2025

CI George Mathan (Thudarum): Considering Shanmugan (Mohanlal) already had a rocky encounter with SI Benny C Kurian (Binu Pappu) over his taxi's release, it is only natural that he would be drawn to CI George Mathan's (Prakash Verma) affable demeanor. After all, compared to Benny's gruffness, Mathan appears more approachable. However, it doesn’t take long for the naive taxi driver -former fight master - to realise that Mathan's geniality is just a facade, hiding a cunning and ruthless manipulator. With retirement looming, CI George Mathan's charm – dimples flashing can be disarmingly sinister. He candidly confesses to Shanmugan about the countless wrongdoings in his long career, revealing an unapologetic and irredeemable individual. The fact that Mathan can dismantle your every existence and identity is a chilling prospect, one that would unsettle even his most hardened adversaries. While Mathan's character might seem one-dimensional on paper, it is Prakash Verma's nuanced portrayal that adds a layer of macabre complexity. His subtle dialogue delivery, enigmatic grin, and effortless navigation of villainy make him a chilling figure, defying simplistic categorisation.

2024

Koduman Potti (Bramayugam): Potti's (Mammootty) introduction is both captivating and unnerving in this creature horror directed by Rahul Sadasivan. With his stained teeth and wry grin, he exudes a sense of unease. As the story progresses, his gaze darkens, and the crumbling bungalow seems to grow more ominous. A subtle yet telling moment occurs during Thevan's first dinner, where Potti's reaction to Thevan's prayer reveals a malevolent streak. Potti's subsequent actions – effortlessly beating Thevan at dice and later enslaving him – solidify his sinister nature. Beneath his aged, patriarchal exterior lies a maleficent force, making Potti a compelling and complex character. Mammootty’s performance is pitch-perfect.

2022

Seetha (Rorschach): In Nisam Basheer’s psychological thriller, Seetha, a 60-something mother of two, appears to be a straight-laced character. Living in a village where her deceased son is revered, she guards her family fiercely and pragmatically navigates her complicated marriage. After her philandering husband's death, Seetha demands her monetary rights without hesitation. Initially, she seems to fit the stereotypical mold of a selfless mother, willing to protect her children at all costs. However, as the story unfolds, Seetha's character takes on darker shades, revealing a complex and unsettling persona. Soon, it becomes apparent that the maternal card is a mask to hide her cunning and self-interest. Bindu Panicker's portrayal adds to the unease, bringing a deceptively calm exterior that belies the turmoil beneath.

2021

Panachel Joji (Joji): At first glance, Joji in this film directed by Dileesh Pothan, appears to be a frail and diminutive young man, dwarfed by the hypermasculine figures that dominate his life - his autocratic father and burly brothers. However, beneath this façade lies a deep-seated desire for power and recognition. As Joji navigates his relationships with those around him, his desperation for authority manifests in comical yet pitiful ways, often ending in humiliation. Yet, as the story progresses, a darker side of Joji emerges. His latent greed and pent-up anger begin to consume him, driving him to annihilate anyone who stands in his way. Fahadh's performance is remarkable, capturing the nuances of Joji's emotional turmoil and transformation.

Shibu (Minnal Murali): In Basil Joseph’s Minnal Murali, Shibu's transformation into a powerful being is both unexpected and darkly fascinating. After being struck by lightning, Shibu, played with aplomb by Guru Somasundaram, sheds his mistreated past and emerges as a force to be reckoned with. His motivations are twofold – revenge against the villagers who wronged him and an all-consuming love for Usha, his school sweetheart. As Shibu's actions become increasingly destructive, a complex battle between good and evil unfolds. Despite his descent into darkness, a sense of pity for Shibu persists, rooted in his genuine love for Usha and the pain of his past.

2022

Peter (Bheeshma Parvam): Peter, played by Shine Tom Chacko, is a complex and volatile character in this film directed by Amal Neerad, inspired by the Mahabharata and The Godfather. Described by his uncle Michael (Mammootty) as reckless, greedy, arrogant, and spoiled, Peter's cowardice leads him to conspire against Michael. His personal life is marked by domestic violence, substance abuse, and reckless behaviour, including openly flirting with his film's hero. Chacko's portrayal brings Peter to life with manic intensity, making every scene a standout. Notably, Peter's unapologetic display of gay desire adds a layer of intrigue to his character, potentially making him a memorable representation on screen.

Kuttan (Puzhu): Kuttan in this Ratheena PT directorial is a seemingly ordinary man who presents a façade of normalcy. Always dressed impeccably, he appears to be a devoted single father to his adolescent son and is still grieving his wife's loss. However, beneath this squeaky-clean exterior lies a complex web of toxic traits – a classist, casteist, and Islamophobic individual who disowned his sister for marrying a Dalit. As the story unfolds, Kuttan's true nature unravels with alarming rapidity, revealing a controlling parent with a manipulative streak and utter disregard for humanity. Mammootty's portrayal of Kuttan is particularly striking, given his history of playing similar, often glorified roles. This time, however, Kuttan's character subtly subverts expectations, offering a nuanced critique of savarna Hindu patriarchy.