Dadasaheb Phalke Award For Mohanlal
The Government of India has announced that the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the country’s highest honour in cinema, will be conferred upon the legendary Malayalam actor Mohanlal. The decision, based on the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee, was revealed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, celebrating Mohanlal’s unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema over a career spanning more than four decades, covering hundreds of performances in many languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.
Mohanlal Viswanathan, fondly known as ‘Lalettan’ to his legions of fans, has been a cornerstone of Malayalam cinema, while also leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema at large. Born in 1960 in Kerala, Mohanlal began his acting journey in 1978 and rose to prominence with his breakthrough role in Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980) directed by legendary Malayalam director Faasil. Since then, he has starred in over 400 films, showcasing a remarkable versatility that ranges from intense dramas to light-hearted comedies; Hridayapoorvam being the last outing to his credit. His ability to embody complex characters with authenticity and emotional depth has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following, and many call him as the complete actor.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, named after the pioneer of Indian cinema, is bestowed upon individuals for their outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian films. His iconic performances in films like Kireedam, Bharatham, Vanaprastham, and Drishyam have set benchmarks in storytelling and acting, inspiring generations of artists.
Mohanlal’s contribution extends beyond the screen.
A five-time National Film Award winner, including a Special Jury Award, and a recipient of the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, he has consistently elevated Malayalam cinema’s stature on national and global stages.
45 Years of Excellence
Starting from Manjil Virinja Pookkal, Mohanlal’s acting legacy is marked by an extraordinary range spanning Malayalam and several other Indian languages, making him a cinematic icon whose performances have shaped contemporary Indian cinema. One of his undisputed masterpieces is “Kireedam,” where he portrays Sethumadhavan, a young man whose life is upended by circumstances beyond his control. Mohanlal’s deeply nuanced performance conveys tragedy and resilience, earning much acclaim and multiple state awards. The emotional intensity he brings to this role in a Sibi Malayil movie while acting along with another Malayalam great Thilakan as his father set a new benchmark for realism in mainstream Malayalam films and remains a touchstone in his career even decades later.
Equally celebrated is his work in “Vanaprastham,” where Mohanlal steps into the shoes of a Kathakali artist grappling with social marginalisation and personal heartbreak. His immersion in the role, despite not being a trained dancer, demonstrates his unparalleled versatility as an actor. The emotional gravity and subtlety with which he depicts Kunjikuttan’s yearning for dignity and artistic expression garnered international praise, cementing the film as one of Mohanlal’s greatest triumphs. His commitment to art cinema, producing the film himself, also showcased his enduring quest for meaningful storytelling in Indian films.
Mohanlal’s impact soared further with “Bharatham,” in which his portrayal of Gopi, a classical singer facing familial and personal losses, won him his first National Award for Best Actor. The film’s musical themes and complex character arcs allowed him to deliver both excellent and understated moments, celebrated by critics and recognized by Forbes India as one of the “25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema.” This role, alongside unforgettable performances in films like “Sadayam,” where he masterfully embodied the bleak psyche of a condemned man, attests to his capacity for introspective and challenging roles that have pushed the boundaries of acting in Indian cinema.
Mohanlal’s talent is not confined to Malayalam alone; he has made significant contributions to other languages. His role in “Iruvar” (Tamil), loosely based on Tamil film legends, helped broaden his appeal beyond Kerala, while his Bollywood debut in “Company” as an upright cop was met with widespread accolades, even earning industry awards for best supporting actor. In Telugu cinema, his performance in “Janatha Garage” was both commercially successful and critically appreciated, further highlighting his cross-industry influence and adaptability. These roles have given him a unique pan-Indian prominence, unusual for a regional superstar, and proven his ability to leave a mark in diverse cinematic contexts.
The richness of Mohanlal’s filmography comes from his consistency in pursuing both blockbuster entertainment and artistic experimentation. From iconic comedy in “Chithram” and “Kilukkam,” to psychological thrillers like “Thanmathra,” road movies, intense dramas, and transformative action roles in “Pulimurugan” and “Oppam,” his continued dominance at the box office speaks volumes about his relevance across generations and genres. Mohanlal’s performances aren’t merely representative of technical excellence; they reflect his enduring ability to embody a wide spectrum of human emotions and social realities, making him one of the most revered actors in Indian cinema. Interestingly, Lal remains a box office king as well as many of his movies rank in the top ten of all time grossers in Malayalam with the latest additions being Thudarum and Empuraan.
