As the first day reviews for Mammootty-Mohanlal starrer Patriot roll in, what continues to allure fans is the nostalgia of seeing the pillars of Malayalam cinema reunite onscreen after more than a decade.
The Mahesh Narayanan – directorial which also a features a star-studded ensemble including Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil, Revathi, Nayanthara and more – has created significant buzz not just for its cast but for its glossy, big-budget look.
Whether its worth the hype or not is another question, but it is undoubtedly a celebratory showcase of the enduring bond that has shaped Malayalam cinema for more than four decades.
Having appeared together onscreen for over 50 films, picking our favourite films from the Big Ms is a hard ask. Even still, here’s a look back at five noteworthy films they’ve done together.
Padayottam (1982)
This 1982 epic period drama film directed by Jijo Punnoose was one of Mohanlal and Mammooty’s first onscreen appearances together. Partly inspired by the the 1844 novel The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, the film which starred legendary actors Prem Nazir and Madhu, saw Mammooty play the character of Mohanlal’s father.
Considered one of the most big-budget Malayalam films of the time, Padayottam continues to be fondly remembered for the roles that Mammooty and Mohanlal played.
Adiyozhukkukal (1984)
Directed by I. V. Sasi and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair, this 1984 drama film following the story of fisherman Karunan (Mammootty) is considered one of Mammootty’s finest early career performances.
The film which saw Mammootty received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor had Mohanlal play a small but impactful role in the dramatic narrative that unfolded.
Kariyilakkattu Pole (1986)
Kariyilakkattu Pole is a 1986 mystery thriller film which followed DySP Achuthankutty (Mohanlal) in his investigation of the murder of a film director, Harikrishnan (Mammootty).
Based on the radio drama Sisirathil Oru Prabhatham by Sudhakar Mangalodayam, the P. Padmarajan classic is thought one of the best investigative thrillers in Malayalam cinema.
No. 20 Madras Mail (1990)
Following three youngsters – including Mohanlal as the deliquent and drunkard Tony Kurishingal – who get embroiled in the murder of a young woman during an overnight train journey, No. 20 Madras Mail had Mammootty play himself in an extended cameo appearance.
Directed by Joshiy, this 1990 comedy thriller film is unique for having had almost half the film shot inside a train.
Harikrishnans (1998)
Director Fazil‘s 1998 mystery buddy comedy Harikrishnans is one of the most memorable co-starring roles from Mohanlal and Mammootty in recent memory of fans.
Starring as the titular Harikrishans, a famous lawyer duo, the pair opposite Bollywood actress Juhi Chawla – in her only Malayalam film appearance – is fondly remembered for immortalising the actors’ friendship onscreen.
With their characters given equal weightage, the film is also talked about for its double climax with heroine ending up with each of the two stars in different versions.
(Images courtesy of IMDb)
Which of these Mohanlal-Mammootty films have you watched? What’s your favourite co-starring film of theirs? Visit Lyrical Muse for more film coverage.
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