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Most Famous Malayalam Actors List

The Malayalam film industry is filled with many talented actors who have changed the face of Indian cinema. With their remarkable acting skills, dashing personalities and mesmerising aura, Malayalam actors have won the hearts of millions. Let's read more about them in detail. 

1. Mohanlal

Starting his career as a villain, Mohanlal Vishwanathan is currently the highest-paid Malayalam actor. Very few actors have the talent to showcase both comedy and intense emotions on the screen in the same manner; Mohanlal is one of them. He has worked in more than 400 films as an actor, producer and playback singer and has received many awards. It also includes the dignified Padma Sri and Padma Bhushan awards for his contribution to Indian cinema. No doubt, Mohanlal was tagged as "the man who changed the face of the Indian Cinema" by CNN. This might come as a surprise, but the famous Malayalam actor Mohanlal is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army. In his interviews, he stated his early dreams of joining the army like his late brother. However, life took a turn, and today, he is one of the best actors Indian cinema has got. 

Birth: 21 May 1960

Popular films & shows: Spadikam, Narasimham, Dasharatham, Boeing Boeing, Midhunam, Vanaprastham, Company, Thanmathra

2. Mammootty

Muhammad Kutty Panaparambil Ismail, lovingly known as Mammootty, is a renowned Malayalam actor and producer. In a career of more than five decades, Mammootty has worked in 420-plus films. He has won many national awards and was also honoured with the Padma Sri and Kerela Prabha Awards. Mammootty's passion for acting has been visible since his college days when he worked as a young artist in multiple films and TV shows. He is considered one of the best method actors in the Indian film industry. With his talent to play versatile roles and make every character like living, Mammootty has established himself as an icon in the Indian film industry. He is one of the highest-paid Malayalam actors and has also worked in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, and English film productions. 

Birth: 7 September 1951

Popular films & shows: Ahimsa, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Kaazcha, Pranchiyettan & the Saint, Unda, Kannur Squad, Bheeshma Parvam

3. Nivin Pauly

Nivin used to admire Indian film superstars like Rajesh Khanna, Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal, and Mammootty. Today, he is among the most famous Malayalam actors of all time. So, do you still believe that dreams don't come true? An engineer in his early days, Nivin has always had a deep interest in cinema. Finally, in 2010, Nivin started his career in acting and got a breakthrough in 2012 with the film "Thattathin Marayathu", which turned him into a youth sensation. Nivin has earned several prominent awards for his acting skills, including the Filmfare awards and SIIMA awards (South Indian International Movie Awards). With his versatile character playing and dedication towards his work, Nivin has earned a significant fan base for himself. No doubt, he ranks among the top 10 Malayalam actors in the Indian film industry. 

Birth: 11 October 1984

Popular films & shows: Ohm Shanthi Oshaana, Kayamkulam Kochunni, 1983, Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham, Neram, Bangalore Days

4. Dileep

The most famous Malayalam actors list is incomplete without mentioning Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, aka Dileep. He started his career as a mimicry artist and received recognition with the television comedy show "Comicola". Since then, Dileep has established a successful acting career for himself, earning many prominent awards and a huge fan base. He is also a great producer and a businessman who always works hard to fulfil his dreams. The film "Twenty:20", with Dileep as a producer and Joshiy as a director, became the highest-grossing Malayalam film till that time (2008). With his quirky humour, even in real life, Dileep is often considered the best comedy actor in the Malayalam film industry. 

Birth: 27 October 1967

Popular films & shows: Comicola, Ee Puzhayum Kadannu, Sallapam, Punjabi House, Kuberan, Kunjikoonan, C.I.D. Moosa

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5. Dulquer Salmaan

Here comes one of my favourite actors, Dulquer Salmaan! I saw Sita Ramam during the lockdown and fell head over heels for him. Everything about him is so incredible, be it his personality, acting skills or fashion style. His enchanting smile has the power to win the hearts of anyone. FYI: He is the son of our beloved Mammootty. I guess beauty runs in the family, lol. Salmaan played the role of a gangster in his debut film, and when asked the reason, he stated, "When an actor debuts, he has to earn the right to be a hero and not get it through a shortcut route". Apart from acting in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films, Salmaan is also a fantastic playback singer and film producer. He has earned multiple awards for his remarkable performances, including National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards and Kerela State Film Awards.  

Birth: 28 July 1986

Popular films & shows: Ustad Hotel, ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi, Sita Ramam, Karwaan, Guns & Gulaabs, Charlie 

6. Fahadh Faasil

Fahadh Faasil is one of those remarkable actors who brings characters to life on the big screen. His ability to play even complex roles with ease has earned him a place among the best Malayalam actors of all time. His debut film was a box office failure, but after seven years, he returned to the film industry. This time, he was well-prepared and established a successful acting career. Fahadh has worked in many different genres, including romance, thriller, and horror, and has earned significant awards. His work in "Maheshinte Prathikaram" and "Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum" is often considered among the best performances of the decade. Fahadh is known for choosing the scripts that bring out the best in him and then pouring his whole heart into making his role immortal on the big screen. Fahadh Faasil is the son of famous Malayalam film director Fazil and a true gem of the Indian film industry. 

Birth: 8 August 1982

Popular films & shows: 22 Female Kottayam,  North 24 Kaatham, Bangalore Days, Take Off, Varathan, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum

7. Prithviraj Sukumaran

Prithviraj Sukumaran is the youngest recipient of the Kerela State Film Award for Best Actor. He has worked in over 100 films and played various roles in many different genres. After making his debut in 2002, Prithviraj Sukumaran has given numerous blockbusters on the big screen, showcasing his talent and skills. He is one of the leading Malayalam actors with a huge fan following. Besides being an outstanding actor, Prithviraj is a noteworthy director, producer and playback singer. He made his directorial debut with the film Lucifer, starring Mohanlal. The film became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of the year (2019). His work in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films is also popular, and prominent examples of this are Aiyyaa, Naam Shabana, and Parijatham.

Birth: 16 October 1982

Popular films & shows: Classmates, Ayalum Njanum Thammil, Celluloid, Kaaviya Thalaivan, Salaar, Aiyyaa, Aurangzeb

8. Kunchacko Boban

Meet the chocolate boy of the Malayalam film industry. With a hit career spanning over two decades, Kunchacko has worked in over 100 films and received many awards. In the early days, he was popularly referred to as the 'chocolate boy' due to his many Romeo roles. However, he has continuously renovated himself and his roles, which has derived massive love from his fans. The renowned film director Fazil introduced Kunchacko Boban into the Malayalam film industry. Speaking of his talent, Kunchacko has not only showcased his talent with the hero role but has also received the SIIMA award for Best Actor in a Negative Role. Kunchacko started his film career as a child artist, and today, he remains on the list of best Malayalam actors. 

Birth: 2 November 1976

Popular films & shows: Traffic, How Old Are You?, Take Off, Aniathipravu, Elsamma Enna Aankutty, Ordinary, Ariyippu

9. Jayasurya

Here is another famous actor who started his career as a mimicry artist and has become one of the most successful personalities in the Malayalam film industry. That is why if you have dreams, don't wait for the path to unfold. Every path will take you to your destination. Jayasurya is one of the most versatile actors who has worked in many genres, be it romance, comedy, thriller or fantasy. His dedication to his work has made him worthy of numerous awards, including the National Film Award, Filmfare Award, and Kerela State Film Award. Jayasurya is also a remarkable playback singer, model, film producer, successful sponsor, distributor, and impressionist. Malayalam actors are indeed multi-talented. 

Birth: 31 August 1978

Popular films & shows: Oomappenninu Uriyadappayyan, Su.. Su... Sudhi Vathmeekam, Captain, Vellam, Cocktail, Sankaranum Mohananum

10. Suresh Gopi

From being a child artist to one of the most successful Malayalam actors of all time, Suresh Gopi has surely come a long way. He has played the acclaimed role of an antagonist, comic roles and supporting roles in many films. For him, it was never about being a hero in film but about getting recognition for his talent and making room for improvement every single day. He is the proud recipient of many prominent awards, including the National Award and Filmfare Award. His already rising popularity got sky-high when he became the host of the game show "Ningalkkum Aakaam Kodeeshwaran". Currently, Suresh Gopi is a member of Lok Sabha and serves as a Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Ministry of Tourism. 

Birth: 26 June 1958

Popular films & shows: Irupatham Noottandu, Manu Uncle, Innale, Thalastaanam, Manichitrathazhu, Commissioner, Highway

Summary 

The Malayalam film industry is rising in popularity with its unique plots, fantastic cinematic experience, remarkable presentation of the culture, and multi-talented actors. The list of famous Malayalam Actors is definitely long, but I tried my best to incorporate many of them into this article. By the way, I have already told you about my bias, but I'm curious about yours. Why not tell me in the comments? I'll be waiting.

Questions You May Have 

Q. Who are the richest Malayalam actors male? 

Ans. Mohanlal and Mammootty are the highest and highest-paid Malayalam actors male. 

Q. Which are the famous names on the Young Malayalam actors list? 

Ans. Shane Nigam, Antony Varghese, Roshan Mathew and Ganapathi are popular in the Young Malayalam actors list.  

Q. Who are the most popular Malayalam actors Female? 

Ans. Parvathy Thiruvothu, Nimisha Sajayan, Shobana and Manju Warrier are among the most popular Malayalam actors female. 

Q. Which are the famous Malayalam actors name? 

Ans. Mohanlal, Salmaan, Jayasurya and Mammootty are some of the most famous Malayalam actors name. 

Q. Who are the promising Malayalam actors new? 

Ans. Shebin Benson, Neeraj Madhav and Arjun Radhakrishnan are the promising Malayalam actors new. 

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