Why was Mohanlal the Star of the Year of South Cinema?
Mohanlal dominated South cinema in 2025 with several blockbuster hits and bold genre experiments. Its success revived the fortunes of Malayalam cinema despite controversy within the industry.
Just hours away from stepping into 2026, looking at Malayalam cinema in 2025 proves one thing: it was indeed the year of Mohanlal. In all its glory. From delivering three blockbusters in a row to playing memorable cameos, from rescuing an industry in crisis to fearlessly experimenting with genres – at 65, Mohanlal has proved that hunger for cinema matters more than age or stardom or box office performance. He was not just Malayalam’s Star of the Year; He was one of the most valuable contributors to South cinema.
When Mohanlal gave Mollywood’s first big hit of 2025
The early months of 2025 saw Malayalam cinema struggling. The Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) shared a sobering report in February: 17 films released that month with a collective budget of Rs 75 crore barely earned Rs 23 crore. The industry was losing money and exhibitors were panicking.
Just then Mohanlal arrived.
In March, director Prithviraj Sukumaran’s L2: MPurana It became the desperately needed lifeline of Malayalam cinema. The film marks the return of Stephen Nedumpalli, one of Mohanlal’s most beloved characters. luciferDespite protests from right-wing groups objecting to scenes depicting the 2002 Gujarat riots, which led to voluntary cuts, MPuraan It became an incident.
The film grossed approximately Rs 268 crore globally, becoming the second highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time. Lokah Chapter 1: MoonFor an industry working on a modest budget, it was not just a hit – it was confirmation that Mohanlal’s stardom remained intact and that audiences were hungry for quality Malayalam content with mass appeal,
Four releases, four genres, contribution of around Rs 600 crore
What sets Mohanlal apart from his contemporaries isn’t just box office pull – it’s his relentless curiosity. At the age of 65, when most stars rely on legacy and safe choices, Mohanlal released four films in four different genres, each demanding different skill sets.
L2: MPurana was a political action thriller that required physical intensity and seriousness. ThudaramA family mystery thriller directed by Tharun Murthy that saw him grapple with mystery and emotional complexity, earned Rs 238 crore globally and proved that even Mohanlal-led mid-budget films can scale. hridayapurvamA family entertainer that used its charm to bring a smile to everyone’s face, it grossed over Rs 80 crore and became a favorite of the festive season (the film released on Onam).
then came taurus,
The period fantasy drama, which released on December 25, was Mohanlal’s first critical misfire of the year. Plagued by poor VFX, a sloppy script and a seemingly endless runtime, the film collapsed on its opening day. Critics criticized it. Spectators stayed away. For any other star, this would be a career embarrassment – a reminder to stay on the safe side.
What makes Mohanlal remarkable is his ability to take risks head on. At 65, after three consecutive blockbusters, he could have played it safe. Instead, he chose a risky fantasy project that challenged him to play dual roles within a time limit. it failed. But the willingness to experiment – knowing that failure is possible – is what separates the stars who survive from those who fade away.
Three of his four films featured in the top 10 highest-grossing Malayalam films of 2025. Overall, its release contributed around Rs 600 crore to the industry, which was in desperate need of a win. When you are single-handedly responsible for saving the financial health of an industry, a flop is no hindrance to a successful career.
Cameos elevated other films
2025 was not just limited to playing lead roles for Mohanlal. He also contributed to Malayalam and Telugu cinema through strategic cameos. His presence in Vishnu Manchu Kannappa Intrigue was added to the story, while Dileep had an extended cameo in his controversial bha bha ba Scrutinized and criticized. Days after Dileep’s acquittal in the 2017 actor attack case, a debate erupted about industry solidarity versus accountability. Critics questioned whether Mohanlal’s involvement legitimized Dileep at a time when public sentiment remained unfavorable.
Yet, even amid the controversies, the cameo showcased Mohanlal’s enduring charm – his presence bha bha ba was credited with boosting the film’s opening day earnings, even though it could not save the poorly reviewed project for long.
This was not an accidental presence. They were calculated choices that reflected his desire to support fellow actors and filmmakers, for better or worse.
When age is just a number for Mohanlal
What makes Mohanlal’s 2025 extraordinary isn’t just the numbers – it’s its defiance of conforming to the conventions surrounding aging male stars. At the age of 65, he has not shied away from age-appropriate character roles. He headlined a political action thriller with stunts and intensity. He carried a family secret across multiple emotional registers. He took up a fantasy film in which he had to portray both a modern businessman and an ancient warrior king effectively. He danced, fought, emoted and displayed an energy on screen that stars half his age struggle to achieve.
Malayalam cinema has always valued craft over vanity, but even by those standards, Mohanlal’s 2025 stands out. His report card strengthens his claim as Star of the Year. It proves that he’s still taking risks, still pursuing scripts that interest him rather than scripts that are guaranteed to be successful. That hunger, that refusal to be boxed in as an actor is what keeps him relevant.
2025 belonged to Mohanlal, not because he avoided failure, but because he accepted risks. Three blockbusters, strategic cameos, four vastly different styles, and the courage to fail spectacularly while trying something new – it’s just a testament to why the actor remains relevant, hungry and indispensable even at the age of 65.