5 unmissable roles of Mammootty in Tamil cinema

Admit it! Mammootty is acting encyclopedia. Be it is star power or the power-house performance he displays in his films, Mammootty has become a name synonymous with stardom. The actor has gone beyond Malayalam cinema, to star in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada and English films as well. He will soon appear in the Telugu film YSR, and the Tamil film Peranbu. At the recently held audio launch of Peranbu, Mammootty spoke about how this will be the most-talked-about film in the years to come. The actor will play a doting father to a specially-abled child in the film. As his Peranbu gears up for release, let’s take a look at some of Mammootty’s best roles in Tamil cinema.

Raja in Mounam Sammadham (1990)

Directed by K. Madhu, Mounam Sammadham marked Mammootty’s debut in Tamil cinema, in the year 1990. The film saw him play the role of lawyer, Raja, who fights for his case in the most intelligent and convincing manner. In a period where investigative thrillers were well-received by the Tamil film audience, Mounam Sammadham also did well.

Azhagappan in Azhagan (1991)

Following his first movie, Mammootty then went on to star in renowned director K. Balachander’s film Azhagan. The film depicted the tale of a hotelier, who raises four children all by himself. The film featured Mammootty in a role that required him to play a doting father and a man who suppresses his feelings even after falling in love. This role required maturity, which was perfectly emoted by Mammootty. The film helped establish Mammootty’s charm in the Tamil film industry.

Devraj in Thalapathi (1991)

Mammootty’s filmography is incomplete without mentioning director Mani Ratnam’s Thalapathi. The film starred Rajinikanth as Surya, a man who fights against injustice to the poor and Mammootty as Devraj, a powerful don. The film showcased a tale of friendship, trust, and violence that went on to become a cult classic. The film’s dialogue ‘Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma’ is gains popularity among fans.

Captain Bala in Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000)

Is there an established actor who wouldn’t mind playing a character who doesn’t just flex his muscles and run around trees with heroines? The only actor who didn’t mind doing so was Mammootty. He played the role of a former military personnel, who loses his left leg in a war. The actor displayed subtle and fine performance in this film which was directed by Rajiv Menon. The scenes featuring Aishwarya Rai and Mammootty saw the actor display vulnerability and confidence at the same time. It is needless to say that the film won him accolades.

Thirupathisamy in Aanandham (2001)

In director Lingusamy’s debut, Aanandham, Mammootty played the role of a responsible brother and son who is the guardian of the family. Only an actor like Mammootty could pull-off such a heavy-weight role in a film that caters to the family audiences.

Which is your favourite role played by the actor? Let us know in the comments section below.