Happy Birthday to the incomparable Manju Warrier, one of Malayalam cinema's most loved actresses! Born on September 10, 1978, Manju Warrier made her acting debut at the age of 17 with a small role in Sakshyam (1995), which starred Murali, Suresh Gopi and Gouthami. However, it was her breakthrough role in Sallapam (1996) that catapulted her to stardom and made her a household name. Over the next few years, she established herself as the leading actress in Malayalam cinema, delivering iconic performances in films like Ee Puzhayum Kadannu, Kanmadam, Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu, Summer in Bethlehem, Kaliveedu, Dilliwala Rajkumaran, Kaliyattam, Aaraam Thampuran, Pranayavarnangal, Daya, Kanmadam and Pathram. Her career was at its peak when she took a break from acting in 1999 after she married actor Dileep. ‘Vettaiyan’ Song ‘Manasilaayo’ Review: Rajinikanth and Manju Warrier Raise a Storm in This Electrifying Anirudh Ravichander Dance Number.

After a 14-year hiatus, Manju Warrier made a highly anticipated comeback in 2014 with How Old Are You, which was not only a box-office success but also reaffirmed her status as one of Malayalam cinema's finest performers. Even though her marriage with Dileep fell apart, Manju Warrier didn't allow this personal roadblock to come in the way of her performances. She has continued to mesmerise audiences with critically acclaimed roles in films like Udaharanam Sujatha, Lucifer, Prathi Poovankozhi, and The Priest. She even forayed into Tamil Cinema, an opportunity she never got in the first innings of her career, as she made a strong debut in Asuran. Manju Warrier was also part of Ajith's 2023 action-thriller Thunivu.

On the occasion of her 46th birthday, here's looking at the five best movies that Manju Warrier has done in the second innings of her movie career and where you can watch them online.

How Old Are You?

Manju Warrier in How Old Are You?

Manju Warrier's comeback to acting in 2014 also remains an iconic movie in her career. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews, How Old Are You? is about a government employee who is often cold-shouldered by her husband and daughter, who overcomes her roadblocks to emerge confident and successful films. The film, which housed many parallels to the actress' personal life, was a hit at the box office too. How Old Are You? is streaming on SunNXT.

Rani Padmini

Manju Warrier and Rima Kallingal in Rani Padmini

Aashiq Abu directed this light-hearted road trip movie that brings together Manju Warrier and Rima Kallingal. A black comedy, the movie is about how two strangers connect during a road trip under unexpected circumstances and how, despite criminals chasing them, the women end up changing each other for good. Rani Padmini is streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.

Udaharanam Sujatha

Anaswara Rajan and Manju Warrier in Udaharanam Sujatha

This remake of the Hindi film Nil Battey Sannata is as sweet and inspiring as the original. Manju Warrier plays a poor domestic helper who enrols in the same school as her teenage daughter to prove herself in front of her daughter, and that further creates a rift between them. The movie also marked the acting debut of Anaswara Rajan. Udaharanam Sujatha is streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. Manju Warrier Birthday Special: 11 Brilliant Performances of the Actress Par Excellence That Showcase Her Amazing Dexterity!

Asuran

Manju Warrier in Asuran

Manju Warrier made her Tamil debut in scintillating form in Vetrimaaran's hard-hitting social drama. The actress was paired opposite Dhanush in the movie, and they both were in excellent form in the caste-driven revenge saga. Asuran is streaming on Prime Video.

Prathi Poovankozhi

Manju Warrier in Prathi Poovankozhi

Manju Warrier and director Rosshan Andrrews reunite for this revenge drama that was far more provocative than their earlier collaboration. Manju Warrier plays a woman who plans her strong revenge after a goon on the bus groped her. Interestingly, it is the director who takes on the antagonist's role in the movie. Prathi Poovankozhi is streaming on Zee5.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 10, 2024 08:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).