Revisiting five best performances of Asif Ali on his birthday

Undoubtedly, an irritatingly naive and shy Sleevachan, played by Asif in Nissam Basheer directorial Kettiyolaanu Ente Malakha, is one of the most convincing performances by the actor in his career. Asif played Sleevachan, an innocent village youth who’s helpful and pleasant to everybody, and who takes care of his ageing mother. However, Sleevachan gets totally embarassed in front of his family and village when he physically violates his own wife without knowing the difference between rape and consensual sex. Asif portrayed the character so effectively you even feel sorry for his naivety in the end. His performance was widely appreciated for staying true to the character’s roots and culture.

Govind in Uyare

One of the most hated characters in Malayalam cinema, Asif’s portrayal of Govind in the Manu Ashokan directorial Uyare was widely discussed for the toxic love. Asif played the character of Govind who is seemingly an introvert but also is very possessive about his lover Pallavi played by Parvathy. His possessiveness leads to toxic traits which culminates in Govind throwing acid on Pallavi’s face. Asif’s Govind had a dark undertone and at times, the viewers could get a sense of his disturbed mind.

Omanakuttan in Adventures of Omanakuttan

An experimental film which didn’t do well at the box office, Rohith VS directorial Adventures of Omanakuttan, starring Asif Ali and Bhavana, is one of the most underrated movies of Asif. The actor effortlessly plays a shy and introverted character Omanakuttan in the movie. Omanakuttan finds excitement in chatting anonymously with random women over phone as another self of his being is awakened. Asif again proved his knack for playing characters that draw sympathy from the viewers.

Abhilash in Anuraga Karikkin Vellam

A heartwarming film about love and separation, Anuraga Karikkin Vellam, directed by Khalid Rehman, starred Asif Ali, Rajisha Vijayan and Biju Menon in the lead roles. Asif played a typical youth named Abhilash who’s not serious about anything in life and takes everything for granted. He doesn’t value the love and affection he gets from his girlfriend nor does he take his profession seriously. Later in the movie, he realises the importance of both but it is too late. Asif played the character with his mannerisms, body language and dialogue delivery on point. He also proved he can handle humour and emotional scenes equally well in this movie.

Sharath in Ozhimuri

A period drama which discussed the matrilineal system in the Nair community, Ozhimuri, directed by Madhupal, starred Lal, Asif Ali and Bhavana in the lead roles. Asif played the role of Sharath who is confused between the legal and emotional battle between his father and mother. Asif played the character with maturity, earning praise from critics and viewers alike.