For Mammootty, ( fondly known as Mammukka) an actor with more than 5 decades of excellence, who has been bestowed with three National Film Awards and seven Kerala State Film Awards among others, he has been a reigning superstar in Malayalam for over three decades , he is star adored by millions, for his versatility, and courage to handle different genres with elan with a sole motto to ‘entertaining the fans’.
On the occasion of his 72nd birthday on Thursday (September 7), we anatomise the reinvented actor Mammootty , his ongoing, intriguing career phase, and how he has adapted to the evolving times and sensibilities.
Mammootty’s Evergreen Cinematic Journey
With upcoming projects like Kannur Squad, Kaathal – The Core, Bazooka, and Bramayugam, expectations in his birth year is scaling to a new high.
This is a milestone in a career that has been a canvas for myriad characters. On this special occasion, it is only fitting to shed light on one of his most remarkable performances, one that transcends the realms of ordinary acting and enters the realm of artistry — his portrayal of Bhaskara Patelar in the cinematic gem, Vidheyan. While Mammootty has given numerous great performances, his portrayal in this Adoor Gopalakrishnan directorial lingers in the recesses of our minds like a haunting melody.
The Evolution of Mammootty: A True Actor’s Journey
Mammootty’s unquenchable thirst for art drove him to undergo a complete reinvention towards the end of the last decade, making a triumphant return in a manner never seen before. Over the past four years since 2019, his excellence in portraying diverse characters, ability to deeply immerse himself in their nuances, and willingness to explore a wide range of genres and roles have propelled him to unprecedented heights.
Mammootty is not a new phenomenon. Even in the 1980s, after a series of failures, he underwent a significant transformation and made a remarkable comeback with New Delhi (1987). So, the actor we see right now is Mammootty 3.0.
Mammootty then made a triumphant comeback and in Amal Neerad’s Bheeshma Parvam, he brought to life an unprecedented gangster character, a blend of ruggedness and swagger. Mammootty’s character Anjootti Michael was created with traces of both Don Vito Corleone and his son Michael from The Godfather. He exuded authority and composure like Vito, effortlessly establishing his dominance with mere glances, yet when the situation called for it, he entered the fray and demonstrated his ability to get the job done, much like Michael Corleone.
The Subtle Excellence of Mammootty
What makes this performance truly exceptional is its restraint. It doesn’t rely on grand theatrics or melodrama. Much like the film’s arid landscape, Mammootty’s performance is devoid of ostentation; instead, it thrives on the subtlety of his expressions and the depth of his character’s evolution. It quietly seeps into your consciousness, leaving a lasting impact. The nuances in his portrayal reveal the depths of his understanding of the character and the story’s thematic layers.
As Mammootty celebrates his 72nd birthday, we not only applaud his enduring presence in cinema but also honour his legacy as a performer who, through roles like Bhaskara Patelar, continues to provoke thought, stir emotions, and challenge our perceptions of good and evil. His Vidheyan performance is a timeless ode to the brilliance that defines his illustrious career.