Top 10 Best Malayalam Actors of 21st Century
Malayalam cinema has truly flourished in the 21st century, producing a remarkable generation of actors who have pushed the boundaries of storytelling, craft, and screen presence.
From seasoned legends who've been captivating audiences for decades to the rising stars redefining what it means to be a lead in Indian cinema, the talent in Malayalam movies is nothing short of impressive. With their unique ability to transform into complex, layered characters, these actors have played a huge role in making Malayalam films some of the most respected in India today.
-
Mammootty
Mammootty is an Indian actor and film producer primarily associated with the Malayalam film industry. He was born on September 7, 1951, and has acted in over 400 films across multiple Indian languages. He has received numerous accolades, including three National Film Awards, eleven Kerala State Film... read more
Face of Indian Cinema. Megastar Mammootty.
He is the most versatile actor ever produced in the world, having acted in around 400 films and played 700 characters in his 48-year film experience. All-time legend.
When Mohanlal acts in a movie, we see Mohanlal himself. But when Mammootty acts in a movie, we forget Mammootty, and the character he plays lights up our minds.
He is truly the best actor in Malayalam, and it's only Megastar.
Mammootty is recognized as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema. He has been awarded the National Film Award for Best Actor three times.
-
Mohanlal
Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair, known professionally as Mohanlal, is an Indian actor, producer, and occasional singer. He is best known for his work in Malayalam cinema, where he has appeared in over 350 films. Mohanlal is widely regarded as one of India's most accomplished and versatile actors.
I hail from Andhra and lived in North India for more than four years. I am a movie freak who has watched a lot of Tollywood, Bollywood, Hollywood, Japanese, Korean, Tamil, Bengali, and Malayalam movies.
I would say that Mohanlal is the best actor I've seen to date. He is a very typical actor. His dialogue delivery and expressions are peculiar and outstanding. His body language mesmerizes me a lot. He leaves an impression on people.
For a better understanding of Malayalam cinema and culture, I am learning Malayalam. I've watched nearly 100 Malayalam movies to date. Super actor, nammada Lalettan!
Not only the greatest Malayalam actor, but the greatest Indian actor as well. Bollywood's so-called "actors" should come and learn a thing or two about acting from him. What makes him so great is his naturality and spontaneity. You forget that Mohanlal's on the screen and see only his character.
Kireedam, Bharatham, Chenkol, Devasuram, Sphadikam, Iruvar, Vanaprastham... just see him act.
His comic timing and gestures are the best and most natural I've ever seen. He can make you laugh with just his expressions, like in the injection scene in Pattanapravesham. ("Yes, omelet. Yes!")
He's something else.
-
Dileep
He has starred in more than 100 Malayalam films, best known for his comic performances.
King of a variety of roles. Freaky actor.
Dileep is the best. Mammootty and Mohanlal, it's time to retire from cinema, oldies.
-
Prithviraj Sukumaran
The most promising youth icon of the Malayalam industry who has the talent, charm, dedication, and maturity to rule over Mollywood in the coming years.
He's not just multitalented but never fails to be the best in whatever he does.
The finest talent in the Kerala film industry after Mohanlal and Mammootty.
Extremely handsome and dynamic.
Making waves in Bollywood too.
After the Big Ms, he is the best actor, with great talent and a versatile look as a mainstream film star. He has reached Bollywood, Kollywood, and Tollywood as well.
-
Suresh Gopi
He is famous for his roles in police dramas and family action-dramas.
Everyone thinks that he is a jealous man, but he has a terrible story behind his life, and he is very kind-hearted.
In my opinion, Suresh Gopi ranks third in Malayalam. He is the action king in India.
-
Jayaram
-
Kunchacko Boban
I like Kunchacko Boban's performance. He is a good, handsome gentleman. I think he is good in cute, pretty romantic cinemas.
May God bless him. From Greshma Clement.
He is an innocent evergreen hero.
-
Jayasurya
One of the best actors in Malayalam. Clearly a true-born talent who gives full effort to all the roles he is given.
He has done the most versatile roles in such an awesome way. No one else can compare.
Jayasurya can do multifaceted roles with utmost ease. He has a good fan following. He is the most established among young stars in terms of star value and talent.
I love this actor because he can do all types of characters. He always makes his side perfect.
-
Dulquer Salmaan
Upcoming superstar. Really awesome and very cute. He has his own style of acting.
Finally, a really good-looking actor from Mollywood! He is a big talent and is adorable!
Good actor and very unassuming. Natural actor like his father.
-
Nivin Pauly
Nivin Pauly is an Indian film actor and producer known primarily for his work in Malayalam cinema.
He gained widespread recognition with his performances in films such as Thattathin Marayathu, Premam, and Moothon. He also owns the production company Pauly Jr. Pictures, under which he has produced... read more
Good looks and good acting skills are a rare combination in actors across India. Very few, like Mammootty and Prithviraj, have both, and now Nivin joins the league.
He is a show stealer and definitely a very promising superstar.
Undoubtedly, he is the most successful actor of all the new-gen actors. Look at where his selections have led him!
Bangalore Days, Oru Vadakkan Selfie, Premam - he is the box-office king, as of most recently, as well as Dileep.
One of the best actors. I'm trying to watch all his movies. Eagerly waiting for the new ones.
-
?
Tovino Thomas
-
?
Manoj K. Jayan
-
Asif Ali
-
Santhosh Pandit
Why is he 14th on the list? He is in the top 3, surely.
-
Fahadh Faasil
Fahadh Faasil is the best among all the young actors in Mollywood. He is going to lead the Malayalam film industry in the future. There is no other actor who can compete with his natural style of acting. He is definitely a versatile actor.
He is a born actor who can portray typical Keralites on screen, which most young actors can't. Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Varathan, and Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum are just three among his best performances.
We can see Mammootty in Fahadh. He can transform into anyone.
-
Unni Mukundan
-
Vineeth Sreenivasan
-
Nishan
-
Indrajith Sukumaran
-
Sunny Wayne
-
Manikuttan
-
Murali Gopy
-
Jacob Gregory
-
Anoop Menon
An actor who is multi-talented and has a unique style of acting.
-
Nedumudi Venu
-
Suraj Venjaramoodu
-
Salim Kumar
Best comedian in Malayalam. National Award holder.
Best comedian. Natural acting.