Top 6 Picks As The Best Actor In Malayalam Drama

Do you want to know more about the Malayalam film industry or who is considered the best actor in Malayalam drama? It’s interesting to learn about a place’s culture, traditions, and media while learning its language. Watching dramas in the language that the characters speak will also make it easier for you to remember new words or phrases.

This article delves into the colorful world of the Malayalam film industry, where compelling storytelling is combined with superb acting. Find out who their Malayalam media counterparts to Tom Hanks or Leonardo DiCaprio, and get a sense of how Malayalam film differs from Hollywood and other media with a larger global audience.

The Origins And Development Of The Malayalam Drama

Malayalam drama, known as Natakam, originated from various performing arts in Kerala, like Kathakali. The first drama arrived in Kerala with the translation of Abhijnana Shakuntalam in 1882, igniting a passion for theatre. It played a crucial role in the Kerala reform movement.

Sanskrit had an impact on early Malayalam plays, and Abhijnana Shakuntalam’s translation marked a milestone. Musical dramas from Tamil Nadu were popular but waned as people sought realism. Western influence emerged with translations of Shakespeare and other plays.

The early to mid-20th century saw celebrated writers like C. V. Raman Pillai. Political and social plays addressed vital issues. Post-independence, Malayalam drama evolved with new experiments and Greek play translations.

The genre’s allure lies in its rich heritage, imagination, and artistic brilliance that continue to mesmerize audiences today.

Who Are The Biggest Stars In Malayalam Media?

Like film and drama industries in various countries, Kerala has actors who consistently make it to their best actor list. Most of these actors are known for their acting skills rather than making movies that grossed high in the tills.

Before naming the best actor, here are the runners-up but still considered among the most famous actors in Malayalam movies:

Jagathy Sreekumar

He is a versatile actor known for his spontaneity, especially in comedy. He has been in the industry for about four decades and has graced over 1500 Malayalam films. Aside from being an award-winning actor, Sreekumar has also tried his hands at writing screenplays and directing.

Bharath Gopy

He is a method actor often compared to the acting chops of the biggest names in Hollywood. But aside from his memorable performances in acting, he has also garnered awards for outstanding performance and works as a director and film producer. During the 1970s, he played a significant role in Kerala’s New Wave cinema movement. In 1991, the Indian government presented him with the Padma Shri award in appreciation of his services to the arts. In 1994, he also wrote “Abhinayam Anubhavam,” a book honored with the National Film Award for Best Book on Cinema.

Sathyan

Sathyan, a well-known Indian actor, received numerous awards for his roles in Malayalam films. His exceptional acting skills earned him praise and prestigious awards, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor in 1971 and the Best Actor Award at the first Kerala State Film Award ceremony. Although he passed away at the age of 58 in 1971, Sathyan’s legacy as a versatile actor with a realistic acting style is still remembered today.

Thilakan

He was among the finest actors in India, and many hail him as one of the best Indian actors in the Malayalam movie industry of all time. He was a stage and film actor who graced his appearance in more than 200 Malayalam films. The actor, who died at age 77 in 2012, was often praised for his realistic and elaborate method of acting.

Who Is The Best Actor In Malayalam Drama?

Ask anyone who knows about Malayalam cinema and drama, and they would agree that there is not one but two best and most talented actors to grace their screens. Here are the Malayalam actors that made it into the list:

Mohanlal

Tagged as the Robert de Niro of Indian Cinema, Mohanlal is the highest-paid Indian film actor known for a versatile career spanning more than four decades. He has done over 400 films, most of which have been critically praised. His contribution to the industry paved the way for the Government of India to reward him with the fourth and third highest honors for civilians in 2001 and 2019, respectively.

Mammootty

Popular Malayalam actor and producer Mammootty is well-recognized for his roles in Malayalam cinema. Additionally, he has appeared in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and English films. He has appeared in more than 400 films during his five-decade acting career.

He has won various honors and prizes, including three National Film prizes, seven Kerala State Film Awards, and thirteen Filmfare Awards South. In 1998, the Indian government awarded him the Padma Shri for his achievements in the cinema industry, and in 2022, the Kerala government gave him the Kerala Prabha Award, its second-highest accolade.

Here you go, the top actors recognized in the Malayalam film industry. If you’re interested in actors from different countries, we’ve also compiled a list of the top Korean actors and famous Malay actors to watch.

List Of Malayalam Terms Related To Media

If you’re traveling to Kerala and planning to watch films or discuss movies with locals, knowing these Malayalam terms can make it easier for you to convey your thoughts:

Learn More Malayalam Words With Ling

Language learning is now easier, thanks to apps you can download on the Apple Store and Play Store, like the Ling app. Once it is installed, you can use it to learn Malayalam and other foreign languages in an engaging and fun way. Try it now, and you’ll have more Malayalam words ingrained in your memory in no time.