Malayalam cinema megastar Mohanlal has had a majestic career filled with magnificent movies that have made a major impact.
With over 300 films to his name – including record-breaking blockbusters, pathbreakers and critically acclaimed masterpieces – he has been a dominant force since the 1980s.
Known for his natural acting style, the cinema icon has inspired generations, entertained millions and left an indelible mark on the Indian cultural landscape. He celebrates his 65th birthday next Wednesday (21).
Eastern Eye marks the occasion with an A-to-Z exploration of his life, career and impressive legacy.
Manjil Virinja PookkaIMDb
A is for acting debut: The first film Mohanlal worked on was Thiranottam (1978), which he co-produced with close friends. Various issues meant the movie took an astonishing 25 years to release. He made his big screen debut as the lead antagonist in Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980).
B is for bad guy: The newcomer made such a big impact as an antagonist in his 1980 debut that he was cast as a villain in numerous movies over the next few years. The prolific (see P) actor worked in nearly 50 films between 1981 and 1983.
C is for Company: He was introduced to Hindispeaking audiences in the 2002 crime drama Company, playing a senior police officer opposite Ajay Devgn and Vivek Oberoi in the story of warring underworld dons. Despite winning multiple awards and universal critical acclaim, Mohanlal largely stayed away from Bollywood.
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D is for directorial debut: After a prolific acting career (see P), Mohanlal made his directorial debut with Barroz. He also headlined the mega-budget 2024 fantasy adventure. Unfortunately for him, it was a major box-office failure.
E is for Elanthoor: Mohanlal Viswanathan was born in the village of Elanthoor in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala on May 21, 1960. He is the youngest child of Viswanathan Nair, a former bureaucrat and law secretary with the Kerala government. He grew up at his paternal home in Thiruvananthapuram and later earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce.
F is for family: He married Suchitra, daughter of film producer K Balaji, on April 28, 1988. They have two children – Pranav and Vismaya. Pranav appeared in a few films, starting with his debut in Onnaman (2001), which starred his father.
G is for giving back: The star is known for his philanthropic efforts. In 2015, he founded the ViswaSanthi Foundation – named after his parents – to support underprivileged communities in healthcare and education. He has also served as a goodwill ambassador for AIDS awareness.
H is for honours: With over 140 awards to his name, Mohanlal has received five National Awards, nine Kerala State Film Awards and nine Filmfare Awards. He has been conferred with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, India’s fourth and third highest civilian honours. He also holds honorary doctorates and a lieutenant colonel rank in the Indian Territorial Army.
IruvarReddit
I is for Iruvar: Mohanlal’s first non-Malayalam film was the 1997 Tamil drama Iruvar, directed by Mani Ratnam. Based on the life of MG Ramachandran, he played an actor who becomes a politician. The acclaimed film also marked Aishwarya Rai’s debut,s in a double role. The film won several awards.
J is for Janatha Garage: His most successful Telugu film, Janatha Garage, paired him with NTR Jr in a vigilante action drama. It became one of the highest grossing Tollywood releases and won multiple honours, including a National Award for Mohanlal.
Janatha GarageIMDb
K is for Kireedam: He won his first National Award for this 1989 drama, portraying a young man drawn into violence despite noble intentions. The film struck a chord with audiences and was later remade in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil and Kannada.
KireedamIMDb
L is for laughter: Though known for intense roles, Mohanlal has an extensive body of comic work. His first major comic lead was in Poochakkoru Mookkuthi (1984), which launched a long-running collaboration with director Priyadarshan that included more than 40 films. Their hit comedies include Boeing Boeing (1985), Chithram (1988), Vellanakalude Nadu (1988), Kilukkam (1991) and Thenmavin Kombath (1994).
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M is for Mammootty: Rather than being rivals, Mohanlal and fellow Malayalam icon Mammootty share a deep friendship. They have often praised one another and costarred in many films, including 1998 mystery buddy comedy hit Harikrishnans, which had two alternate endings and was the year’s top Malayalam grosser.
N is for name: He was initially named Roshanlal by his maternal uncle Gopinathan Nair, before the family settled on Mohanlal. His father chose not to include the surname ‘Nair’, wishing to avoid caste associations.
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O is for Onnanam Kunnil Oradi Kunnil: Mohanlal sang in this 1985 film – one of several where he lent his voice. Others include Kandu Kandarinju (1985), Spadikam (1995), Chathurangam (2002), Balettan (2003), Run Baby Run (2012) and Odiyan (2018).
Narasimham Filmibeat
P is for prolific: One of the most in-demand and hardest-working actors in Indian cinema across the past 45 years, he has starred in more than 300 films. In 1986 alone, Mohanlal appeared in 36 Malayalam films, including the hits T. P. Balagopalan M.A. and Rajavinte Makan. This has not only given him a wide variety of works, but also brought in big money for the Malayalam movie industry and enabled him to break box office records several times with movies like Chithram (1988) and Narasimham (2000).
Q is for Qatar: The actor is massively popular in the country and has been a regular visitor, including for the FIFA World Cup to watch matches. There is also an official Qatar fan club dedicated to him. R is for record-breaker: The superstar actor has broken box office records multiple times. His 2025 sequel L2: Empuraan became the highest-grossing Malayalam movie of all time.
R is also for remakes: Mohanlal headlined the mega-hit Malayalam language crime thriller Drishyam in 2013 and its acclaimed sequel in 2021. It has since become the most successfully franchised movie in Indian cinema history, with official remakes in a massive number of languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Sinhala and Chinese. An English language remake was also announced. A third instalment is in production, which will also get remade in multiple languages like the first two.
DrishyamNewsBytes
S is for stage: Mohanlal is one of the few A-list Indian cinema actors to have successfully acted in theatre plays. These stage triumphs have included headlining Sanskrit language play Karnabharam in 2001, which he starred in free of charge, just for the joy of it. In 2003 play Kadhayattam, Mohanlal performed 10 classic characters and situations from Malayalam literature. Mohanlal collaborated with actor Mukesh for the plays Chayamukhi (2008) and Naga (2015).
T is for television: The actor has successfully hosted all six seasons of reality TV show Bigg Boss Malayalam. The seventh season premieres later this year.
U is for Uncle Bun: The actor transformed himself for the 1991 comedy, which was inspired by Hollywood film Uncle Buck (1989), with him taking on the role of the overweight uncle. His other films inspired by Hollywood included 1995 drama Nirnayam, which was loosely based on The Fugitive (1993).
V is for Vanaprastham – The Last Dance:The 1999 Malayalam drama saw Mohanlal win honours including a National, Filmfare and Kerala State Best Actor trophies. He plays a talented dancer from a lower caste who is judged by society and rejected by his father. The acclaimed dance drama received international acclaim and a National Award for best film.
Vanaprastham – The Last DanceIMDb
W is for wealth: One of the wealthiest actors in India, Mohanlal has regularly commanded high fees and secured major brand endorsements and lucrative TV deals. A big-thinking star, he also runs a large number of successful businesses, including restaurants.
X is for X factor: Being one of the hardest-working leading men in India has enabled Mohanlal to build perhaps the widest and most diverse body of work in Indian cinema. His versatility across genres has defined his career and inspired countless others to follow in his giant footsteps.
Y is for younger days: Mohanlal’s first role was as a sixth grader in a stage play called Computer Boy, where he portrayed a 99-year-old man. In his teenage years, during 1977 and 1978, he was also the Kerala state wrestling champion.
Z is for zodiac: Mohanlal is a Gemini. The star sign’s positive traits include being energetic, clever, imaginative, witty, adaptable, curious and intelligent. Geminis also tend to thrive in different environments and have strong communication skills.
It’s been 26 years since Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam hit the big screen, but Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s rich, emotional tale of love and longing still lingers in the hearts of movie lovers. Starring Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Ajay Devgn, this film was a cultural moment. Here are five things you may not know about this now-iconic musical drama.
1. KK’s Bollywood debut began with heartbreak
Before he became one of the most beloved voices of the 2000s, singer KK got his big Bollywood break with the heart-wrenching song Tadap Tadap. The track, composed by Ismail Darbar and written by Mehboob, captured the raw ache of lost love, and KK’s soul-stirring vocals made it unforgettable. Few know that Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was his first major entry into Hindi cinema, thanks to Bhansali's knack for spotting rare talent.
Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan in a still from Bhansali’s unforgettable love storyInstagram/bhansaliproductions
2. Tadap Tadap still strikes a nerve with heartbroken souls
Even decades later, Tadap Tadap remains a go-to song for anyone nursing heartbreak. Its haunting melody and painful lyrics have earned it a permanent place on every “breakup playlist.” It’s not just a song, it’s a punch to the gut, and Gen X especially holds it close, often revisiting it during nostalgic or emotional moments.
Aishwarya Rai’s performance brought grace and heartbreak in equal measureInstagram/bhansaliproductions
3. It was only Bhansali’s second film
Most directors take a while to find their signature style. Not Sanjay Leela Bhansali. After Khamoshi: The Musical, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was only his second directorial project, but it cemented his place as a filmmaker known for blending grand visuals with emotional depth. The film’s cultural textures, sweeping sets, and deep emotions became a Bhansali trademark.
Salman Khan’s raw vulnerability added soul to Bhansali’s tale of longing and lossInstagram/bhansaliproductions
4. It echoed the storytelling of Indian film legends
Many critics at the time drew parallels between Bhansali and classic directors like Guru Dutt, Raj Kapoor, and K. Asif. Like them, Bhansali crafted scenes with intense emotional weight, often using music, silence, and visual flair to convey what words couldn’t.
Ajay Devgn delivered quiet intensity in Bhansali’s emotionally charged love triangleInstagram/bhansaliproductions
5. The music album was a blockbuster on its own
Beyond Tadap Tadap, the film’s soundtrack was packed with gems. From the playful Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan to the devotional Albela Sajan, the album was a complete package. Ismail Darbar’s score, paired with poetic lyrics and powerful vocals, played a major role in the film’s emotional impact.
Bhansali’s next film is already making waves
Two and a half decades later, Bhansali remains a force in Indian cinema. His upcoming film Love and War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, is already one of the most anticipated releases. And while Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam remains a fan favourite, expectations are sky-high for his next chapter.
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SS Rajamouli recreates Varanasi at Ramoji Film City for a key action sequence in SSMB29
SS Rajamouli isn’t holding back with SSMB29, his latest big-screen spectacle starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The filmmaker, known for his visual scale and attention to detail, has recreated the holy city of Varanasi in Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City instead of shooting on location. The reason? The chaotic logistics of filming in the spiritual capital of India.
The set, rumoured to cost £4.8 million (₹50 crore), is a massive replica built specifically for a key sequence in the film. Leaked photos from the set have already gone viral online, giving fans a glimpse of the scale Rajamouli is aiming for. Mahesh Babu will be filming an action sequence here, with VFX work enhancing the visuals. In true Rajamouli style, international graphics studios, some of the best from Hollywood, have been roped in to bring the visuals to life.
SS Rajamouli builds Varanasi set in Hyderabad for SSMB29 shootGetty Images
Kenya schedule to kick off in July with action-packed jungle scenes
After wrapping up earlier schedules in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, the SSMB29 team is now gearing up for its first international leg in Kenya. Originally planned for March, the schedule was delayed due to extreme heat in the region. Now rescheduled for July, the shoot will take place in some of East Africa’s most scenic locations, including Kenya’s Masai Mara, Tsavo, and Amboseli national parks.
This phase will see Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas dive into adrenaline-heavy sequences set deep in the African wilderness. The story reportedly involves Mahesh’s character searching for a rare herbal remedy, adding a mythical twist to the film.
Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran joins SSMB29Getty Images
For Priyanka, this film will mark her major comeback to Indian cinema after a six-year gap since The Sky Is Pink (2019). Her return in a Rajamouli project has fans across continents eager to see her back on the big screen.
A global vision with roots in mythology
While the team hasn’t confirmed the plot officially, reports suggest that the film is inspired by Ramayana-esque themes, with Mahesh Babu’s character on a spiritual and physical quest. The combination of Indian mythology, jungle survival, and stunning visual effects makes SSMB29 one of the most awaited Indian films currently in production.
Jason Isaacs has revealed that every cast member of The White Lotus Season 3, regardless of experience or fame, earned the same salary: £32,000 (₹33,60,000) per episode. That totals around £256,000 (₹2,68,80,000) for the full eight-episode run. While that figure might seem significant, Isaacs called it “a very low price” for a hit HBO show, but said he had no complaints.
“We would’ve paid to be in it,” Isaacs said in an interview, adding, “We probably would’ve given a body part.”
Jason Isaacs opens up about financial regrets and career lowsGetty Images
Equal pay, no ego
The show’s ensemble approach meant that veterans like Isaacs and Parker Posey received the same as newer faces such as Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sam Nivola. Asked if it bothered him to be paid the same as his younger co-stars, Isaacs shrugged it off: “I never work for money. I’ve done alright. People assume I have piles of cash, but I’ve basically matched my spending to my income and spent everything over the years.”
The pay structure, introduced from Season 1, was meant to ensure fairness and avoid ego clashes. “Everyone is treated the same,” said producer David Bernad in an earlier interview, explaining how the alphabetical billing and equal salaries were key to creating a drama-free, committed cast.
The White Lotus cast shares the screen and the paycheck equallyGetty Images
Isaacs admitted that while the rate was lower than typical network or streaming pay outs, the prestige of working on The White Lotus and with creator Mike White made it worthwhile.
Cautionary tales and career lows
Isaacs also took the opportunity to share hard-earned lessons with his younger co-stars, urging them not to get emotionally attached to the final product. “You don’t control how it’s received. That’s Mike’s job,” he said. Reflecting on his own past, he pointed to Peter Pan (2003), where he played Captain Hook, a big-budget project that tanked commercially and nearly derailed his career.
“It was the lowest I’ve ever felt professionally. I thought I’d never work again,” he confessed. Isaacs said it was his partner Emma Hewitt who helped him through that dark phase, crediting her support over their decades-long relationship.
Jason Isaacs says Emma Hewitt helped him through his dark phase in lifeGetty Images
The White Lotus Season 3 is now streaming on Max, and while the actors may not have earned big bucks, the series continues to score big on screen, with critics and fans alike.
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Scarlett Johansson kisses Jonathan Bailey and dazzles in couture at Jurassic World Rebirth premiere
Scarlett Johansson returned to the spotlight in a dazzling pink gown at the world premiere of Jurassic World Rebirth, held at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London. The event wasn’t just a celebration of the film’s release but also a major red carpet moment for the 39-year-old actress, who has been out of the public eye in recent months.
Wearing a custom Vivienne Westwood corset gown with sequins, Johansson lit up the green carpet with elegance and glamour. Her blush-toned dress featured a sculpted silhouette and soft draping that recalled golden-age Hollywood style, minus the fuss. The styling, handled by her long-time collaborator Kate Young, kept things minimal yet classy, letting the dress do all the talking.
Scarlett Johansson stuns in Vivienne Westwood gown at Jurassic World Rebirth London premiereGetty Images
All eyes on Scarlett, not the dinosaurs
Johansson’s outfit was a standout, softly shimmering, vintage-inspired, and unmistakably hers. The gown’s romantic structure paired beautifully with her classic Hollywood waves, styled by Renato Campora, and glowy makeup by Hung Vanngo, featuring soft pink tones and bold brows.
The green carpet itself mirrored the film’s jungle setting, with faux foliage and warning signs nodding to the franchise’s roots. Yet despite the dramatic décor and loud dinosaur displays, all attention shifted to Johansson’s presence and her surprise red carpet moment with co-star Jonathan Bailey.
Scarlett and Jonathan Bailey share a friendly kiss that gets fans buzzing on social mediaGetty Images
Fans went into a frenzy after the actress greeted Bailey with a quick, friendly kiss on the lips, sparking a flood of reactions online. The moment, caught on video, added a spark to an already buzzworthy evening. Bailey, dressed in a relaxed 1990s-inspired look with a cap and sunglasses, looked just as thrilled to reunite with his co-star.
A major comeback with a mega-franchise
Jurassic World Rebirth is Johansson’s first big-budget outing since stepping away from Marvel. She plays Zora Bennett, a covert operative sent on a high-stakes mission involving dinosaur DNA. She stars alongside Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali, and Rupert Friend in this next chapter of the billion-pound (₹10,000 crore) franchise, directed by Gareth Edwards.
With the film expected to open strong, tracking at around £95 million (₹1,000 crore) globally, it’s a big summer bet for Universal. And for Scarlett Johansson, star power has never been in question, no theme costume required. Just a killer dress, a bold kiss, and a dash of old-school charm.
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James Cameron’s The Abyss pulled from Disney Plus UK after decades-old controversy resurfaces
Nearly four decades after its release, James Cameron’s 1989 sci-fi thriller The Abyss has sparked controversy again, this time on streaming. Disney+ quietly pulled the newly uploaded 4K remaster of the film from its UK platform after complaints resurfaced about a banned scene involving live animal testing.
The specific scene, showing a rat being submerged in oxygenated liquid, has long been a point of contention in the UK. Though the rat reportedly survived the experiment during filming, the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) had previously ruled it in breach of the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937. As a result, the sequence was cut from all UK theatrical, television, DVD, and Blu-ray releases. Yet, when Disney+ added the remastered version in April, the uncut version slipped through, triggering backlash from animal welfare groups.
RSPCA flags “loophole” as Disney+ removes unedited version
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), which had campaigned for the scene’s removal since the 1980s, raised fresh concerns when the unedited version began streaming. David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the charity, stressed this wasn’t about censorship but consistency.
“We're not calling for the film to be banned,” Bowles clarified. “We’d fully support Disney+ reinstating it, just without the disturbing rat scene. This is about closing a loophole that lets animal abuse scenes bypass the same restrictions applied to TV, DVD, and cinema.”
While UK content is regulated under BBFC guidelines, streaming platforms often fall outside traditional classifications. This regulatory gap allowed the uncut version of The Abyss to appear online, unnoticed until viewers flagged it. The scene reportedly used five rats, all of whom survived, but their visible distress on-screen led to public discomfort and long-standing restrictions.
Future availability unclear, but alternative platforms exist
Disney+ has yet to confirm whether an edited version of The Abyss will return to its UK library. For now, viewers can still find the film on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, albeit without the controversial scene. The cinematic version was also available briefly on ITVX but has since been taken down.
The Abyss pulled from UK streaming after animal welfare complaints reach DisneyIMDB
Starring Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Michael Biehn, The Abyss remains a cult favourite for its iconic underwater visuals and suspense-driven plot. But its legacy now includes a sharp reminder that even classics must face new scrutiny in the age of streaming.