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Mohanlal's contribution to Indian cinema and why he deserved Dadasaheb Phalke award

Mohanlal, fondly known as Lalettan, is one of Indian cinema’s most revered and versatile actors, with a career spanning over four decades and 350+ films. From Kireedam to Drishyam, his naturalistic performances have redefined Malayalam cinema and earned him the Dadasaheb Phalke honour.

September 20, 2025 / 20:51 IST
Mohanlal to get the Dadasaheb Phalke award

There aren't many actors in Indian movies that are as well-respected and liked as Mohanlal. For more than 40 years, Mohanlal Viswanathan has been a big part of Indian movie history.

Many of his fans call him Lalettan. Because of his body of work, breadth of styles, and cultural relevance, he is an obvious choice for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which is the highest accolade in Indian film. Someone who is strong and adaptable Mohanlal began acting in the early 1980s and has since appeared in over 350 movies in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.

He is known as one of the most versatile actors in the country since he can quickly move between roles like a lighthearted romantic lead, a sad hero with a lot of depth, an intense villain, and a hilarious everyman. Critics have praised his performances in movies like Kireedam, Bharatham, Vanaprastham, Drishyam, and Pulimurugan, and they have had a huge effect on other movies. Mohanlal's natural style of acting transformed Malayalam cinema by making it less over-the-top and more realistic and nuanced.

A Cultural Icon

Mohanlal is more than a famous person; he is a part of history. Most of his movies portray the social and cultural life of Kerala and provide a voice to the problems, dreams, and moral issues of the middle class. At the same time, he has brought Malayalam movies to stages all over the world, breaking down regional barriers.

For instance, the Drishyam series was a big hit all over India and has been adapted into movies in many languages. Mohanlal's original performance is still thought to be the greatest.

Awards and Praise

Mohanlal has won five National Film Awards over the years, two of which were for Best Actor. The Indian government has also given him the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. People all over the world have praised his work in movies, and festivals all over the world have screened retrospectives of his work.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar credits his career to stuntmen in The Great Indian Kapil Show Finale

What does the Dadasaheb Phalke Award mean? People who have made a great effect in Indian film throughout the course of their careers get the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. This is what Mohanlal's career is all about:

Long-lasting with relevance: More than 40 years later, he is still in blockbuster movies.

Range and depth: He can effortlessly go from popular movies to art-house masterpieces.

Cultural impact: He has had an effect on several generations of actors, directors, and fans.

Effect on all of India: Even though he works in Malayalam film, his presence is felt all over the country.

As an artist and a businessman, Mohanlal has improved the reputation of Indian film in every manner. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award will not only honor his work, but it will also honor how he transformed the way tales are told in Indian movies forever.

Entertainment desk
first published: Sep 20, 2025 08:50 pm

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