Malayalam movies were known for the brilliant story writing once upon a time (not just now) and what made those films great were because of some brilliant writing and epic acting of some of the most complex characters written for the silver screen. But true actors managed to do something even more difficult back then – become iconic villains. There have been some brilliant villainous portrayals over the years, but these 6 actors have made the characters their own. Check out these actors and where to stream them:
Mammootty in Paleri Manickyam: Oru Pathira Kolapathakathinte Katha
This is not his best villain performance (Mammootty’s best villainous performance can be seen in Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s iconic 1994 film, ‘Vidheyan’), but he still does an admirable job in this movie. He also had to portray three characters in this movie, two of who were quite villainous in nature. The movie can be bought or be rented on YouTube.
Synopsis: The mysterious murder case of a young woman gets shelved due to the inconsistencies in multiple findings. Years later, Haridas, a detective from Delhi, decides to reopen the case.
Jayasurya in Iyobinte Pusthakam
Jayasurya has portrayed various villainous roles in the past, but in this film – he has made himself into a force to be reckoned with. The actor has managed to make his sweet smile into something sinister, which is especially hard for an actor who regularly plays comedic and lead roles. Stream this movie on Disney+ Hotstar.
Synopsis: Returning home after the war to his village to meet his family, Aloshi discovers that his two older brothers are working as henchmen for a local businessman and are plotting against his father.
Bharath Gopi in Yavanika
Much about the character is shrouded in mystery. We know that this character is a brilliant tabla player, who drinks quite a bit and is rude to others, but nothing overly unsavory was known about him. That changes towards the film’s climax when we find out about this character’s death. The level of atrocities this man committed makes you wish for his killer to be set free. This movie currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Synopsis: When Ayyappan, a tabla player of a touring drama group, goes missing, Sub-Inspector Jacob Eeraly is assigned to investigate the case. But as the investigation starts taking a different route, Eeraly begins to find out disturbing truths.
Thilakan in Namukku Parkkan Munthirithoppukal
Thilakan has portrayed many iconic roles over the years, but this movie will be the one which showcases his biggest antagonist role. As he keeps appearing on screen, our disgust for the character only becomes greater and that wouldn’t have been possible without Thilakan’s brilliant portrayal.
Synopsis: Sofia’s stepfather, Paul, fixes her marriage with his junior and drinking partner. When Sofia falls in love with Solomon and with the help of her mother manages to accept a different proposal for her, Paul assaults her.
Napoleon in Devaasuram
Napoleon portrays an iconic villain to Mohanlal’s Neelakandan. Initially there is not much difference between both the antagonist and protagonist in the movie, but the subtle difference made by both Mohanlal and Napoleon make both characters very memorable.
Synopsis: Neelakandan is the spoiled heir to the rich and well-known Mangalassery family. He squanders his father’s wealth although the people in his village love him. An altercation between his aide and Shekaran’s (his childhood rival) uncle, creates an issue that resonates throughout the film.
Keerikkadan Jose in Kireedam
When an actor gets recognized by his character’s name and not him own, we know he was part of something iconic. Mohan Raj who is better known as Keerikkadan Jose for his iconic portrayal of Keerikkadan Jose in Keeridam (which is where he got his name), has portrayed many brilliant villains in his illustrious career, but none were as iconic as the one in Kireedam. Check the movie out on Amazon Prime Video.
Synopsis: Sethu aspires to become a police officer to fulfil his father’s dream (who himself is a police constable). However, his life turns upside down when he intervenes in a scuffle with a criminal to save his father’s life.