Mohanlal

Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair (born May 21, 1960), simply known by the stage name Mohanlal, is an Indian actor of mainly Malayalam movies. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation. He is enormously popular in the state of Kerala and, along with Mammootty, has had striking success in both mainstream and parallel cinema.

Criticism

Although largely unnoticed outside Kerala, Malayalam film critics and enthusiasts regard his work in the 80s and 90s to be among the very best in cinema. At its peak, his art was noted for its versatility, understated intensity, emotional depth, comedic timing, and the ability to portray characters that embodied the Malayali ethos.

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Mohanlal is often considered to be one of the most natural actors in India. At his best, he seems to take to heart Oscar Wilde's prescription: "To reveal art and conceal the artist is art's aim."

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His best work spans a wide range. They include:

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• Comedies (Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Nadodikkattu, Pattana Pravesham, Kilukkam, Poochakkoru Mookkuthi, Vellanakalude Naadu, TP Balagopalan MA, Gandhinagar Second Street, Mukundetta Sumithra Vilikkunnu and numerous others)
• Dramas
• As a romantic hero (Thoovana Thumbikal, Chithram and numerous others)
• As an intense villain (Manjil Virinja Pookkal, Uyarangalil)
• As an iconic antihero (Rajavinte Makan, Irupatham Noottandu, Devasuram)
• In parallel cinema (Vaastuhara, Vaanaprastham, Guru, Aham)
• In crossover cinema (Iruvar, Kaala Paani )
• Tragedies (Sadayam, Kireedam, Chenkol, Ulsavappittennu, Kanmadam, Dasharatham)
• Musicals (His Highness Abdullah, Bharatam)
• Artistic Genre (Rajasilpi, Kamaladalam )
• Thrillers (Thazhvaram, Manichitrathazhu, Season, Kariyilakkattu Pole, Mukham, Nirnayam,Yodha)

In the past few years, Mohanlal has been criticized for often playing larger-than-life characters, which do no justice to his talent. His voice, which used to be an important part of his allure, has faltered. There have been few roles of note recently, leading to much speculation that, although only 45, his best is behind him.

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