The Malayalam film industry, known for its rich storytelling and powerful performances, boasts an array of talented actors. Among them, five names stand out for their exceptional contributions and immense popularity. Let's know more about the careers of these actors who have left indelible marks on Malayalam cinema.
1. Mohanlal: Mohanlal is a stalwart of the Malayalam film industry, who was named one of “the men who changed the face of the Indian Cinema” by CNN-News18. With a career spanning over four decades, he has appeared in more than 340 films. He has won numerous awards, including five National Film Awards and nine Kerala State Film Awards. His versatility and natural acting style have earned him a legendary status.
Notable Films:
Drishyam (2013): A suspense thriller that became a massive hit and was remade in several languages.
Kireedam (1989): A poignant drama that showcased Mohanlal's exceptional acting prowess.
Iruvar (1997): A critically acclaimed film directed by Mani Ratnam where he played a complex character.
2. Mammootty: Mammootty, another titan of Malayalam cinema, has an impressive filmography of over 400 films. Known for his method acting and deep voice, he has captivated audiences for decades. Mammootty has won three National Film Awards and thirteen Filmfare Awards South. His ability to embody diverse characters has made him a beloved figure in Indian cinema.
Notable Films:
Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989): A historical drama that earned him a National Film Award.
Peranbu (2018): A heart-wrenching film where he portrayed the struggles of a single father with a disabled child.
Daba Sahib (2000): A biographical film in which he played the titular role and received critical acclaim.
3. Dulquer Salmaan: Dulquer Salmaan, often referred to as "DQ," is one of the most popular contemporary actors in Malayalam cinema. He is the son of Mammootty and has carved a niche for himself with his charm and talent. Dulquer has won several awards, including four Filmfare Awards South. His pan-Indian appeal has also made him a significant presence in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films.
Notable Films:
Bangalore Days (2014): A coming-of-age film that was a huge success among youth.
Charlie (2015): A romantic drama that won him the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor.
Kurup (2021): A biographical crime thriller that showcased his versatility.
4. Prithviraj Sukumaran: Prithviraj Sukumaran is a multifaceted talent in Malayalam cinema, known for his acting, directing, and producing skills. He has appeared in over 100 films and is known for taking on challenging roles. Prithviraj has received several accolades, including Kerala State Film Awards and Filmfare Awards South. His directorial debut, Lucifer, was a monumental success.
Notable Films
Indian Rupee (2011): A satirical drama that won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.
Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015): A romantic drama based on a real-life love story, earning him critical acclaim.
Lucifer (2019): A political thriller that became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time.
5. Fahadh Faasil: Fahadh Faasil is known for his nuanced performances and unconventional role choices. He is the son of renowned filmmaker Fazil and has established himself as a critical darling in the industry. Fahadh has received numerous awards, including three National Film Awards and several Kerala State Film Awards. His commitment to his craft and choice of offbeat roles have made him a standout performer in Indian cinema.
Notable Films
Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016): A comedy-drama that won him the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor.
Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (2017): A realistic drama that won a National Film Award.
Kumbalangi Nights (2019): A family drama where his performance as an antagonist was highly praised.
The actress defended her claim that acting demands more than desk jobs in a recent interview.
She said office workers can "chill out" during work hours, unlike film stars.
Fans and working professionals called her comments privileged and out of touch.
The backlash started after her appearance on Amazon Prime's Two Much with Kajol & Twinkle.
Critics pointed out the financial gap and support systems actors have compared to regular employees.
Kajol probably didn't expect this reaction when she sat down with Twinkle Khanna on Two Much. But her comments about actors working harder than people with 9-to-5 jobs have blown up, and not in a good way.
Fans slam Kajol after she says actors work harder than regular employees sparking online outrage Getty Images
The comments that started it all
Kajol was speaking out about her earlier comments on Two Much with Kajol & Twinkle on Amazon Prime, where she said actors work harder than most people. This time she was explaining why she thinks that.
She told The Hollywood Reporter India that her days are full of shoots, events, and very early flights. One day involved waking at 5 AM to catch a flight to Jaipur for a 3 PM event.
But it was her take on regular jobs that got people talking. She claimed desk workers don't need to be "100% present" and can take breaks, "chill out," and relax while working. She kept coming back to the unending scrutiny actors face like the feeling of always being watched or something as simple as how you cross your legs or who's snapping a picture in the background becomes a constant calculation. You have to be switched on, she insisted, all the time.
The internet, frankly, was having none of it. YouTube and Reddit exploded with responses. "For the kind of remuneration actors are paid, they shouldn't have a problem working 12 hours a day for 4 days a week," one user wrote. Another pointed out that films typically take 3-4 months to shoot, while regular jobs run year-round.
The responses got more pointed. "Vanity mein naps or massages bhi toh hum lete hain," a Reddit user commented, referencing the comfort of vanity vans. Someone else joked: "If you work poorly, you get fired. If you act poorly, you get a Filmfare award."
The bluntest response yet? "Respectfully, Kajol, shut up."
Nobody denies acting is demanding. Long hours, public pressure, and constant judgement are very real. But comparing it to regular employment ignores some major differences.
Most people work 12 months a year with two weeks' holiday if they're lucky. They don't have spot boys fetching drinks or vanity vans for rest breaks. One netizen nailed it: "A working parent's schedule is continuous, every single day, with no wrap-up party or off-season."
Online erupts as Kajol defends claim that acting demands more than everyday 9-to-5 workGetty Images
There's also the money. While her fee for a single film is probably more than most people earn in a year, she says that doesn’t make the work easy. Still, it does provide a comfort that regular employees don’t have. Kajol has not yet replied to the backlash.
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