Mohanlal Birthday 2026: Must-watch films of the Malayalam cinema legend

As Malayalam cinema legend Mohanlal celebrates his 66th birthday, fans across the globe are revisiting the remarkable journey of one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated actors. With a career spanning over four decades and more than 400 films, Mohanlal has delivered unforgettable performances. On his special day, here’s a look at some of Mohanlal’s must-watch films that truly showcase his brilliance as an actor.

Updated On: 2026-05-21 01:33 PM IST

Compiled by : Aakruti Bagla

Mohanlal (Photo credit: IMDB, AFP)

Harikrishnans

A mix of comedy, romance, and courtroom drama, the film follows two close friends who fall in love with the same woman. Mohanlal and Mammootty play charming, witty lawyers with contrasting personalities. The film also stars Juhi Chawla.

Thudarum

Thudarum is a critically acclaimed Malayalam revenge drama starring Mohanlal and directed by Tharun Moorthy. The film follows a former stuntman and quiet taxi driver whose peaceful life takes a dark turn after his prized Ambassador car gets damaged.

Spadikam

In the 1995 action thriller, he played Aadu Thoma, a fearless yet emotionally vulnerable man who constantly clashes with society and his strict father.

Vanaprastham

Vanaprastham follows the story of Kunhikuttan (Mohanlal), a talented Kathakali artist who struggles with poverty, social status and personal heartbreak. Mohanlal’s deeply emotional and layered performance in the film is considered one of the finest of his career and earned widespread international acclaim.

Manichitrathazhu

Manichitrathazhu is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Ganga (Shobana), whose behaviour begins to change mysteriously after moving into an ancestral palace believed to be haunted. To note, Hindi film Bhool Bhulaiyaa's idea was inspired from this film.

Pulimurugan

Pulimurugan follows the story of Murugan (Mohanlal), a brave hunter who protects villagers from deadly tiger attacks in a forest region. However, his life takes a difficult turn when Daddy (Jagapathi Babu), an illegal drug dealer falsely accuses him. The film achieved a first for Malayalam cinema by surpassing Rs 100 crore.

Bharatham

The Shaji N. Karun directorial tells the emotional story of Kalloori Gopinathan (Mohanlal), a talented classical singer who struggles with family responsibilities and his deep love for music.

Drishyam

Drishyam remains one of Mohanlal’s most loved and celebrated films. In the thriller, Mohanlal played Georgekutty, a simple cable TV operator and devoted family man whose intelligence and calm mind help him protect his loved ones during a difficult situation. The film spawned sequel and even versions in other languages.

Oppam

Oppam follows the story of Jayaraman (Mohanlal), a visually impaired man who works as a caretaker and leads a simple life with extraordinary hearing and sensing abilities. His life changes completely when he becomes the key witness in a murder case. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film will have Hindi remake with Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar.

Iruvar

Iruvar is a political drama directed by Mani Ratnam that features Mohanlal in one of his most celebrated performances. He played Anandan, an aspiring actor whose journey into cinema and politics changes his life forever.

Lucifer

Lucifer became one of Mohanlal’s biggest blockbusters and showcased him in a stylish, powerful avatar. The political thriller focuses on Mohanlal, who plays Stephen Nedumpally, a social worker who is secretly a powerful underworld don named Khureshi Ab'raam. 

Next Gallery

Ahead of Drishyam 3, a quick recap on Mohanlal-starrer`s previous installments

Related Photos