South superstar Mammootty, who is known for starring in several Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada films, has a prolific body of work. The veteran actor turns 70 today.
In a movie career spanning five decades, Mammootty has to his credit three National Film Awards, seven Kerala State Film Awards, and thirteen Filmfare South Awards along with a Padma Shri, in 1998.
Along with fellow Malayalam actor Mohanlal, Mammootty has also received the UAE's Golden visa. UAE has a substantial fan base for the actor, and the visa aims to retain the brightest and most promising expat talent in the UAE.
Here are some of Mammootty's iconic films that you must watch.
#1 'Adiyozhukkukal'
Directed by IV Sasi, 'Adiyozhukkukal' is a family drama starring Mammootty, Seema, Mohanlal, Balan K Nair, Vincent and Rahman in key roles. Mammootty plays the role of Karunan, an arrogant fisherman who is out for vengeance against his people in his village, after they had him jailed for five years. Mammootty received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for his performance as Karunan. The movie was a super hit at the box office.
#2 'Aavanazhi'
'Aavanazhi' was a huge hit at the box office. The film featured Mammootty in the role of Balram, a police inspector who decides to fight back after a criminal he nabbed, gets acquitted by the court. The movie established Mammootty as the angry young man of Malayalam cinema. The success of 'Aavanazhi' led to its sequels 'Inspector Balram' and Balram vs. Taradas.
#3 'Dhruvam'
Directed by Joshiy, 'Dhruvam' was one of the biggest hits of 1993. Mammootty featured as the main protagonist, and stood out for his impeccable performance as Narasimha Mannadiyar, a village lord, a man known for his fearlessless and thirst for justice.
#4 Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
Considered as one of Mammootty's best cinematic performances, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’ is a biopic on the life of BR Ambedkar. Mammootty won the National Film Award for Best Actor for playing the role of the father of India's constitution, Dr BR Ambedkar. To get the look of the film right, the actor made several physical changes, like shaving off his moustache and his hair to get the receding hairline.
#5 Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja
'Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja' is a historical drama based on the life of Pazhassi Raja, a Hindu king who fought the British in 18th century India. Mammootty stole the show as Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja and his performance was widely appreciated by fans and critics. The film also won National Film Awards for Best Background Score, Best Audiography, including eight Kerala State Film Awards and seven Filmfare Awards South.