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.
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.