Mohanlal: Undisputed Face of Malayalam Cinema

In an industry where fame is fleeting and stardom often measured in fleeting social media trends, one man has consistently defied time, trends, and generational shifts — Mohanlal. Fondly known as Lalettan, he’s not just a superstar but an institution in himself, whose career has become synonymous with Malayalam cinema’s evolution over the last four decades. And if anyone needed a reminder of his box office dominance, just a glance at the list of Malayalam cinema’s all-time highest grossers should settle the debate.Out of the top 10 highest-grossing Malayalam films, four feature Mohanlal in the lead — a feat unmatched by any of his contemporaries. What’s even more staggering is that two of these blockbusters have come in 2025 alone. In a career already decorated with milestones, this recent run is a statement that Mohanlal is not merely holding on to his legacy but actively rewriting it.Here’s how Mohanlal stands tall in the Malayalam film industry’s box office history in India:Two fresh entries in 2025, L2: Empuraan and Thudarum, have not only joined the elite Rs 100 crore club but have sprinted far ahead. Empuraan, the most hyped sequel to 2019’s Lucifer, has become Malayalam cinema’s highest grosser ever, earning a mammoth RS 268.05 crore worldwide. Close behind is Thudarum, a gripping drama that’s stormed past ₹200 crore — a figure unthinkable in Malayalam cinema just a few years ago.Add the record-breaking Pulimurugan — the first ever Malayalam film to cross Rs 100 worlwide — and Lucifer, which redefined the political thriller genre in Kerala, and you have a clean, irrefutable narrative: Mohanlal owns the Malayalam box office.What makes this feat extraordinary isn’t just the numbers but the sheer range of films involved. Pulimurugan was an action thriller packed with high-octane action, making it a festival favourite for fans. Lucifer explored power politics and betrayal, carried by Mohanlal’s understated yet magnetic performance. Empuraan elevated this saga with grander scale and darker twists. And then there’s Thudarum, a contemporary social drama-thriller that showcased Mohanlal’s ability to dive into emotionally layered, thought-provoking characters, winning hearts and shattering records in one stroke.While many actors ride a single genre to box office glory, Mohanlal’s strength has always been his versatility — seamlessly shifting from intense thrillers to heartfelt dramas and rousing action spectacles.Another standout aspect of Mohanlal’s dominance is how he’s leading Malayalam cinema’s first proper film franchise. Lucifer and Empuraan have sparked unprecedented excitement among fans and audiences worldwide. These aren’t just films; they’re cultural events with the third part L3: The Beginning already in the works with his son Pranav Mohanlal joining him in it.In an era where franchises like Baahubali and KGF redefined regional cinema’s potential, Mohanlal’s Lucifer-verse is Kerala’s homegrown answer.More than just a superstar, Mohanlal is considered family in Kerala. His ability to connect with every Malayali household, from grandmothers to college students, is unique. Whether playing a rebellious son, a broken father, a village hero, or a cunning political overlord, there’s always something inherently relatable about his screen presence.Even today, new generations discover his classics like Kireedam, Bharatham, Chithram, and Vanaprastham, finding the same magic their parents did. That emotional continuity across generations keeps his fandom fresh and growing.What sets Mohanlal apart is how he stays relevant without chasing trends. As Malayalam cinema leans into new-age, content-driven films like 2018, Manjummel Boys, and Premalu, Mohanlal continues to deliver massive blockbusters while also taking up character-driven, intimate projects. His 2025 line-up is proof: while Empuraan and Thudarum conquered the box office, upcoming films promise diverse roles across genres.His career is a masterclass in how to evolve with the times, embrace new filmmakers, and still retain the core of what made audiences fall in love with you in the first place.Even in an age of new-age stars and OTT revolutions, Mohanlal's films command housefull shows, pre-release celebrations, and unprecedented ticket sales globally.As of 2025, with four films in Malayalam cinema’s all-time top 10 grossers, including two record-smashing blockbusters in the same year, Mohanlal is more than just a superstar — he’s an enduring symbol of Malayalam cinema’s past, present, and future.