Happy Birthday superstar Mohanlal: Top roles

Southern actor Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair has achieved cult status in Malayalam cinema, thanks to his work in Mollywood. Having given some of the biggest hits not only as an actor, but director and producer, Mohanlal has also been awarded the Padma Shri for his immense contribution to cinema. Here's a look at some of his best performances so far.

Devasuram – Mohanlal starred opposite Revathi in ‘Devasuram’, which was considered to be one of the finest films of his career. His role as Mangalassery Neelakantan made the film a huge blockbuster. Till today, 'Devasuram' is regarded as a classic.

Irupatham Noottandu - Mohanlal took on the role of Sagar alias Jacky, an underworld don for K.Madhu’s ‘Irupatham Noottandu’. Not only was the action in the film a big hit, but the character became a huge favoutire among fans. So much so that a sequel followed by the title, ‘Sagar alias Jacky Reloaded’.

Kireedam – Mohanlal delivered one of his best performances in Sibi Malayil's 'Kireedam'. It tells the tale of a young boy whose hopes and dreams are shattered as a result of destiny and consequence. The film, which later had a sequel ‘Chenkol’, as well earned Mohanlal a National Film Special Jury Award.

Thanmathra – In 2005, Mohanlal played the lead in a drama film directed and written by Blessy. The film revolved around an individual suffering from Alzheimer and bagged five Kerala State film awards. Mohanlal won both the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor as well as Filmfare Award for the same.

Vanaprastham – Mohanlal also received immense praise for his depiction of a Kathakali artist in Shaji N. Karun’s Indo-French period drama, ‘Vanaprastham’. Mohanlal took tips from various professional Kathakali dancers to get into character. His performance earned him his second National Film Award for Best Actor as well as his fourth Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor.

This musical comedy was said to be one of Mohanlal’s most fun films. He played the role of Joji, a tourist guide who meets a young orphan girl in search of her father, played by Revathi. The film was the highest grossing Malayalam film of 1991 and ran for more than 300 days at the theatres. Mohanlal also received yet another Kerala State Film Award for his Best Actor.

Mohanlal is also well remembered for his performance in Bollywood crime-thriller ‘Company’ along with Ajay Devgn, Vivek Oberoi and Manisha Koirala. His portrayal of the Commissioner of Police was well received.

In 2013, Mohanlal appeared in drama-thriller ‘Drishyam’ which became the first Malayalam film to collect Rs 50 crore at the box office, remake rights and satellite rights. His role as Georgekutty earned the film several accolades including Kerala State Film Award for Best Popular Film.

Spadikam - Mohanlal played the role of Aadu Thoma/Thomachan, a village rowdy who becomes a thug after his relationship with his father fails. The film was well received and became a cult. Not only did the film become a big commercial success, but also won Mohanlal his third Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor and fifth Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Malayalam) Award.

Chithram - Mohanlal gave a phenomenal performance in Priyadarshan’s ‘Chithram’, along with Ranjunu, Nedumudi Venu and Poornam Vishwanathan among others. The emotional film which had a touching story proved that Mohanlal was a versatile actor and ran in theatres for more than a year.