Reinvention of a superstar: Mammootty’s boldest roles in recent years

At 74, Mammootty remains a force of nature in Malayalam cinema. Few actors have managed to reinvent themselves time and again, yet he continues to challenge the boundaries of stardom with roles that surprise, disturb, and inspire. Over the past few years, he has embraced characters that go far beyond the image of the “superstar,” reminding us that his greatest strength has always been his ability to transform. These five films stand out as milestones that reshaped audience perception and marked a remarkable comeback phase in his career.

Bramayugam
Rahul Sadasivan’s black-and-white horror drama pushed Mammootty into one of his boldest roles yet. As Kodumon Potti, a weathered tantrik whose frail appearance conceals dark powers, he delivered a chilling performance that erased every trace of his heroic image. At a stage when most actors lean on nostalgia, Mammootty chose to experiment—and the result was unforgettable.

Puzhu
In Ratheena’s unsettling psychological drama, Mammootty played a paranoid, deeply flawed father whose rigidity poisons his relationships. It was a stark departure from his usual screen presence, with the actor daring to be disliked, even hated. The role stripped away every layer of glamour, showing him as an actor fearless enough to embrace greyness with nuance.

Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
With Lijo Jose Pellissery at the helm, Mammootty stepped into a surreal, meditative tale that blurred the lines between dreams and reality. His restrained, soulful performance as a man who suddenly slips into another identity resonated deeply with critics and festival audiences alike. The film cemented his reputation as a performer who thrives in art-house cinema as much as in commercial ventures.

Kannur Squad
In this gritty police procedural, Mammootty played a seasoned cop leading an investigative team on a tense cross-country mission. The film struck a balance between mass appeal and realism, offering action without losing authenticity. It reminded audiences that even in his 70s, Mammootty could anchor a mainstream thriller with commanding ease.

Bheeshma Parvam
Amal Neerad’s gangster saga gave Mammootty one of his most iconic roles in recent years. As Michael, a weary patriarch with a violent past, he became the heart of a film that turned into both a critical and commercial phenomenon. The stylish drama revived his mass appeal, sparking a cultural moment that celebrated not just the star but also the actor.