Top 20 lead actors from Malayalam cinema in 2021
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Mohanlal was born to Viswanathan Nair (father) and Santhakumari (mother) in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, which is located in the southern part of India on the 21st May 1960. Starting his career with a classic villain role, he has now become an outstanding actor in Malayalam Cinema. Without a doubt, Mohanlal is today's one of the best actors India has ever produced. He is also rated as one of the most talented actors in India. His ranges of movies are enviable, his comedy roles are incomparable and his unique style of dialogue delivery is effortless. Not many actors can portray both comedy and serious roles with the same ease. And with all these rare talents he has received "Padma Shri" and "Padma Bhushan", the nation's highest civilian honors. He has also won 5 National Film Awards, including Best Actor twice for Bharatham (1991) and the highly acclaimed Vaanaprastham (1999), as well as numerous other awards and honors.
He has reached this position with his hard work and devotion to the movie industry. As far as his acting is concerned, it's been acknowledged many times that he's the most gifted actor in the Indian movie field.- Actor
- Producer
Nivin Pauly is considered as Superstar of Malayalam movies since the year 2015. He was considered as most promising young star when his performance was appreciated in his initial films released from 2012. In his childhood he had been major fan of actors Rajesh Khanna, M.G.Ramachandran, Kamal Hasan, Mamooty and Mohanlal. He appeared in local album named Olive in 2003 while studying in college.
He was introduced to the film world by Vineeth Sreenivasan through his directorial debut Malarvaadi Arts Club (2010). His portrayal of a hot headed youngster of a motley gang of 5 friends won him accolades and critical acclaim. The movie went onto to stay in theaters for more than 100 days. It wasn't a surprise that viewers would get to seem him soon. After a cameo appearance in Traffic (2011), another role similar to his first came through in the form of The Metro (2011).With his hit pair opposite Nazariya in album Yuuvh,then Neram, Om Shanti Oshana his popularity only increased. His versatility was appreciated by critics and audience alike in case of his performances in Premam, 1983 and Oru Vadakan Selfie.- Actor
- Producer
- Music Department
Malayalam film actor Mammootty was born to Ismail (an agriculturist) and Fatima (a homemaker). He has two younger brothers Ibrahim and Zakariah; and three sisters, Ameena, Sauda and Shafina. He did his schooling in St.Joseph's Thevara, Maharaja's College and then studied law at Ernakulam Government Law College. It was during his days at Maharajah's that he got his first role as an extra (junior artist) in Anubhavangal Paalichakal in 1971. Along with Mohanlal, he is a top star in the Malayalam film industry of South India.- Actor
- Producer
- Music Department
Fahadh is the son of Malayalam film director Fazil, and his wife Rozina. He has two sisters, Ahameda and Fatima, and a brother, Farhaan Faasil. He completed his schooling from SDV Central School Alleppey, Lawrence School Ooty and Choice School Thripunithara. He went on to pursue his degree from Sanatana Dharma College Alleppey and M.A. in philosophy from the University of Miami.
Fahadh made his debut at the age of 19 in his father Fazil's Kaiyethum Doorath (2002) which turned out to be a commercial failure. After a gap of six years, Fahadh made his comeback with the anthology film Kerala Cafe (2009). His notable films include Chaappa Kurishu, Diamond Necklace, 22 Female Kottayam, Amen, Artist, Annayum Rasoolum, North 24 Kaatham, Bangalore Days, and Iyobinte Pusthakam. He won the Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actor for his roles in Artist and North 24 Kaatham and Second Best Actor Award for his role in Akam.
On 20 January 2014, he got engaged to Malayalam and Tamil film actress Nazriya Nazim whom he married on 21 August 2014. The pair had gotten to know each other more on the sets of Anjali Menon's Bangalore Days (2014), in which they were playing a husband and wife. Fahadh revealed that their parents had been pivotal in arranging the marriage.- Actor
- Producer
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Tovino Thomas was born in a Syro-Malabar Catholic Nasrani family in Irinjalakkuda, Kerala, India. He completed his schooling from Don Bosco High School, Irinjalakuda and graduated from Tamil Nadu College of Engineering, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. He served as a Software Enginner at Cognizant Technology Solutions before being introduced into the Malayalam film industry.
Tovino made his silver screen debut through the Malayalam film Prabhuvinte Makkal (2012) directed by Sajeevan Anthikad. His onscreen performances in his subsequent films, ABCD (2013), 7th Day (2014), Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015) and Charlie (2015), made him to be considered as one of the most promising actors. He acted in the lead role in the film Guppy (2016) and was highly acclaimed by the critics. His subsequent films Oru Mexican Aparatha (2017) and Godha (2017) went on to become huge hits in the Mollywood industry.
Tovino got married to Lidiya at St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Cathedral, Irinjalakuda on 25 October 2014. His wife is also from a Syrian Catholic Nasrani family in Kerala. They have a daughter.- Actor
- Music Department
- Producer
Prithviraj Sukumaran (born 16 October 1982), credited mononymously as Prithviraj, is an Indian actor, playback singer and producer best known for his work in Malayalam films. He has also acted in a number of Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films.
Prithviraj Sukumaran was born in Thiruvananthapuram to actors Sukumaran and Mallika Sukumaran. His initial schooling was at Shrine Vailankanni Senior Secondary School, T. Nagar, Chennai and St.Joseph's Boys' Hr.Sec.School, Coonoor, since the family was settled at Tamil Nadu that time. Later when the family shifted to Kerala he had his education from The NSS Public School Perunthanni, St.Mary's Residential Central School, Poojappura (which was near his home at Chengallur) where he acted in various plays and skits for the school's Annual Day Celebrations. He completed the rest of his school education at Sainik School Kazhakoottam and Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram. Prithviraj, along with his brother Indrajith Sukumaran. He also participated in debates and elocution competitions while in school. Prithviraj won the title of "Mr LA Fest" in the Annual Inter-School arts festival hosted by Loyola School, Thiruvananthapuram in successive years and is the only person to date to win that title twice.
While pursuing his bachelor's degree in Information Technology at the University of Tasmania, Australia, he was called for a shot in the movies by film director Ranjith Balakrishnan to play the lead role in his film Nandanam. It was Fazil, a well known Malayalam film director, who introduced him to Ranjith. After his performance in Nandanam, he decided to take a break from studies to concentrate on his film career.
Prithviraj Sukumaran's elder brother Indrajith Sukumaran and sister-in-law Poornima Indrajith are also film actors.- Actor
- Producer
Kunchacko Boban also known as Chackochan is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in the Malayalam film industry and has acted in more than 90 films. He is a recipient of several awards, including the Kerala State Film Award. Kunchako Boban is a member of the illustrious Kunchacko family and he is married to Priya Ann Samuel.
Kunchako is the grandson of legendary film producer Kunchacko, who founded Udaya Studios. He is also the grandnephew of Navodaya Appachan who owned Navodaya Studios. He was introduced into the Malayalam film industry by director Fazil with his debut film Aniathipravu (1997), co-starring Shalini. The movie turned to be the highest-grossing Malayalam film of that period.- Actor
- Producer
- Music Department
Dulquer Salmaan was born on 28 July 1986 as the younger son of actor Mammootty and Sulfath. He studied in Kerala till primary classes, after which he joined Sishya School in Chennai. He received his bachelor's degree from Purdue University, U.S. He married Chennai-based architect Amal Sufiya, on 22 December 2011. Dulquer Salmaan and Amaal Sufiya have been blessed with a daughter on 5th May 2017. He has also been involved in several social service activities. He has acted in a short film as part of the Kerala motor vehicle department's safe riding campaign. He donated 150 items, including clothing, shoes, books, school supplies and crockery items, as a part of the Chennai Gives initiative. In addition, he is the owner of a web portal for trading cars and a dental business chain in Chennai. He also acts as the director of the Bangalore-based Motherhood Hospital.- Actor
- Music Department
- Producer
Jayasurya was born on 31 August 1978 in Kochi, Kerala, India. He is an actor and producer, known for Su Su Sudhi Vathmeekam (2015), Iyobinte Pusthakam (2014) and Njan Marykutty (2018). He has been married to Saritha since 25 January 2004. They have two children.- Actor
- Music Department
- Producer
Asif Ali was born on 4 February 1986 in Thodupuzha, Idukki District, Kerala, India. He is an actor and producer, known for Sunday Holiday (2017), Kettiyollaanu Ente Maalakha (2019) and Anuraga Karikkin Vellam (2016). He has been married to Zama Mazreen since 2013. They have two children.- Actor
- Music Department
- Additional Crew
Suraj Venjaramoodu is an Indian actor, comedian, television presenter, and impressionist. He has starred in over 250 films.
Venjaramoodu's father is a retired Indian Army soldier, and his eldest brother is also a part of the Indian Army. He also wanted to join the army but was unable to because of a bike accident.
Venjaramoodu studied in the K.V.M.L.P.S school, Venjaramoodu. Later, he pursued a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Government ITI, Attingal, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
He ventured into the entertainment industry as a stand-up comedian. He debuted with a spoof Malayalam film Jagapoga (2002), where he played the role of Pachan and Dadasahib.
He went on to act in a series of films, including Rasikan (2004), Bus Conductor (2005), Achuvinte Amma (2005), Rasathanthram (2006).
However, his breakthrough came with the film Thuruppu Gulan (2006), where he played the accomplice of Mammootty. He then starred in a series of hit films, like Classmates (2006) and Chota Mumbai (2007).
He got his first prominent role as a side character in Mayavi (2007). This was another big step forward in his acting career.
In 2008, he acted in Annan Thambi (2008) and Lollipop (2008), for which he received appreciation.
Venjaramoodu's first film as the protagonist was Duplicate (2009). He also played the role of Dasamoolam Damu in Chattambinadu (2009) in 2009, which received cult status.
Another popular character he played was Idivettu Sugunan in Pokkiri Raja (2010).
Venjaramoodu went on to act in some memorable films like Kaaryasthan (2010), Chinatown (2011), Teja Bhai and Teja Bhai and Family (2011), and many others.
In 2013, he starred in Names Unknown (2014), for which he won a National award.
His cameo appearance in Action Hero Biju (2016) got him critical appreciation.
After this, he started pursuing more serious roles and starred in films like Karingunnam 6's (2016) and Oru Muthassi Gadha (2016). He returned to comedy with Pulimurugan (2016).
In 2018, he played the protagonist in Varnyathil Aashanka (2017) and Kuttanpillayude Sivarathri (2018).
In 2019, he starred in the film Vikruthi (2019) and Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25 (2019).
Venjaramoodu played the main character in The Great Indian Kitchen (2021). He also played a pivotal role in Jana Gana Mana (2022).
Venjaramoodu has received numerous awards throughout his career. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for Perariyathavar in 2013.
He also won four awards in the Kerala State Film Awards, three for Best Comedian in 2009, 2010, and 2013, and one for Best Actor in 2019.
He won the Asianet Comedy Awards in 2016 and 2017 under Award for Multifaceted Talent and Top TV Performer All-Time Favorite of Media (TV), respectively.
Venjaramoodu won multiple awards at the South Indian International Awards - for Best Actor in a Comedy Role (Malayalam) in 2012 and 2013, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Malayalam) in 2017 and 2019, and Best Actor (Malayalam) in 2019.
He won the Asianet Film Awards for Best Actor in Humorous Role in 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2014, Best Character Actor in 2017 and 2018, and Best Actor Critics Award in 2019.- Actor
- Producer
- Music Department
Joju George was born on 22 October 1978 in Thrissur, Kerala, India. He is an actor and producer, known for Joseph (2018), Shadow of Water (2019) and Udaharanam Sujatha (2017). He is married to Abba Joju. They have three children.- Actor
- Music Department
- Producer
Biju Menon was born on 9 September 1970 in Kerala, India. He is an actor and producer, known for Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2020), Vellimoonga (2014) and Aarkkariyam (2021). He has been married to Samyuktha Varma since 21 November 2002.- Actor
- Producer
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Dileep was born Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan Pillai and is an Indian actor, producer, playback singer, and businessman who works in the Malayalam film industry.
Dileep is the eldest of three children and completed his schooling in Kerala. He studied at Vidyadhiraja Vidya Bhavan Higher Secondary School in Aluva and then completed his higher secondary at Union Christian College.
He completed his Bachelor's degree in History at Maharaja's College, Ernakulam.
During this period, he dedicated himself to perfecting his mimicry and impressionist performances. He also produced and sang in De Maveli Kombathu, an Onam-based audio cassette album that became his gateway to the film industry. Dileep worked as a mimicry artist at Kalabhavan in the 1980s.
He appeared in Comicola, a popular comedy show by Asianet.
He did minor roles, like Ennodishtam Koodamo (1992) and Manathe Kottaram (1994), in which he started using his screen name Dileep.
In 1996, he was a part of more than ten films and gained more popularity because of his roles in Ee Puzhayum Kadannu (1996), in which he appears as Gopi, and Sallapam (1996) by Sundardas, in which he plays the role of Sasikumar.
He played a small role in I.V. Sasi's Varnapakittu (1997), where he acted as Pullankunnel Paulachan.
The popular combination of Dileep-Harisree Ashokan took off and became extremely popular after the success of Punjabi House (1998) in 1998. He played the role of Unnikrishnan in the movie.
He got appreciated for his movies like Ee Parakkum Thalika (2001), in which he got the role of Unnikrishnan, and Kuberan (2002), in which he plays Siddharthan.
In 2002 he played the role of Kunjan in the film Kunjikkoonan (2002) and won the Kerala State Film Special Jury ward. He also won Best Actor for this movie at the Asianet Film awards for this film.
He played the role of the thief Madhavan in Lal Jose's Meesha Madhavan (2002). This performance increased Dileep's popularity as a star in Malayalam cinema.
He won the Best Actor in Malayalam cinema award at Filmfare Awards South for this role.
He also appeared in his debut Tamil movie Raajjiyam (2002), in which he plays the role of Surya.
In 2003, Dileep initiated the film production company Graand Production with its debut, C.I.D. Moosa (2003), a comedy. He plays the role of Sahadevan/ CID Moosa in the hit movie.
In another production, Kadhavaseshan (2004) by T.V. Chandran. He plays the role of Gopinath.
He won the Second Best Film - Kadhavasheshan (producer) by Kerala State Awards (2004) for this movie. Besides that, he won the Best Actor and Special Jury awards at the Kerala Film Critics Association Awards and Asianet Film Awards, respectively.
Dileep was highly appreciated for his performance as Radhakrishnan in Chanthupottu (2005). He won a special mention for this movie at Kerala State Film Awards. He also got the Best Actor award for the movie at Kerala Film Critics Association Awards.
Dileep produced Twenty:20 (2008) to accumulate funds for AMMA, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, which also turned out to be a blockbuster Malayalam film with Rs. 31.4 crores until that time. This movie won the Best Film Award at the Asianet Film Awards in 2008.
He collaborated with Malarvaadi Arts Club for production.
His 100th film was Kaaryasthan (2010), in which he played the role of Krishnanunni.
His other popular performances and movies include Vellaripravinte Changathi (2011), in which he plays the roles of Mukkom Shajahan and Ravi. He was honoured with the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor.
In 2013, Dileep was given the Award of Excellence at Asianet Film Awards for completing 20 years in the Malayalam film industry. In the same year, he also won the award as the most popular actor at Vanitha Film Awards.
He plays the role of Ullas in Two Countries (2015), which did reasonably well at the box office. Ramaleela (2017), in which he plays the role of Ramanunni, was another blockbuster of that time.
His TV performances include playing roles in Comicola (Asianet), Cinemala (Asianet), Dhe Chef (Mazhavil Manorama), a cooking reality show, and Comedy Mamankam (Asianet)
Dileep and Manju Warrier married on October 20, 1998, and had a daughter, Meenakshi, in 2000. The couple got divorced on January 31, 2015. Later, he married actress Kavya Madhavan, and they had a daughter, Mahalakshmi, in 2018.- Music Artist
- Music Department
- Actor
Vineeth Sreenivasan was born on 1 October 1985 in Kerala, India. He is a music artist and actor, known for Hridayam (2022), Premam (2015) and Aravindante Athidhikal (2018).- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Soubin Shahir has become an imminent part of the Malayalam Film Industry. In the recent past, Soubin has played an array of challenging characters and he seems to be hungry for more. His first full lead role was in the film Sudani from Nigeria (2018) for which he won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor.- Actor
- Music Department
- Composer
Shane Nigam is an Indian film actor who appears in Malayalam films. Having made his debut with the 2013 road film Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi (2013), he went to receive wider attention for his performances in successful drama films Kismath (2016), Parava (2017), and Kumbalangi Nights (2019).
Nigam made his acting debut with the film Annayum Rasoolum, portraying the role of Anna's (Andrea Jeremiah) brother.[4] Later Rajeev Ravi offered him the lead role in Njan Steve Lopez but didn't take up the role.He made his debut as a lead actor in 2016 film, Kismath opposite to Shruthy Menon. Producer of the film Rajeev Ravi offered him the lead role, his character won praise among the Malayali audience and the movie was a commercial success.Nigam played a central character alongside veteran actors Amala and Manju Warrier in the 2017 film C/O Saira Banu.
The following year, he appeared in the romantic film Eeda which was also praised by critics.Nigam starred in two films in 2019; the comedy drama Kumbalangi Nights, which was highly successful on box office and received rave reviews from film critics and the romantic thriller Ishq, which opened to a lukewarm response to audiences and critics alike.- Actor
- Music Department
- Additional Crew
Jayaram was born on 10 December 1964 in Perumbavoor, Kerala, India. He is an actor, known for Thuppakki (2012), Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (2022) and Thooval Kottaram (1996). He is married to Parvathi. They have two children.- Kalidas Jayaram was born on 16 December 1993 in Perumbavoor, Kerala, India. He is an actor, known for Poomaram (2018), Vikram (2022) and Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum (2003).
- Vinay Forrt was born on 13 January 1983 in Fort Kochi, Kerala, India. He is an actor, known for Premam (2015), Malik (2021) and Unda (2019).