Filmmaker Sreekumaran Menon added, “Mohanlal is a magician. Everything he touches turns to gold.”
Malayalam cinema’s legendary actor Mohanlal turned 65 on Wednesday and marked the occasion in the company of his family during a private celebration in Thailand. One of Indian cinema’s most revered and accomplished stars, Mohanlal enters his 65th year while continuing to scale new heights—both personally and professionally.
The birthday celebration comes amid a wave of achievements. Two of his latest films, Empuraan and Thudarum, are currently running to packed theatres. While Empuraan—touted as the most expensive Malayalam film ever—has generated significant buzz and debate, Thudarum is a throwback to vintage Mohanlal charm, further solidifying his enduring appeal.
Veteran actor and long-time friend Maniyan Pillai Raju recalled their bond, saying, “We’ve known each other for 54 years, starting from school. He was a year junior to me, and I directed a play in which he won the Best Actor award. That spark was evident even then.”
Director Tharun Moorthy, who helmed Thudarum, called working with Mohanlal a dream come true. “I’ve always been his biggest fan. Directing him wasn’t easy because I was in awe, but seeing the film succeed—especially now—is the best birthday gift I could have asked for him.”
Filmmaker Sreekumaran Menon added, “Mohanlal is a magician. Everything he touches turns to gold.” Mohanlal, who began his acting journey in 1978, has appeared in over 400 films and remains a dominant force in the Malayalam film industry, alongside Mammootty. Over the years, he has won five National Film Awards and received the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
Fierce New Look from ‘Vrusshabha’
As fans worldwide celebrated his birthday, Mohanlal treated them to something special—his first look from the upcoming magnum opus Vrusshabha. The powerful poster revealed him as a majestic warrior king, clad in golden-brown dragon-scale armor, with long hair, a thick beard, a white tilak, and traditional jewelry, including a nose ring.
Sharing the look on social media, the actor wrote, “This one is special — dedicating it to all my fans. The wait ends. The storm awakens. With pride and power, I unveil the first look of VRUSSHABHA – a tale that will ignite your soul and echo through time.”
He added, “Unveiling this on my birthday makes it all the more meaningful — your love has always been my greatest strength. #Vrusshabha in cinemas on 16th October, 2025.”
Directed by Nanda Kishore and produced by Connekkt Media in collaboration with Balaji Telefilms, the film is set to release in five languages — Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada.
Adding to the birthday tributes, actor-producer Manchu Vishnu also shared a special glimpse of Mohanlal from Kannappa, writing, “Honoured to have shared screen time with the legend. A lot to learn from him.”
Wraps Up Family Drama ‘Hridayapoorvam’
Just a day before his birthday, Mohanlal announced the completion of shooting for his upcoming family drama Hridayapoorvam. The star posted photos on Instagram, including one with the entire cast and crew and another showing the film’s clapboard.
He captioned it: “That’s a wrap! See you on the big screen. #Hridayapoorvam.”
Directed by Sathyan Anthikad and written by his son Akhil Sathyan, Hridayapoorvam marks a reunion between Mohanlal and Anthikad after a decade—their last film together was Ennum Eppozhum in 2015.
The film stars Malavika Mohanan, Sangita Madhavan Nair, Sangeeth Prathap, Siddique, Baburaj, Lalu Alex, and others. Shot in Kochi and Pune, it is scheduled for theatrical release on August 28.
Meanwhile, Thudarum continues to dominate the Kerala box office, crossing the Rs 100 crore mark. Thanking fans, Mohanlal wrote, “This gratitude is not mine alone. It belongs to every person who walked this journey with me.”
From critical acclaim to box office glory and new cinematic ventures, Mohanlal’s 65th birthday underscores a career that remains dynamic, influential, and deeply loved.
Iconics of Acting Maestro
As Mohanlal celebrates another year of life today, fans worldwide are honoring not just the superstar, but the iconic force he has been in Indian cinema. With a career spanning over four decades and more than 340 films, the ‘Complete Actor’ has continually pushed the boundaries of versatility and depth. On this special occasion, we revisit some of his most extraordinary performances that showcase his unparalleled acting prowess.
Bharatham: A Masterclass in Emotional Depth
One of Mohanlal’s landmark performances came in Bharatham, where he portrayed a gifted Carnatic singer caught between his passion for music and family responsibilities. His subtle and layered acting earned him the National Award for Best Actor. The film remains a poignant exploration of love, duty, and sacrifice, highlighting Mohanlal’s ability to convey deep emotional turmoil with grace and authenticity.
Vanaprastham: Global Acclaim and Artistic Excellence
In Vanaprastham, Mohanlal delivered an internationally acclaimed portrayal of a Kathakali artist struggling with identity and societal expectations. The film earned him another National Award and global recognition, showcasing his skill in embodying complex, culturally rich characters. His nuanced performance in this art-house classic confirmed his status as an actor capable of transcending language and regional boundaries.
Kireedam: The Tragic Hero
Mohanlal’s role in Kireedam is etched into the memories of cinema lovers. His transformation from a gentle, soft-spoken young man into a man driven to despair by cruel fate is unforgettable. The emotionally charged climax, where his character breaks down, remains one of Malayalam cinema’s most powerful and heart-wrenching moments, proving Mohanlal’s gift for portraying raw human emotions.
Spadikam: The Rebellious Icon
As Aadu Thoma in Spadikam, Mohanlal balanced mass appeal with deep emotional resonance. Playing a rebellious son caught in familial conflicts, his portrayal was both gritty and heartfelt. The film became a blockbuster and a cult classic, with Mohanlal’s performance still celebrated for its intensity and authenticity.
Drishyam: The Protective Father
In the thriller Drishyam, Mohanlal took on a restrained, cerebral role as a devoted father who conceals a fierce determination beneath a calm exterior. His controlled yet compelling acting anchored the film’s suspense, earning widespread acclaim and solidifying his versatility across genres.
From intense emotional dramas to mass entertainers, Mohanlal’s performances have continuously pushed cinematic boundaries, making him an enduring legend in Indian cinema.