From Ranga to Leelamma: Most memorable characters of Malayalam cinema this year

The year 2024 has been a landmark one for Malayalam cinema, delivering an impressive lineup of films like 'Manjummel Boys', 'Aavesham', and 'Ullozhukku'. The industry has consistently garnered attention for its exceptional storytelling and quality content, solidifying its place in the spotlight. Among these cinematic gems, certain characters resonated deeply with audiences, quickly becoming fan favourites. Let’s take a closer look at five standout characters and explore what made them so unforgettable.

Ranga from 'Aavesham'
One of the most celebrated films of the year, Jithu Madhavan's 'Aavesham', truly stands out. Fahadh Faasil delivers a riveting performance as Ranga, a flamboyant gangster ruling the streets of Bengaluru. With his signature style, complete with Ray-Ban sunglasses and his iconic "eda mone" punchlines, Ranga is a character brimming with life and vigour. Despite his gritty profession, he is portrayed as a man driven by love—both in his need for it and his abundant capacity to share it.

Kodumon Potti from 'Bramayugam'
Mammootty transformed into Kodumon Potti, a seasoned tantrik whose unassuming age conceals the raw, simmering magic within, in Rahul Sadasivan's 'Bramayugam'. His portrayal of the enigmatic Potti was chillingly menacing, evoking a natural sense of dread. Mammootty's towering presence and commanding performance elevated every scene, making his brilliance undeniable. Dominating the screen with his signature intensity and depth, he showcased a masterful ability to delve into characters with dark, complex shades, delivering yet another unforgettable performance.

Najeeb from 'Aadujeevitham'
Prithviraj underwent a remarkable physical transformation to embody Najeeb in Blessy’s 'Aadujeevitham', a role that earned him this year’s State Award for Best Actor. Najeeb's journey—a harrowing tale of survival, enslavement in the Gulf, and an eventual glimmer of hope—was brought to life with unparalleled depth and commitment. Prithviraj poured his heart and soul into the character, delivering a performance that captured every ounce of Najeeb’s resilience and humanity, leaving an indelible mark on the audience.

Leelamma from 'Ullozhukku'
Christo Tomy’s 'Ullozhukku', starring Urvashi and Parvathy in lead roles, emerged as one of 2024’s most talked-about films. At a time when hero-centric blockbusters like 'Manjummel Boys' and 'Aavesham' dominated the box office, this film made waves with its focus on two powerful women. Urvashi delivers a standout performance as Leelamma, a grieving mother coping with the loss of her son. While she initially appears to be navigating a familiar path of sorrow, the story gradually unveils the complex, morally ambiguous layers of her character. Leelamma’s grey shades linger with the audience long after the credits roll, thanks to Urvashi’s flawless and deeply nuanced portrayal.

Subhash from 'Manjummel Boys'
Although Subhash had limited screen time in Chidambaram S Poduval’s 'Manjummel Boys', his character stands out as a symbol of resilience and perseverance. Falling into the treacherous Guna cave—a place shrouded in legend where no one has ever returned—Subhash defies the odds and emerges alive, thanks to the unwavering support of his friends. Sreenath Bhasi brought depth to the role, standing alongside an ensemble cast featuring talents like Soubin Shahir, Ganapathi, Balu Varghese, and more, making Subhash’s journey one of the film’s most memorable arcs.