.
6. KireedamMohanlal received a National Film Award (Special Jury) for this 1989 Sibi Malayil directorial. He slipped into the shoes of an agonised son trying to save his father from a barbaric local outlaw. The actor’s excellent performance, coupled with his intense display of emotions struck the right chords with the masses.
7. BharathamBased upon Ramayana, from the perspective of Lord Ram’s brother Bharath, the film was the recipient of three National Film Awards in 1991. Mohanlal essayed the role of a classical musician who fulfills his ambition and takes care of his family simultaneously as his elder brother played by Nedumudi Venu squanders his life and musical talent away.
8. ManichithrathazhuManichithrathazhu played the muse of films like Chandramukhi and Bhool Bhulaiyaa later on. The story centres around a haunted bungalow, where the unbolting of one forbidden room unleashes the spirit of an evil dancer. Mohanlal delivered his comical best in this horror comedy.

Best Dialogues

1. Nee Po Mone Dinesha! (Buzz off, dude) — Narasimham
2. Vattanalle? (You are crazy, right?) — Kilukkam
3. What you have seen is real, and what you haven’t is a lie. What you have seen till now are lies and what I will show you now is the truth — Malaikottai Vaaliban
4. Sadhanam kayyilundo? (Please try again) — Akkare Akkare Akkare
5. Ithu ente puthan Rayban glass. Ithu chavitti pottichal ninte kaalu njan vettum’ (This is my new Rayban glass. If you break this, I will chop your legs) — Spadikam

Upcoming Films

1. BarrozMohanlal stars in this upcoming fantasy thriller which is also directed by him. He plays the role of a 400-year-old spirit, guarding the treasures of D’Gama. He awaits to hand the valuables to the rightful descendant of the D’Gama clan. Barroz will hit the silver screens during Onam on September 12.
2. RamMohanlal has joined forces wirh director Jeethu Joseph one more time for the action thriller Ram. Expected to be released in two parts, Ram also stars Trisha Krishnan, Samyuktha Menon, and Adil Hussain in important roles. In an interview with Radio Musical, the director revealed that the cast and crew have been “struggling to bring back Ram” since the film has been facing several challenges. From an actress receiving an injury to unpredictable UK weather, Ram’s release date is yet to be announced.