As Malayalam cinema legend Mammootty turns a year older, audiences and cinephiles are revisiting the films that shaped his extraordinary journey.

Born Muhammad Kutty Panaparambil Ismail on September 7 1951, Mammootty entered films with minor appearances in the early 1970s, including Anubhavangal Paalichakal and Kaalachakram. His name first appeared in the credits with Vilkkanundu Swapnangal (1980), marking the beginning of a career that would redefine Malayalam storytelling. By 1981, his role in Ahimsa brought him his first Kerala State Award, signalling the arrival of a formidable talent.

Over the next five decades, Mammootty’s body of work grew to an impressive 450 titles, primarily in Malayalam but extending into Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and even English. He is the recipient of three National Film Awards, multiple Kerala State honours, 15 Filmfare Awards South, and was decorated with the Padma Shri in 1998 and Kerala Prabha Award in 2022.

To celebrate his birthday, here’s a look back at some of Mammootty’s most remarkable films — works that showcase his versatility, range and enduring influence.

Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989)

As Chandu, a tragic warrior wronged by history, Mammootty delivered a performance that remains one of Malayalam cinema’s most iconic. The role earned him a National Award and set a new standard for historical dramas.

Mathilukal (1990)

This adaptation of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer’s memoir explored love behind prison walls. With understated gestures and layered emotion, Mammootty turned a minimalist tale into a profound cinematic experience.

Amaram (1991)

A heartbreaking story of a fisherman whose dreams for his daughter collapse when she elopes, the film paired Mammootty’s raw intensity with director Bharathan’s sensitive storytelling.

Manu Uncle (1988)

A National Award-winning children’s adventure where Mammootty played alongside a cast of young actors in a light-hearted mystery about a stolen artefact.

Thaniyavarthanam (1987)

This psychological drama examined superstition, mental health and societal cruelty, with Mammootty portraying a man crushed by the weight of inherited fear and communal paranoia.

Oru CBI Diary Kurippu (1988)

A sharp investigative thriller that introduced audiences to Sethurama Iyer, a no-nonsense CBI officer — a role that would spawn one of Malayalam cinema’s most successful detective franchises.

Vidheyan (1994)

In this Paul Zacharia adaptation, Mammootty’s portrayal of a brutal landlord opposite MR Gopakumar’s submissive servant won him another National Award and critical acclaim for its unsettling power dynamics.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (2000)

Bringing the life of the Constitution’s chief architect to screen, Mammootty delivered a deeply researched, dignified and humanised portrayal, earning him his third National Film Award.

Bramayugam (2024)

A genre-bending folk horror shot in black-and-white, it became India’s highest-grossing film of its kind, with Mammootty anchoring the eerie narrative of a fugitive singer encountering a sinister landlord.

Kaathal – The Core (2023)

This Jeo Baby-directed drama explored marital rupture and hidden sexuality with quiet courage, offering one of Mammootty’s most introspective performances in recent years.

Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (2023)

A Lijo Jose Pellissery experiment in identity and surrealism, the film saw Mammootty inhabit two lives simultaneously, blurring the lines between man, memory and myth.