Mammootty, who is fondly addressed as Mammukka by fans, is one of the versatile and highly-respected actors of Malayalam Cinema. In a career spanning over five decades, he has played a wide range of characters. Be it romance, action, comedy or drama, he has proven his versatility over the years. Known as the Megastar of Malayalam Cinema, his acting style is realistic and understated. He has portrayed complex characters with depth and nuance and won audiences hearts. Mammootty Wins Best Actor Honour at 53rd Kerala State Film Awards! Dulquer Salmaan Calls His Father the ‘Bestest’ and Congratulates Him on Social Media (View Pic).

Mammootty was just 20 when he had made his acting debut and it was with the film Anubhavangal Paalichakal that had released in 1971. He did a few movies after it and in which he was cast in a small role. It was with the 1980 film Vilkkanundu Swapnangal that Mammootty bagged his first credited role. His first appearance as a lead actor happened with the 1981 movie Thrishna. It was in the early 80s when Mammukka started to receive offers in films as a lead actor. Over the years, he has delivered numerous commercially successful films. As Mammootty celebrates his 72nd birthday today (September 7, 2023), here’s looking at some of his best films that are a must watch. 71-Year-Old Mammootty Looks Suave in White Printed Shirt and Pants! Megastar’s Pics Posing With ‘Predacious’ Land Rover Takes Internet by Storm.

New Delhi (1987)

A classic political thriller in which Mammootty played the role of an investigative journalist, who is framed under false murder charges by political bigwigs. Mammukka’s performance in this commercially successful film, directed by Joshiy, helped him earn the Megastar status.

Oru CBI Diary Kurippu (1988)

Mammootty played the role of Sethurama Iyer, a CBI officer, who is assigned with a murder case. His character’s sharpness, the mannerisms, integrity turned out to be one of the most iconic characters in Malayalam cinema. Oru CBI Diary Kurippu is considered as one of the best crime thrillers in Mollywood.

Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989)

A historical drama based on the life of Chandu Chekavar, a warrior from North Malabar, who was known for his bravery, battle skills and an expert in martial arts. Mammukka brought depth and complexity to his role as a warrior and that earned him a National Film Award for Best Actor.

Vidheyan (1994)

The film helmed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan ‘explores the master-slave relationship in a South Karnataka setting’. Mammootty brings a range of emotions to the role of Bhaskara Patelar, an aggressive and tyrannical landlord. The way he exudes an air of authority and power makes his character a compelling one. Mammukka’s performance in Vidheyan helped him bag another National Film Award for Best Actor.

Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (2022)

This Malayalam–Tamil bilingual film starring Mammootty showcased his characters divergent personalities as James and Sundaram. The way hallucination and trance were infused into Mammukka’s characters and the way he portrayed it will be remembered for years to come.

These are some of the best films of the Megastar of Mollywood. Here’s wishing Mammootty a very happy birthday and a splendid year ahead.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2023 12:01 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).