Mohanlal Vishwanathan Nair known mononymously as Mohanlal is an Indian actor, producer and singer who is well known for his versatile and natural acting in Indian cinema. He made his acting debut in the unreleased movie Thiranottam (1978), which was followed by a role as the lead antagonist in his first release Manjil Virinja Pookkal in 1980, his onscreen debut.
Antagonistic parts in several movies followed before Mohanlal established himself as a lead actor playing a wide variety of character types in comedy and action films amongst others. He was labelled a superstar of Malayalam cinema in 1986 after the success of Rajavinte Makan, in which he played an underworld don. Mohanlal became a film producer with the 1990 musical hit His Highness Abdullah and has also acted in a number of Tamil and Bollywood films. Of these, his notable roles were in Iruvar, directed by Mani Ratnam, and Company, directed by Ram Gopal Varma. As well as being an actor and producer, Mohanlal also owns businesses involved in film distribution, restaurants and packaged spices.
Mohanlal is regarded as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema and is a cultural icon in the Indian state of Kerala, where he was elected its most popular individual in a 2006 online poll conducted by CNN-IBN on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Kerala's formation. In 2001, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, for his contributions to Indian cinema. He has won four Indian National Film Awards — two Best Actor Awards, one Special Jury Award for acting, and one Award for Best Film as producer along with six Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actor. In 2009, he became the first actor to be given the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army of India and in 2010 received an honorary doctorate from Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kerala.
Known For
Drishyam
(2013)
Georgekutty
Manichitrathazhu
(1993)
Dr. Sunny Joseph
Kaalapani
(1996)
Govardhan Menon
Drishyam 2
(2021)
Georgekutty
Arabeem Ottakom P. Madhavan Nayarum in Oru Marubhoomi Kadha
(2011)
P. Madhavan Nair
Lucifer
(2019)
Stephen Nedumpally
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea
(2021)
Kunjali Marakkar IV
Jailer
(2023)
Mathew
Full Filmography
Acting
Thiranottam
(1978)
Kuttappan
Manjil Virinja Pookkal
(1980)
Narendran
Dhruvasangamam
(1981)
Shankarankutty
Dhanya
(1981)
Thakilu Kottampuram
(1981)
Paul
Thenum Vayambum
(1981)
Varma
Attimari
(1981)
Shan
Ahimsa
(1981)
Mohan
Oothikachiya Ponnu
(1981)
Nandan
Sanchari
(1981)
Dr. Shekhar
Kurukkante Kalyanam
(1982)
Sainaba's Husband
Enikkum oru Divasam
(1982)
Babu
Madrasile Mon
(1982)
Enthino Pookunna Pookal
(1982)
Surendran
Kelkatha Sabdam
(1982)
Babu
Sindoora Sandhyakku Mounam
(1982)
Kishore
Aa Divasam
(1982)
Aakrosam
(1982)
Mohanachandran
Kaaliya Mardhanam
(1982)
Johnny
Padayottam
(1982)
Kannan
Njan Onnu Parayatte
(1982)
Shekharankutty
Football
(1982)
Balakrishnan
Ente Mohangal Poovaninju
(1982)
Vinu
Sree Ayyappanum Vavarum
(1982)
Army Commander
Kuyiline Thedi
(1983)
Thampurankutty
Naseema
(1983)
Saithali
Guru Dakshina
(1983)
Minister Prabhakaran
Naanayam
(1983)
Babu
Arabikkadal
(1983)
Kolakkomaban
(1983)
Gopi
Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu
(1983)
Ramu
Bhookambam
(1983)
Raghu
Pinnilavu
(1983)
Raghu
Changatham
(1983)
S T Daniel
Thavalam
(1983)
Aadhipathyam
(1983)
Mohan
Aattakalasham
(1983)
Babu
Kattathe Kilikkoodu
(1983)
Unni Krishnan
Marakkillorikkalum
(1983)
Murali
Visa
(1983)
Sunny
Himavahini
(1983)
Paappi
Iniyenkilum
(1983)
Ravi
Chakravalam Chuvannappol
(1983)
Vasu
Sesham Kazhchayil
(1983)
Police Inspector
Hello Madras Girl
(1983)
Lal
Asthram
(1983)
Das
Oru Mukham Pala Mukham
(1983)
Sukumaran Thampi
Ente Katha
(1983)
Ramesh
Engane Nee Marakkum
(1983)
Shambu
Ente Mamattukkuttiyammakku
(1983)
Alex
Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu
(1984)
Sreekumar
Lakshmana Rekha
(1984)
Sudhakaran Nair
Sreekrishna Parunthu
(1984)
Kumaran Thampi
Itha Innu Muthal
(1984)
Mohanlal
Adiyozhukkukal
(1984)
Gopi
Unaru
(1984)
Ramu
Ivide Thudangunnu
(1984)
Krishnakumar
Akkare
(1984)
Sudhan
Kurishuyudham
(1984)
Johnny
Appunni
(1984)
Menon Mash
Swanthamevide Bandhamevide
(1984)
Rajendran
Kilikkonchel
(1984)
Ratheesh
Aduthaduthu
(1984)
Vishnu Mohan
Kaliyil Alpam Karyam
(1984)
Vinayan
Uyarangalil
(1984)
P.K. Jayarajan
Oru Kochu Swapnam
(1984)
Manasariyathe
(1984)
Mammootty
Paavam Poornima
(1984)
Onnanu Nammal
(1984)
Nanda Gopal
Poochakkoru Mookkuthi
(1984)
Gopalakrishnan
Vetta
(1984)
Balan
Athirathram
(1984)
Prasad
Aalkkoottathil Thaniye
(1984)
Anil Kumar
Thirakal
(1984)
James George
Ariyaatha Veethikal
(1984)
Vanitha Police
(1984)
Uyarum Njan Nadake
(1985)
Darappan
Jeevante Jeevan
(1985)
Jayan
Anubandham
(1985)
Bhaskaran
Koodum Thedi
(1985)
Peter
Njan Piranna Nattil
(1985)
Inspector Rajasekharan
Angadikkappurathu
(1985)
Babu
Guruji Oru Vakku
(1985)
Unni
Naayakan
(1985)
Krishnadas
Rangam
(1985)
Appunni
Boeing Boeing
(1985)
Shyam
Aram + Aram = Kinnaram
(1985)
Narayanankutty
Onnanam Kunnil Oradi Kunnil
(1985)
Nithin
Azhiyatha Bandhangal
(1985)
Balakrishnan
Adhyayam Onnu Muthal
(1985)
Vishnu Thomas
Vasantha Sena
(1985)
Devan
Avidathepole Ivideyum
(1985)
Sukumaran
Kandu Kandarinju
(1985)
Krishnanunny
Karimpin Poovinakkare
(1985)
Bhadran
Omanikkan Ormavaikkan
(1985)
Parayanumvayya Parayathirikkanumvayya
(1985)
Current Hamsa
Pathamudayam
(1985)
Jayamohan
Mulamoottil Adima
(1985)
Adima Kannu / Mulamoottil Adima
Idanilangal
(1985)
Geetham
(1986)
Jagadeesh Nair
Vartha
(1986)
Vasu
Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare
(1986)
Telephone Uncle
Thalavattam
(1986)
Vinod
Revathikkoru Pavakkutty
(1986)
Dr. P. Madhavankutty
Kunjattakilikal
(1986)
Balakrishnan
T. P. Balagopalan M.A.
(1986)
Balagopalan
Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu
(1986)
Shambhu
Iniyum Kurukshetrum
(1986)
Suresh Babu
Namukku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal
(1986)
Solomon
Abhayam Thedi
(1986)
Appu
Rajavinte Makan
(1986)
Vincent Gomas
Pappan Priyappetta Pappan
(1986)
Inspector Devodas
Mizhineerppoovukal
(1986)
Richard
Doore Doore Oru Koodu Koottam
(1986)
Diwakaran
Ninnishtam Ennishtam
(1986)
Srikuttan / Sriettan
Poomukhappadiyil Ninneyum Kaathu
(1986)
Pauly
Gandhinagar 2nd Street
(1986)
Sethu
Yuvajanotsavam
(1986)
Jayan
Sukhamo Devi
(1986)
Sunny
Kariyilakkattu Pole
(1986)
Inspector Achuthankutty
Panchagni
(1986)
Rashid
Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam
(1986)
Gopalakrishna Panikkar
Nimishangal
(1986)
Murali
Oppam Oppathinoppam
(1986)
Deshadanakkili Karayarilla
(1986)
Harisankar
Ente Entethu Mathram
(1986)
Mr. Menon
Manasilloru Manimuthu
(1986)
Sobharaj
(1986)
Shobharaj/Dharmaraj
Padayani
(1986)
Rameshan
Hello My Dear Wrong Number
(1986)
Venugopal
Adiverukal
(1986)
Balakrishnan
Bhoomiyile Rajakkanmar
(1987)
Mahendra Varma
Adimakal Udamakal
(1987)
Mohan Cheriyan
Amrutham Gamaya
(1987)
Dr. P. K. Haridas
Vazhiyorakazchakal
(1987)
Raghavan / Antony Issac
Nadodikkattu
(1987)
Dasan
January Oru Orma
(1987)
Raju
Thoovanathumbikal
(1987)
Jayakrishnan
Irupatham Noottandu
(1987)
Sagar Alias Jacky
Unnikale Oru Kadha Parayam
(1987)
Eby Abraham
Sarvakalasala
(1987)
Lal
Ivide Ellavarkkum Sukham
(1987)
Appu
Cheppu
(1987)
Ramachandran
Vellanakalude Naadu
(1988)
C. Pavithran Nair
Moonnam Mura
(1988)
Ali Imran
Ayitham
(1988)
Shankaran
Pattanapravesham
(1988)
Ramdas / Dasan
Aryan
(1988)
Devanarayanan Namboothiri/Devan
Manu Uncle
(1988)
Himself (Cameo)
Chithram
(1988)
Vishnu
Orkkapurathu
(1988)
Freddy
Anuragi
(1988)
Shamu
Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu
(1988)
Mukundan K. Kartha
Padamudra
(1988)
Soap Kuttappan and Maathu Pandaaram (Dual roles)
Varavelpu
(1989)
Murali
Dasharatham
(1989)
Rajiv Menon
Naaduvazhikal
(1989)
Arjun
Ulsavapittennu
(1989)
Rajan
Kireedam
(1989)
Sethu Madhavan
Vandanam
(1989)
Unnikrishnan
Lal Americayil
(1989)
Vinod
Season
(1989)
Jeevan / Uncle
Adhipan
(1989)
Advt. Shyam Prakash
Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal
(1989)
Achu
Douthyam
(1989)
Capt. Roy Jacob Thomas
Thazhvaram
(1990)
Balan
No. 20 Madras Mail
(1990)
Tony Kurushingal
Appu
(1990)
Appukuttan
Akkare Akkare Akkare
(1990)
Ramdas
Kadathanadan Ambadi
(1990)
Kadathanadan Ambadi
Indrajaalam
(1990)
Kannan Nair
Aye Auto
(1990)
Sudhi
Arhatha
(1990)
Devaraj
Mukham
(1990)
Hariprasad
Lal Salam
(1990)
Netturan
His Highness Abdullah
(1990)
Abdullah / Ananthan Namboothiri
Abhimanyu
(1991)
Harikrishnan
Adwaytham
(1991)
Shivaprasad
Ulladakkam
(1991)
Dr. Sunny
Kizhakkunarum Pakshi
(1991)
Ananthu
Gopura Vasalile
(1991)
Special Appearance
Vishnulokam
(1991)
Vishnu
Bharatham
(1991)
Gopinathan
Uncle Bun
(1991)
Charlie Chacko
Vasthuhara
(1991)
Venu
Dhanam
(1991)
Sivasankaran Nair
Kilukkam
(1991)
Joji
Sadayam
(1992)
Sathyanathan
Soorya Gayathri
(1992)
Dr. Balasubrahmaniam
Rajashilpi
(1992)
Shambu
Nadodi
(1992)
Sachidanandan / Balakrishnan Bhagavathar
Kamaladalam
(1992)
Nandagopal
Vietnam Colony
(1992)
G Krishnamoorthy
Yoddha
(1992)
Thaipparambil Ashokan Menon
Aham
(1992)
Sidharthan
Chenkol
(1993)
Sethu Madhavan
Kalippattam
(1993)
Venu
Midhunam
(1993)
Sethumadhavan
Maya Mayooram
(1993)
Narendran (Appu) and Krishnan Unni (Unni)
Butterflies
(1993)
Prince Menon
Gandharvam
(1993)
Samuel Alexander
Devasuram
(1993)
Mangalassery Neelakantan
Manichitrathazhu
(1993)
Dr. Sunny Joseph
Pakshe
(1994)
Balachandra Menon
Minnaram
(1994)
Bobby
Gandeevam
(1994)
Boat Man (Cameo)
Pavithram
(1994)
Unnikrishnan
Thenmavin Kombath
(1994)
Manikyan
Pingami
(1994)
Captain Vijay Menon
Thacholi Varghese Chekavar
(1995)
Thacholi Varghese Chekavar
Agnidevan
(1995)
Aniyankuttan (Ravi Varma)
Spadikam
(1995)
Aadu Thoma / Thomas Chacko
Nirnayam
(1995)
Dr. Roy Mathews
Maanthrikam
(1995)
Stephen Ronald
The Prince
(1996)
Jeeva
Kaalapani
(1996)
Govardhan Menon
Varnapakittu
(1997)
Sunny Palamatom
Guru
(1997)
Raghuraman
Oru Yaatra Mozhi
(1997)
Govindan Kutty
Chandralekha
(1997)
Appukuttan (Alphy)
Aaram Thamburan
(1997)
Jagannadhan
Iruvar
(1997)
Anand
Kanmadam
(1998)
Vishwanathan
Summer in Bethlehem
(1998)
Niranjan (Guest Role)
Ayal Kadha Ezhuthukayanu
(1998)
Sagar Kottappuram
Raktha Sakshikal Zindabad
(1998)
Siva Subrahmanya Iyyar
Harikrishnans
(1998)
Krishnan
Olympian Anthony Adam
(1999)
C.T. Vargheese Antony I.P.S/ Olympiyan Anthony Adam
Usthad
(1999)
Parameswaran / Usthad
Vanaprastham
(1999)
Kunhikuttan
Life Is Beautiful
(2000)
Vinayachandran
Sradha
(2000)
Ganga Prasad IPS
Devadoothan
(2000)
Vishal Krishnamoorthy
Narasimham
(2000)
Poovalli Induchoodan / Achu
Unnathangalil
(2001)
Rakshakan
Praja
(2001)
Zakkir Ali Hussain
Achaneyanenikkishtam
(2001)
Mahadevan
Kakkakuyil
(2001)
Sivaraman
Ravanaprabhu
(2001)
Mangalassery Neelakandan / M.N. Karthikeyan
Onnaman
(2002)
Ravisankar
Chathurangam
(2002)
Atiprackal Jimmy Jacob
Thandavam
(2002)
Kasinathan
Company
(2002)
Srinivasan IPS
Balettan
(2003)
Athaniparambil Balachandran
Mr. Brahmachari
(2003)
Ananthan Thampi
Kilichundan Mampazham
(2003)
Abdul Khader
Hariharan Pilla Happy Aanu
(2003)
Hariharan Pillai
Pop Carn
(2003)
Vikramaditya
Wanted
(2004)
Narayana Swamy
Natturajavu
(2004)
Pulikkattil Charlie
Vismayathumbathu
(2004)
Sreekumar
Vamanapuram Bus Route
(2004)
Lever Johny
Love
(2004)
Mohan Nair
Mampazhakkalam
(2004)
Puramanayil Chandran
Chandrolsavam
(2005)
Chirakkal Shreehari
Udayon
(2005)
Shooranad Pappoyi / Shooranad Kunju
Udayananu Tharam
(2005)
Udayabhanu
Naran
(2005)
Mullankolli Velayudhan
Thanmathra
(2005)
Rameshan
Reflections
(2005)
Kilukkam Kilukilukkam
(2006)
Joji
Photographer
(2006)
Dijo
Rasathanthram
(2006)
Premachndran
Baba Kalyani
(2006)
Baba Kalyani
Mahasamudram
(2006)
Isahak
Vadakkumnadhan
(2006)
Prof. Iringannoor Bharatha Pisharadi
Keerthi Chakra
(2006)
Major Mahadevan
Hallo
(2007)
Sivaraman
Rock N' Roll
(2007)
Chandramouli
Chotta Mumbai
(2007)
Vasco da Gama
Alibhai
(2007)
Anwar Ali/Ali Bhai
Paradesi
(2007)
Valiyakath Moosa
Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag
(2007)
Inspector Narsimha
Flash
(2007)
Dr. Mithun Madhavan
Innathe Chintha Vishayam
(2008)
Gopakumar
Madambi
(2008)
Puthanveetil Gopalakrishna Pillai
College Kumaran
(2008)
Cptn. Kumaran
Aakasha Gopuram
(2008)
Albert Samson
Kurukshetra
(2008)
Colonel Mahadevan
Pakal Nakshatrangal
(2008)
Sidharthan
Halla Bol
(2008)
Himself (uncredited)
Twenty 20
(2008)
Devaraja Prathapa Varma
Mizhikal Sakshi
(2008)
Syed Ahmed
Angel John
(2009)
Angel John
Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja
(2009)
Narrator
Bhagavan
(2009)
Dr. Balagopal
Ividam Swargamanu
(2009)
Mathews
Red Chillies
(2009)
Oiyarath Makaranth Ramanathan (as OMR)
Bhramaram
(2009)
Sivankutty
Unnaipol Oruvan
(2009)
I. G. Raghavan Maraar
Sagar Alias Jacky Reloaded
(2009)
Sagar/ Jacky
Wilson Periera
(2010)
All Characters (Voice)
Janakan
(2010)
Surya Narayanan
Kandahar
(2010)
Major Mahadevan
Alexander The Great
(2010)
Alexander Varma
Shikkar
(2010)
Balaraman
Oru Naal Varum
(2010)
Kulappulli Sukumaran / DYSP Nandhakumar
Christian Brothers
(2011)
Christi Varghese Mappila / Sherson
Snehaveedu
(2011)
Ajayan
China Town
(2011)
Mathukutty / Xavier
Arabeem Ottakom P. Madhavan Nayarum in Oru Marubhoomi Kadha
(2011)
P. Madhavan Nair
Pranayam
(2011)
Mathews
Namukku Parkkan
(2012)
Narrator (voice)
Karmayodha
(2012)
Madhava Menon/Mad Maddy
Tezz
(2012)
Shivan Menon (Cameo Appearance)
Grandmaster
(2012)
Chandrashekhar
Run Baby Run
(2012)
Venu
Casanovva
(2012)
Casanovva
Spirit
(2012)
Raghunandan
Drishyam
(2013)
Georgekutty
Ladies & Gentleman
(2013)
Chandrabose
Geethanjali
(2013)
Dr. Sunny Joseph
Kadal Kadannu Oru Maathukutty
(2013)
Himself
Lokpal
(2013)
Nandagopalan / Lokpal
Red Wine
(2013)
ACP Ratheesh Vasudevan
Koothara
(2014)
Siren Semiramis Aegean Derketo/Ustaad Saali
Aamayum Muyalum
(2014)
Narrator (voice)
Peruchazhi
(2014)
Jagannathan
Mr. Fraud
(2014)
Bhai Ji / John Cliff / Sivaram
Jilla
(2014)
Siva
Mythri
(2015)
Mahadev Godke
Picket 43
(2015)
Cameo
Kanal
(2015)
John David
Loham
(2015)
Raju / Rajeev Sathyamoorthy
Ennum Eppozhum
(2015)
Vineeth N Pillai
Rasam
(2015)
Himself
Lailaa O Lailaa
(2015)
Jayamohan
Janatha Garage
(2016)
Satyam
Manamantha
(2016)
Sai Ram
Oppam
(2016)
Jayaraman
Pulimurugan
(2016)
'Puli' Murugan
C/O Saira Banu
(2017)
Peter George (Voice)
1971: Beyond Borders
(2017)
Major Mahadevan / Major Sahadevan
Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol
(2017)
Ulahannan
Villain
(2017)
Mathew Manjooran
Tiyaan
(2017)
The Voice of Time (voice)
Velipadinte Pusthakam
(2017)
Prof. Michael Idikkula
Odiyan
(2018)
'Odiyan' Manikyan
Drama
(2018)
Rajagopal
Aadhi
(2018)
Himself
Nieraali
(2018)
Sunny George
Kayamkulam Kochunni
(2018)
Ithikkara Pakki
100 Years of Chrysostom
(2018)
Kaappaan
(2019)
Chandrakanth Varma
Lucifer
(2019)
Stephen Nedumpally
Ittymaani: Made In China
(2019)
Ittimaani
Big Brother
(2020)
Sachidanandhan
Family - A Made at Home Short Film
(2020)
Drishyam 2
(2021)
Georgekutty
Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea
(2021)
Kunjali Marakkar IV
12th Man
(2022)
Chandrashekhar
Monster
(2022)
Lucky Singh
Aaraattu
(2022)
Neyyattinkara Gopan / Suryachandra Lal (Fake) / Agent X
Bro Daddy
(2022)
John Kattadi
Pathonpatham Noottandu
(2022)
Self - Narrator (voice)
Alone
(2023)
Kalidas
Jailer
(2023)
Mathew
Neru
(2023)
Vijay Mohan
Barroz – Guardian of D'Gama's Treasure
(2024)
Barroz
Malaikottai Vaaliban
(2024)
Malaikottai Vaaliban
Rambaan
(2025)
Production
Adiyozhukkukal
(1984)
Producer
Karimpin Poovinakkare
(1985)
Producer
Gandhinagar 2nd Street
(1986)
Producer
Adiverukal
(1986)
Producer
Unnikale Oru Kadha Parayam
(1987)
Producer
Nadodikkattu
(1987)
Producer
Aryan
(1988)
Producer
Orkkapurathu
(1988)
Producer
His Highness Abdullah
(1990)
Producer
Bharatham
(1991)
Producer
Kamaladalam
(1992)
Producer
Midhunam
(1993)
Producer
Pingami
(1994)
Producer
Kaalapani
(1996)
Producer
Harikrishnans
(1998)
Producer
Kanmadam
(1998)
Producer
Vanaprastham
(1999)
Co-Producer
Olympian Anthony Adam
(1999)
Producer
Kandahar
(2010)
Producer
Sound
Onnanam Kunnil Oradi Kunnil
(1985)
Playback Singer
Kandu Kandarinju
(1985)
Playback Singer
Chithram
(1988)
Playback Singer
Aye Auto
(1990)
Playback Singer
Vishnulokam
(1991)
Playback Singer
Soorya Gayathri
(1992)
Playback Singer
Gandharvam
(1993)
Playback Singer
Kalippattam
(1993)
Playback Singer
Butterflies
(1993)
Playback Singer
Spadikam
(1995)
Playback Singer
Run Baby Run
(2012)
Playback Singer
Ittymaani: Made In China
(2019)
Playback Singer
Bro Daddy
(2022)
Playback Singer
Directing