Mohanlal, often hailed as one of the best actors in Malayalam cinema, boasts an illustrious career spanning over four decades with numerous iconic roles. As the superstar turns 64 today, we celebrate his storied career by highlighting ten of his most iconic films. Each of these movies showcases his versatility and enduring appeal.
1. Manichitrathazhu (1993)
In this psychological thriller from director Fazil, Mohanlal plays Dr. Sunny Joseph, a psychiatrist tasked with unravelling the mystery behind the protagonist's split personality. His performance was both nuanced and memorable, making the film a classic in Indian cinema.
2. Drishyam (2013)
A suspense thriller where Mohanlal plays Georgekutty, a simple man who goes to great lengths to protect his family. The film was a massive critical and commercial success and is one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time. Mohanlal's nuanced performance received widespread praise. A sequel to the film released in 2021 and achieved the same success at the box office. The third installment of the franchise is currently in production.
3. Devasuram (1993)
In this cult classic directed by I.V. Sasi, Mohanlal plays the role of a flawed yet charismatic feudal lord, Mangalassery Neelakandan. The character’s transformation from an arrogant man to a more empathetic person is portrayed brilliantly by the actor, making the film a perennial fan favorite.
4. Nadodikattu (1987)
A comedic gem where Mohanlal stars alongside Sreenivasan as two unemployed men who stumble into a series of misadventures. The film's humour and satire remain relevant, and it’s still beloved by audiences.
5. Bharatham (1991)
Mohanlal's portrayal of Gopinathan, a talented musician dealing with personal and familial challenges, earned him a National Film Award for Best Actor. Directed by Sibi Malayil, the film is a touching exploration of sibling relationships and personal struggles.
6. Vanaprastham (1999)
In this Indo-French film directed by Shaji N. Karun, Mohanlal plays a Kathakali dancer. The film tells the story of Kathakali artist Kunjikuttan and explores themes of identity and societal expectations. Vanaprastham premiered at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival. Mohanlal’s performance was critically acclaimed, earning the film numerous awards and accolades.
7. Iruvar (1997)
In Mani Ratnam's political drama, Mohanlal plays Anandan, a character inspired by the Tamil actor-politician M.G. Ramachandran. His nuanced portrayal of a charismatic and complex figure is widely praised for its depth and authenticity.
8. Thanmathra (2005)
Mohanlal delivers a heart-wrenching performance as a man diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The film is a poignant depiction of the impact of the disease on both the individual and his family. It earned the actor numerous accolades for his sensitive and powerful performance.
9. Spadikam (1995)
This action drama, directed by Bhadran, sees Mohanlal as Aadu Thoma, a rebellious son dealing with a tyrannical father. The film’s intense action sequences and emotional depth, along with Mohanlal's dynamic performance, have made it a timeless classic.
10. Kaalapani (1996)
Set against the backdrop of the Indian freedom struggle, Mohanlal portrays Govardhan, a wrongfully imprisoned freedom fighter. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film is noted for its historical accuracy and Mohanlal's powerful performance. The film’s epic scale is also highly regarded.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.