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Happy Birthday to the legendary actor Mammootty, who turns another year older today but remains an evergreen icon in Indian cinema. Born Muhammad Kutty Panaparambil Ismail on September 7, 1951, Mammootty has been a towering figure in Malayalam cinema for over four decades, with more than 400 films to his name. His career began in the 1970s, but it was during the 1980s that he ascended to stardom, delivering powerful performances in films like Yathra, New Delhi, and Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, showcasing his incredible versatility. Known for his charismatic screen presence, Mammootty has won three National Film Awards for Best Actor for his roles in Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Mathilukal, Vidheyan, Ponthan Mada, and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Mammootty Birthday Special: From Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha to Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, 5 Best Films of Malayalam Cinema’s Megastar That Are Must Watch!
Beyond Malayalam cinema, Mammootty has made his mark in other Indian languages as well. His finest performances in Tamil cinema include Thalapathy, Kandukondain Kandukondain, Anandam, and Peranbu. In Telugu, he delivered memorable roles in films like Swathi Kiranam and Yathra. Although his brief stint in Hindi cinema didn’t leave a lasting impression, he won a National Award for his outstanding performance in the Marathi film Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Mammootty is an actor who seamlessly slips into any role, whether portraying a tough, macho character in films like Avanazhi, the CBI series, and Rajamanickyam or playing emotionally complex roles that challenge his alpha male image (more of beta male roles).
On his 73rd birthday, let’s explore seven remarkable performances in which he sheds his larger-than-life persona and brings to life deeply human characters, as well as where to watch these films online.
Mathilukal
In this 1990 film directed by the great Adoor Gopalakrishnan, based on Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's own experiences, Mammootty portrays the writer during his time in prison, accused of sedition. Mathilukal tells a tender love story that blossoms between Basheer and Narayani, a female inmate he never sees but romances through the walls. You can watch Mathilukal on YouTube.
Soorya Manasam
In this 1992 Viji Thampy directorial, Mammootty plays Putturumees, a mentally disabled man cared for by his ageing, widowed mother. Mammootty's moving performance powers this tragic tale with a heartbreaking ending. Watch Soorya Manasam on Prime Video.
Ponthan Mada
This 1994 film, directed by TV Chandran, sees Mammootty as a lower-caste labourer whose life is consumed in servitude to the upper-caste feudal lords. Interestingly, that same year, he played an arrogant feudal lord in Vidheyan, winning the National Award for both roles. You can watch Ponthan Mada on YouTube.
Kaazhcha
Blessy's 2004 directorial debut is a heartwarming story of a projectionist who takes in a little Gujarati boy orphaned in a disaster. Despite their language barrier, a profound bond forms between them, creating a deeply moving foster father-son relationship. Watch Kaazhcha on Prime Video. From Mammootty's Kaazhcha to Prithviraj Sukumaran's Aadujeevitham, Ranking All Blessy-Directed Movies From Worst to Best!
Unda
While Mammootty has portrayed many tough cops, his character in this 2019 satirical dramedy by Khalid Rahman is refreshingly different. As a policeman who avoids confrontation, feels anxious during shootouts, and loses respect among his team, his restrained performance makes his eventual rise all the more satisfying. Watch Unda on Prime Video.
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
In this 2023 Lijo Jose Pellissery film, Mammootty delivers a subtle yet brilliant performance as a theatre actor who, after waking up from a nap, begins acting as a dead man from a small village. It’s a fascinating and surreal performance where he uses each frame like a stage. You can watch Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam on Netflix.
Kaathal – The Core
In this 2023 film by Jeo Baby, Mammootty takes on a sensitive role, playing a closeted gay man, something few would expect from a superstar in his 70s. His beautifully restrained performance tugs at the heartstrings. You can watch Kaathal – The Core on Prime Video.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2024 09:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
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