Mohanlal – The Legendary Actor of Indian Cinema
Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair, popularly known as Mohanlal, is one of India’s greatest actors, primarily working in Malayalam cinema. With a career spanning over four decades, he has acted in more than 350 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada. His performances are known for their versatility, natural acting, and emotional depth.
Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair
- Born: 21 May 1960, Elanthoor, Kerala, India
- Occupation: Actor, Producer, Playback Singer, Distributor
- Industry: Malayalam Cinema (also worked in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada)
- Debut Film: Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980) – As the villain
- Style: Method acting, comedy, action, romance, psychological depth
- Key Collaborations: Priyadarshan, Sathyan Anthikad, Fazil, Sibi Malayil, Bharathan, Ranjith, Jeethu Joseph, B. Unnikrishnan
Mohanlal is often regarded as the greatest actor in Indian cinema, known for his effortless performances in varied roles.
Mohanlal Filmography – Year-wise List
1980 – 1989: Early Years & Breakthrough
1980: Manjil Virinja Pookkal
1981: Manushya Mrugam, Thiranottam, Dhanya, Ahimsa
1982: Padayottam, Ente Mohangal Poovaninju, Yuvashree, Kelkkaatha Sabdham, Attakkalasam
1983: Boeing Boeing, Visa, Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu, Naseema, Kuyiline Thedi
1984: Poochakkoru Mookkuthi, Poochakkoru Mookkuthi, Itha Innu Muthal
1985: Avidathepole Ivideyum, Aram + Aram = Kinnaram, Boeing Boeing, Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu
1986: Rajavinte Makan, Gandhinagar 2nd Street, Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu, T.P. Balagopalan M.A.
1987: New Delhi, Irupatham Noottandu, Thoovanathumbikal, Nadodikkattu, Manivathoorile Aayiram Shivarathrikal
1988: Chithram, Kaalal Pada, Vellanakalude Nadu
1989: Kireedam, Dasaratham, Varavelpu
1990 – 1999: Golden Era & National Awards
1990: His Highness Abdullah, No.20 Madras Mail, Thazhvaram
1991: Bharatham (National Award for Best Actor), Kilukkam, Ulladakkam
1992: Yodha, Vietnam Colony, Advaitham
1993: Manichitrathazhu, Devasuram, Gandharvam
1994: Thenmavin Kombath, Pavithram
1995: Spadikam, Ayalathe Adheham
1996: Kalapani, The Prince
1997: Aaram Thampuran
1998: Kanmadam, Harikrishnans
1999: Vanaprastham (National Award for Best Actor)
2000 – 2009: Mass Entertainer & Experimentation
2000: Narasimham, Life Is Beautiful
2001: Ravanaprabhu, Praja
2002: Naran, Onnaman
2003: Balettan, Mr. Brahmachari
2004: Natturajavu, Vamanapuram Bus Route
2005: Thanmathra, Naran
2006: Rasathanthram, Vadakkumnathan, Keerthi Chakra
2007: Baba Kalyani, Chotta Mumbai
2008: Twenty:20, Madampi
2009: Bhramaram, Evidam Swargamanu
2010 – 2019: Industry Domination & Blockbusters
2010: Shikkar, Kandahar
2011: Pranayam, China Town
2012: Grandmaster, Spirit
2013: Drishyam (One of the biggest blockbusters)
2014: Peruchazhi
2015: Loham, Ennum Eppozhum
2016: Oppam, Pulimurugan (First ₹100 Cr Malayalam film)
2017: 1971: Beyond Borders, Villain
2018: Odiyan, Neerali
2019: Lucifer (Highest-grossing Malayalam film at the time)
2020 – Present: Recent Films & Sequels
2021: Drishyam 2, Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham (National Award for Best Film)
2022: Bro Daddy, 12th Man, Monster
2023: Alone
2024: Malaikottai Vaaliban, Barroz
2025: L2: Empuraan, Kannappa, Thudarum
Mohanlal – Awards & Recognitions
Mohanlal has received numerous awards for his contributions to Indian cinema, including National Awards, Kerala State Film Awards, and international honors.
🏆 National Film Awards
- Best Actor – Bharatham (1991)
- Best Actor – Vanaprastham (1999)
- Special Jury Award – Acting – Kireedam (1989)
- Best Feature Film (Producer) – Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham (2021)
🏆 Kerala State Film Awards
- Best Actor – T. P. Balagopalan M.A. (1986)
- Best Actor – Kireedam (1989)
- Best Actor – Bharatham (1991)
- Best Actor – Vanaprastham (1999)
- Best Actor – Thanmathra (2005)
- Best Actor – Paradesi (2007)
- Best Actor – Pranayam (2011)
- Best Actor – Spirit (2012)
- Special Jury Award – Janatha Garage (2016) & Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol (2017)
🏆 Filmfare Awards South
- Best Actor – Multiple Wins
- Lifetime Achievement Award (2006)
🏆 International Awards
- IIFA (Indian International Film Awards) – Most Popular Actor in South India (2007)
- Asianet Film Awards – Most Popular Actor, Lifetime Achievement
- Dubai International Film Festival – Lifetime Achievement Award (2018)
- Abu Dhabi Film Festival – Honorary Award
🏆 Civilian Awards from the Indian Government
- Padma Shri (2001) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award
- Padma Bhushan (2019) – India’s third-highest civilian award
🏆 Honorary Doctorates
- Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (2010)
- University of Calicut (2018)
🏆 Other Recognitions
- Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary Rank) – Indian Territorial Army (2009)
- Black Belt in Taekwondo – World Taekwondo Federation
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :
INSTAGRAM : https://www.instagram.com/mohanlal/
FACEBOOK : https://www.facebook.com/ActorMohanlal/
TWITTER : https://x.com/mohanla
