Mammootty@75: Mapping the Malayalam Superstar’s Career In 10 Iconic Films

Malayalam cinema legend Mammootty turns 75 on September 7, 2026, celebrating his milestone birthday quietly on the set of his ongoing film shoot in Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu. He is apparently playing a gang leader in this film.

In his five-decade-long career, the star has appeared in over 400 films and is considered one of India’s most versatile actors having experimented with virtually every genre, from family dramas to action thrillers and even art house cinema. In his long-standing career, Mammootty has won several awards and has the distinction of having won four National awards over the decades.

And while his body of work is too vast to narrow down to just 10 films, on his 75th birthday, Variety India highlights some of his 10 most iconic movies.

Oru Vaddakan Veeragatha (1989)
A historical period drama set in 12th century Kerala has Mammootty play the misunderstood warrior Chandu Chekavar, based on traditional Malabar folklore. He won his first National award for this film. Directed by Hariharan, the cinematic interpretation of the character was widely appreciated.

Mathilukal (1990)
A classic masterpiece directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan, the film is an adaptation of the famous 1965 autobiographical novel by iconic Malayalam literary writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. It focuses on the author's prison life, which Mammootty depicted with remarkable sensitivity. With this film, as well as the one before it, Mammootty won the National Award for two films simultaneously at the 37th National Film Awards (awarded in 1990).

Amaram (1991)
He portrayed the character of a poor fisherman, Achootty, who faces unending hardships. At the same time, he desires that his daughter become a doctor. But his dreams get crushed when she elopes with another fisherman and the heartbreak he endures is beautifully depicted by the actor in this film directed by Bharathan.

Thalapathi (1991)
 is considered a milestone film in Mammootty’s illustrious career as it was a cross-industry collaboration with Rajinikanth. Despite sharing the frame with the Tamil superstar who was at the peak of his fame, Mammootty showcased his remarkable skills as an actor by playing a righteous yet ruthless crime boss, Deva, in this Mani Ratnam-directed film.

Vidheyan (1994)
The year 1994 was another landmark year as the actor won his second set of National awards for both “Vidheyan” and “Ponthan Mada.” In the former film, a psychological drama directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Mammootty plays a powerful and sadistic landlord, Bhaskara Pattelar.

Ponthan Mada (1994)
In the TV Chandran-directed film, “Ponthan Mada,” he plays the role of a character, w by the same name whose deep-rooted friendship with an exiled landlord forms the core of this powerful film.
 

Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (2022)
This film is considered a masterclass in acting, highlighting Mammootty’s talent as a minimalist actor. The Malayalam-Tamil drama is directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery and highlights the case of James, a Malayali tourist who wakes up believing he is Sundaram from Tamil Nadu. The film explores an identity crisis in a unique manner.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (1999)
In this National award-winning and critically acclaimed film, Mammootty undergoes a major physical transformation to portray the architect of the Indian Constitution, BR Ambedkar, in this English-language biopic.

Kaathal (2023)
In a path-breaking performance, as a family man juggling with his inner identity of being gay, Mammootty excels as Mathew Devassy, a retired panchayat member in this  sensitively tackled film by Joe Baby.

Bramayugam (2024)
Mammootty won his fourth award for his spine-chilling portrayal as the ancient evil entity Kodumon Potti in this black-and-white horror thriller that explores the themes of black magic and caste hierarchies. Rahul Sadasivan was at the helm of the film.