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The Big Ms: Why Malayalam Cinema's Top Stars Never Fade
3 May
Summary
- Mammootty and Mohanlal, aged 74 and 65, dominate Malayalam cinema.
- Younger stars like Fahadh Faasil haven't displaced the iconic duo.
- Both actors consistently reinvent themselves with daring roles.
Malayalam cinema's enduring fascination with its two biggest stars, Mammootty (74) and Mohanlal (65), remains a unique phenomenon. Despite decades of work since the early 1980s, they continue to define the industry, outshining generations of emerging talents like Fahadh Faasil, Dulquer Salmaan, and Nivin Pauly. This sustained dominance is unlike trends in other film industries where newer stars often supplant older ones.
Their careers highlight a remarkable ability to reinvent themselves. Mammootty, for instance, has taken on challenging roles such as a menacing patriarch in 'Puzhu' and a gay man in 'Kaathal -- The Core' (2023), demonstrating bravery and artistic conviction at age 70. He also starred in the critically acclaimed black-and-white supernatural thriller 'Bramayugam' (2024).
Mohanlal's reinvention spans the success of the 'Drishyam' franchise and the powerhouse performance in 'Lucifer' (2019). His 2025 releases, including 'L2: Empuraan', 'Thudarum', and 'Hridayapoorvam', showcased his versatility across genres, proving his continued box office draw. Both actors were honored with prestigious awards, Mammootty with a Padma Bhushan in January 2026 and Mohanlal with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2025.
Malayalam cinema's success lies in its storytelling focus and modest budgets, allowing superstars to prioritize narrative over ego. This environment empowers actors like Mohanlal and Mammootty to take risks, embracing roles that test them rather than protect their image. Their deep connection with acting, evidenced by comparisons to De Niro and Pacino, fuels their lasting appeal.
