5 scenes to convince a non-Malayalee why Mohanlal is the GOAT

There are only a few thespians like Mohanlal who have a filmography that has movies for everyone and anyone. Considering his range, you only need these five scenes to convince someone why he will always be the GOAT.

It’s 2025, but even today, when you listen to Endharo Mahaanubhaavulu, a popular Carnatic music piece, there's only one person who pops up in your mind. The magic of Vidyasagar and Harmony, who reimagined the kriti for Devadoothan, a film released in 2000, has made it timeless through one iconic face. It’s impossible not to think of the mesmerising characters that adorn the incredible filmography of Mohanlal. Why, you may ask? It’s because for us, both the music and Mohanlal complement and radiate the same profound emotion. Something so divine and ethereal that you find yourself at peace whenever you come across it. 

For those unfamiliar with Malayalam culture, this may come across as an over-glorification of an actor, feeding into the stereotype that every South Indian worships their film stars. Maybe that is also why I have the song playing while I find reasons or scenes to convince every non-Malayalee why he will always be the GOAT.

Also Read - Kamal Haasan: His cinematography and his mastery of playing with emotions

Here are the top five scenes that you need to watch

The pre-climax conversation in Chitram:

The movie that has been remade in four different languages is one of those movies that made him a household name. Mohanlal shows off his acting chops when he decides to bring out the character’s vulnerability and sudden need to live within a single line delivery. By holding back his tears, he lets the audience cry for him as he begs the Jail Superintendent (MG Soman) by saying, ‘Enne Kollathirikkaan Pattuo?’ (Can you not kill me?). The fact that he was not begging, on his feet, but holding on to the bed frame and letting his vulnerability out to eventually realise that it is not possible, tugs at your heart. And it is only because of how well Mohanlal portrays it.

His reaction to Rani in Drishyam

One thing that sets Malayalam's Drishyam, apart the fact that it was the original version, is Mohanlal himself. He infused the character of Georgekutty with his own unique charm, making him appear innocent, intelligent, and vulnerable all at once. One of the most talked-about scenes from the first instalment of the movie is the one where he reacts to his wife Rani talking to the police officers. His subtle response, which reflects his concern that she has jeopardised their story, potentially exposing their involvement in the murder, is truly masterful. This small reaction highlights his skill as a seasoned actor, demonstrating that sometimes, less is more.

Him getting out of the water in Narasimham

Nothing is truly 'massy' unless it's Mohanlal in a commercial film. The actor, renowned for his impressive array of character roles, is also celebrated for his mass appeal and whistle-blowing movies that have solidified his status as the people's actor. Imagine eagerly waiting to see your favorite star on screen, and then a character builds up his arrival, only for him to emerge from the water with powerful music playing in the background. There’s nothing more iconic than that. When he delivers a lengthy monologue that has become a memorable highlight of the film, it makes the moment even more unforgettable. For other actors, such an over-the-top entrance might seem unnecessary, but it’s Mohanlal's presence that transforms even the most dramatic scenes into something magnificent.

Asking Maggie to be his mother in Dasharatham

A 1989 movie that explores the theme of surrogacy, this one features an iconic scene that is truly a tear-jerker. The story follows a wealthy man who chooses surrogacy in his quest to have a child he can call his own. However, he ultimately decides to let the child stay with the birth mother upon realizing the deep connection they share. As someone who is constantly seeking love, it is heart-wrenching to watch him let go of the one thing he has always wanted: someone to call his own. The most poignant moment comes when he asks Maggie, his housekeeper who has supported him throughout his life, about the bond between a mother and her child. He then vulnerably asks her if she could be his mother.

His performance in Vaanaprastham

One of the Indian films that made it to Cannes, Vaanaprastham showcases a masterclass in acting by Mohanlal. He portrays Kunjikuttan, a Kathakali dancer from a lower caste, performing the art form with remarkable poise despite not being traditionally trained. His nuanced performance highlights the character's struggles and hardships while preserving the dignity of the art form. The close-up shots of him in full costume, where he expresses emotions through his eyes, truly embody the essence of a masterpiece.

Honestly, it's impossible to sum up his vast career in just five scenes. But as someone who has grown up watching him give life to fictional characters, to the point that they feel like our own, these are definitely some I would recommend to someone as an introduction to the mastery that is his career. Because you can never have too little or too much of Mohanlal!

Happy birthday Lalettan!

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