Mohanlal: When a lifetime on screen finally gets its biggest applause in 2025

Some moments in cinema go beyond the screen. They become emotional, personal—even historic. For millions of fans across India, especially in Kerala, Mohanlal receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award is one such moment. It’s more than just an award—it’s a tribute to a man who didn’t just act in films, but lived through them.

He now becomes only the second Malayali—after the legendary Adoor Gopalakrishnan—to receive India’s highest honour in cinema. And what makes this moment even more meaningful is its timing.

Just when some thought his best days were behind him, Mohanlal made a quiet but powerful comeback with Thudarum—a film where he plays a troubled father. It reminded fans of the emotional depth and subtlety he brings to the screen. At the same time, he starred in Empuraan, one of the most anticipated films of the year. Though the film received mixed reviews, it proved one thing loud and clear: Mohanlal still commands the screen like a king.

Then came something no one expected—an ad where Mohanlal appeared in a role that celebrated his feminine energy. For an actor who’s known for his tough, masculine characters like Sethu Madhavan (Kireedam), Aadu Thoma (Spadikam), and Mangalassery Neelakandan (Devasuram), this was a bold move. And yet, it wasn’t surprising. Because that’s what Mohanlal does—he surprises us.

He has always been more than just a macho hero. He showed vulnerability in 'Vanaprastham,' as a Kathakali artist struggling with identity. Long before it was common in Indian cinema, he portrayed a queer character—Allappicha Mollakka—in Khadayattam. When Mammootty won hearts in 2023 for his role in Kaathal – The Core, Mohanlal fans proudly pointed out that he had done it too, several years ago.

What sets Mohanlal apart is not just the roles he picks, but how deeply he becomes them. A single glance, a small gesture—he can say so much without speaking a word. Whether it’s a father fading into Alzheimer’s in 'Thanmathra,' or the lovable innocence of Dasan in 'Nadodikkattu,' or the struggling everyman in 'Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam,' he touches your heart every time.

The 80s and 90s were his golden era, when directors like Fazil, Sibi Malayil, Sathyan Anthikad, and I.V. Sasi built unforgettable stories around him. But even as the 2000s shifted the industry’s focus from character to commerce, Mohanlal remained relevant, riding a wave of blockbusters.

Drishyam shattered the ₹50 crore ceiling. Pulimurugan broke into the ₹100 crore club. Lucifer roared into history. There were missteps, of course—films even loyal fans would rather forget. But Mohanlal endured. Not just as a superstar, but as an artist. Of course, not every film worked. There were flops and forgettable releases. But Mohanlal never lost his place in people’s hearts.

In 2025, fans expected 'Empuraan' to be his big comeback. But it was 'Thudarum' that brought back something they missed—the Mohanlal of old. Even if the film wasn’t perfect, it gave them moments of magic. He followed it up with Hridayapoorvam, reuniting with director Sathyan Anthikad. Though it didn’t make as much noise as bigger films like Lokah, it added another warm chapter to his journey. In between, he also ventured into filmmaking with Barroz, his directorial debut. Though many called it a disaster, the actor managed to make a decent children’s film with enough heart.

Off-screen, Mohanlal has built as much as he’s performed. He worked with Mammootty as a producer, founded Pranavam Arts International, and later co-founded MaxLab Cinemas with longtime friend Antony Perumbavoor. He helped shape an industry that once shaped him. Many say this award should have come to him years ago. But Mohanlal, ever humble, just says, “There is a time for everything.” And maybe that’s why this moment feels so right.