Top 10 Actors: Malayalam cinema has been graced by great tale-tellers and powerhouse performances throughout the years. From legendary old tales to modern trendsetters, the actors have left an indelible mark on the cinematic world. From divine dramas to boundary-breaking tales, here are 11 actors who transformed Malayalam cinema with their raw talent and versatility.
Among the greatest of Indian cinema, Mohanlal is an interpreter actor and is blessed with a penchant to act out his legendary characters in movies such as Drishyam, Kireedam, and Lucifer. Owing to his ability to create an essence of reality and class to his characters, he is a cinema legend.
With his long shadow and natural versatility, Mammootty dominated Malayalam cinema for decades. Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Pathemari, and Peranbu are proofs of his tendency to entwine artistic excellence with masses’ appeal.
A contemporary mastermind, Fahadh Faasil has taken Malayalam cinema by storm through psychie thrillers and complex plots. His merciless U-turns in Joji, Trance, and Maheshinte Prathikaaram establish him as one of the generation’s greatest actors.
With bound-to-succeed looks and natural screen presence, Nazriya Nazim has captured the Bangalore Days and Om Shanthi Oshana loyalists. Her skill in balancing emotional depth and effervescent energy makes her stand out.
Renowned for being a realistic actor as well as variety of roles that he enacts, Dulquer Salmaan has set Malayalam cinema apart overseas as well. His Charlie, Kurup, and CIA are indications that he is equally proficient in romance, action, as well as alternative films.
Nivin Pauly’s natural flair and carefree acting are the Malayalam cinema’s heartthrob. Blockbusters like Premam, Action Hero Biju, and Thuramukham are evidence of how he connects to the masses.
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Unconventional storytelling in actor-turned-director Basil Joseph is coupled with unconventional performance and visionary direction. He is both an actor and a director in his Minnal Murali act.
Shilpagramming intensity, style, and emotions together, the most stylish Malayalam actor was Tovino Thomas. Mayanadhi, Kala, and Minnal Murali prove his versatility.
Actor, director, producer—Prithviraj Sukumaran is a versatile maverick talent. From mass entertainers like Lucifer to alternative cinema like Kaapa, his performances have taken Malayalam cinema global.
Defying norms and rebuilding the face of strong women, Manju Warrier is the driving force Malayalam cinema simply can’t survive without. Movies such as How Old Are You?, The Great Indian Kitchen, and Ayesha bear testament to her determination to command the screen.
A naturalist if ever there was one, Soubin Shahir has left everyone awestruck by the manner in which he is able to deliver such mature, emotionally nuanced performances. His performances in Kumbalangi Nights, Sudani from Nigeria, and Ambili are evidence of the kind of extension and height that he has attained.
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Malayalam cinema is based on realism, innovation, and professionalism in acting. These are the people who have transformed the industry to what it is today by mixing the old and the new in the art of story-telling and keeping Malayalam cinema in its place. Their work has transformed regional cinema to global success, which has seen that Malayalam cinema is one of the best in the world.
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