Unstoppable Mohanlal -- the ‘Dada Saheb of Malayalam Cinema

 

Kerala superstar Mohanlal, who received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023 at the National Film Awards ceremony in New Delhi on September 23, is a consummate actor who has donned many difficult and challenging roles. The nation’s highest recognition in cinema marks the crowning glory of the thespian’s illustrious career that has spanned more than four decades. He is also the youngest to receive the highest award in the Indian cinema industry. He thrives on challenges. He dared to act in a Sanskrit “movie” in the 2001 stage play Karnabharam, directed by Kavalam Narayana Panicker, in which he portrayed the character of Karna. The play was performed in New Delhi and its video version was released by Mohanlal on his Facebook page in 2018. His first national award came through a musical movie Bharatham in 2001. Apart from an actor, he is also a producer and singer. He is the second Keralite to bag the award, the first being the legendary Adoor Gopalakrishnan in 2004. From Drishyam to recent hits like L2: Empuraan and Thudarum, he is not only an enduring superstar but also a constantly evolving artist — an icon whose journey inspires audiences and filmmakers alike, proving that his cinematic peak is far from over.

MAMMOOTTY TWIST

 But Kerala, which has the habit of questioning everything, added a twist to the award. A section of cine-goers wondered why Mammootty was ignored. Mammootty, who is senior to Mohanlal, has a huge fan following and, like Mohanlal, is an equally talented actor. Kerala is so divided between the two ‘Ms’ -- Mohanlal and Mammootty – that a director had to change the climax in a Malayalam movie. In the climax of Harikrishnans – where the two acted together as duelling but friendly lawyers -- Mohanlal weds Meera -- the character played by Juhi Chawla. The film initially had two endings when released, where Meera chose Mohanlal in the Hindu-dominated regions. In the other version, Mammootty gets the hand of Meera – mainly in the Muslim-dominated north Malabar region. But to be fair, Mammootty acknowledged the talents of Mohanlal. In a message, he said: “More than a colleague, a brother, and an artist who has lived and breathed cinema. So happy and proud of you, Lal. You truly deserve this crown,” he posted on X. Mohanlal’s cinematic journey continues even at times when the young brigade of directors and actors are making waves at the box office.

UNMATCHED TALENT

 Announcing the honour to Lal, the ministry of information and broadcasting, in a post on X, said, “Mohanlal’s remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations. His unmatched talent, versatility, and relentless hard work have set a golden standard in Indian film history.” Accepting the award, Lal said: “As a representative of the Malayalam film industry, I am deeply humbled to be the youngest and only the second recipient from the industry of this distinguished honour. This moment is not mine alone. It belongs to the entire Malayalam cinema fraternity. I see this award as a collective tribute to our industry’s legacy, creativity and resilience. When I first received the news from the Centre, I was overwhelmed. Not merely by the honour but by the privilege of being chosen to carry forward the voice of our cinematic tradition. “I believe this is destiny’s generous hand allowing me to accept this award on behalf of all those who have shaped Malayalam cinema with their vision and artistry. To be honest, I never dared to dream of this moment, not even in my wildest dream. So, this is not a dream come-true. This is something far greater. It’s magical. It’s sacred. It roots me more deeply in gratitude and responsibility. “I accept this award as the blessings of my fore-runners, the legendary masters of Malayalam cinema - past and present. I dedicate it to them, to the Malayalam film industry and to the discerning intelligent audience of Kerala who have nurtured our art with love and insight. As an actor and a film personality, this honour strengthens my resolve. It deepens my commitment to cinema and I pledge to continue my journey with renewed sincerity, passion and purpose. Cinema is the heartbeat of my soul”. Mohanlal has so far won five national awards, including two best actor honours, nine Kerala state film awards, and several Film fare awards. He was conferred the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2019. In 2009, he was also inducted as an honorary lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army, the first Indian actor to receive the distinction. Even after four decades, Mohanlal continues to redefine excellence.

REMEMBERING THE PAST

The veteran actor fondly remembered his colleagues, many of whom are no longer alive. “I remember the directors, makeup artists, and unit boys who stood by me: Those who have worked with me, are working with me in the present and going to work with me in the future. They have all contributed to my journey. I pray that the Malayalam industry gets to make more good films. This is not just my achievement — it belongs to all of them. I have received many awards in my career, but this is special because it is the highest, and that makes it truly meaningful,” he said. Reflecting on Malayalam cinema’s evolution, Mohanlal noted, “Today, cinema has more opportunities, with artistic and technological advancements breaking all boundaries. Cinema is magic. Surviving in this industry for 48 years has been nothing short of a circus.” Mohanlal has also delivered remarkable performances in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films. His cinematic and theatrical brilliance across mediums is truly inspiring. Born in 1960 in Pathanamthitta, Mohanlal entered movies through Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980), essaying the role of a suave villain. Within a decade, he had become Malayalam cinema’s defining star, his breakthrough coming with Rajavinte Makan (1986). He went on to embody characters that captured Kerala’s changing society: The tragic Sethumadhavan in Kireedam (1989), the tormented musician in Bharatham, the eccentric psychiatrist in Manichitrathazhu (1993), and the unforgettable Aadu Thoma in Spadikam (1995). His portrayal of a Kathakali artist torn between life and art, in Vanaprastham (1999), won Mohanlal his second national award, besides international acclaim at Cannes.

 OTHER LANGUAGES

Mohanlal’s career has also been marked by forays into other languages. In Mani Ratnam’s Tamil movie Iruvar (1997), his portrayal of Anandan — loosely based on late Tamil politician M G Ramachandran — remains one of the finest sketches of political power and charisma in Indian cinema. In Hindi, his understated role in Ram Gopal Varma’s Company (2002) drew acclaim for its quiet authority. Despite his achievements, Mohanlal shows no signs of slowing down. His 2025 films, L2: Empuraan and Thudarum, combined box-office success with critical attention, reaffirming his enduring command over Malayalam cinema and endearing connect with its audience. For Malayalis, the honour is both personal and collective — recognition for an actor who has carried their culture and stories across the globe. As actress Manju Warrier wrote in her tribute: “Thank you for inspiring generations! Our very own.” “More than a colleague, a brother, and an artist who has embarked on this wonderful cinematic journey for decades. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is not just for an actor, but for a true artist who has lived and breathed cinema. So happy and proud of you, Lal. You truly deserve this crown”. Yes, the crown sits on the right head and shoulders

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