Mammootty is a legendary actor and a towering figure in Indian cinema, particularly in the Malayalam film industry. His illustrious career spans over five decades, with more than 420 films across various languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and English.
Early Life and Career
Mammootty was born Muhammad Kutty Panaparambil Ismail on September 7, 1951, in Chandiroor, Kerala. He was born into a middle-class family of Fatima and Ismail, who had a garment and rice business. He spent his childhood in Chempu, a village near Vaikom in Kottayam, Kerala. Mammootty gets his early education in Government High School, Kulasekharamangalam, Kottayam, before going to Sacred Heart College, Thevara. He also went to Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam, for his graduation.
Mammootty then gets a degree in law from Govt. Law College, Ernakulam, and even practices law for two years at Manjeri Court. However, destiny had other plans, and his passion for acting led him to the film industry.
Mammootty made his acting debut in 1971 with “Anubhavangal Paalichakal,” when he was only 20 years old. After a few more small roles, he went back to his education. In 1979, while practicing law, Mammootty was offered a significant role in M.T. Vasudevan Nair’s “Devalokam.” Unfortunately, the film was never released, but it was a pivotal moment that led him to pursue acting full-time.
Breakthrough
The 1980s were a transformative period for Mammootty, as he transitioned from a budding actor to a leading star in Malayalam cinema. His first credited role came with ‘Vilkkanundu Swapnangal’ in 1980, followed by K. G. George’s Mela (1980), which was the first film where he had a prominent role as a daredevil motorcycle jumper.
The early ’80s saw Mammootty winning the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for his role in ‘Ahimsa’, which became a turning point in his career. The subsequent years saw Mammootty establish himself as a leading actor with films like “Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu” and “Aa Raathri.” In 1984, Mammootty produced and starred in ‘Adiyozhukkukal’, where he played the lead role of a fisherman returning from jail, a role that earned him widespread acclaim.
Another remarkable performance came with the film New Delhi (1987). In the film, Mammootty played a victimised journalist who seeks revenge against the political system that falsely implicated him. The film was a massive hit and is considered one of the best political thrillers in Malayalam cinema.
Mammootty The Performer
Mammootty’s versatility shone through in “Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989),” where he portrayed the legendary warrior Chandu Chekavar. His nuanced performance in this historical drama earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor, solidifying his status as a leading actor capable of delivering powerful performances.
The same year, he starred in “Mrigaya,” where he played the role of Varunni, a hunter who arrives in a village and becomes involved in its issues. This film was another critical success and displayed Mammootty’s ability to adapt to different genres and roles.
Mammootty’s role in “Utharam (1989)” as a journalist investigating the mysterious suicide of a poet was yet another testament to his acting prowess.
In 1990, Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s “Mathilukal” earned him immense critical acclaim and several prestigious awards, including the National Film Award for Best Actor. In this film, he portrayed the role of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, a political prisoner who falls in love with a voice from behind a prison wall. His performance was lauded for its subtlety and depth, capturing the nuances of longing and human connection.
The early ’90s also saw Mammootty in Bharathan’s “Amaram (1991),” with Maathu, KPAC Lalitha, and Ashokan. He played a fisherman whose dreams and aspirations are centred around his daughter. His authentic portrayal of a rustic character with raw emotions made the film a critical success and a classic of Malayalam cinema.
Mammootty The Star
In 1993, Mammootty starred in “Ponthan Mada,” again under the direction of Adoor Gopalakrishnan. He played an untouchable bonded labourer who shares an unlikely friendship with a British plantation owner. The film is a powerful commentary on the social issues of the time. The film won international acclaim and further cemented Mammoot’s reputation as an actor of substance.
One more significant film of his career is Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s “Vidheyan (1994),” with M. R. Gopakumar, Tanvi Azmi, and Sabitha Anand. It was based on the novella Bhaskara Pattelarum Ente Jeevithavum by Paul Zacharia. The film tells a disturbing story of a leachurous, womeniser, and cruel landlord and his slaveservant. Mammootty played the antagonist with great sincerity while servant was played by M. R. Gopakumar.
The mid-’90s were marked by a mix of genre-defining films and commercial hits. “The King (1995),” where Mammootty played a district collector, was a blockbuster that resonated with the masses for its strong political narrative and Mammootty’s commanding screen presence. This film became a cult classic and is often cited as one of his most memorable performances.
As the decade progressed, Mammootty continued to balance art films with commercial ventures. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (1999), an English-language film, was a biographical piece on the life of the architect of the Indian Constitution. Mammootty’s portrayal of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was critically acclaimed, showcasing his ability to embody a character with gravitas and dignity.
The 1990s were not just about the serious roles for him. He also starred in family dramas and comedies, displaying his range as an actor. Films like “Anaswaram (1991),” a light-hearted drama, and “Golanthara Vartha (1993),” a comedy, provided a different flavour to his filmography, proving that he could handle any genre with ease.
The Versatility
As the new millennium dawned, Mammootty continued to dominate the silver screen with performances that spanned a wide array of genres and themes. The early 2000s saw Mammootty taking on roles that challenged societal norms and showcased his ability to delve into complex characters. In 2001, he starred in “Dubai,” a film that explored the lives of Indians living in the Middle East and the issues they face. His portrayal of Ravi Mamman, a businessman who rises to power but faces moral dilemmas, was both powerful and poignant.
In 2004, he delivered one of his most memorable performances in “Kaazhcha,” a heartbreaking drama about a villager who takes in a young boy displaced by the Gujarat earthquake. The film was a critical success and showcased Mammootty’s ability to portray deep emotional narratives.
The year 2005 was significant for him with the release of “Rajamanikyam,” where he played the role of a cattle dealer with a heart of gold. The film was a commercial success and is remembered for Mammootty’s impeccable comic timing and unique dialogue delivery.
“Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (2009),” a historical drama, featured him in the titular role of the king who fought against British colonialism. His performance was lauded for its intensity and the film went on to become a milestone in Malayalam cinema.
The following years saw Mammootty experimenting with various genres, from the comedy-drama “Pranchiyettan and the Saint (2010),” where he played a wealthy but uneducated businessman, to the social drama “Pathemari (2015),” which narrated the life of a Gulf immigrant. Both films were critically acclaimed and showcased Mammootty’s range as an actor.
He Continue To Surprize
In 2017, Mammootty starred in “The Great Father,” a thriller that dealt with the sensitive issue of child abuse. His portrayal of a father seeking justice for his daughter struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.
Mammootty’s commitment to choosing diverse roles continued with films like “Peranbu (2018),” a Tamil film where he played a single father of a girl with cerebral palsy. The film received international acclaim and highlighted Mammoot’s ability to perform challenging roles with grace and empathy.
In recent years, he has continued to captivate audiences with his performances. “Mamangam (2019),” a historical action film, saw him playing a warrior of a bygone era, while “One (2021),” a political thriller, featured him as a chief minister fighting corruption. In 2023, Mammootty starred in “Kaathal—The Core,” an story about a man accused of being homosexual by his wife, played by Jyothika. The film, a critical and commercial success, is called ground-breaking in its sensitive treatment of a controversial subject. In 2024, he continues his golden run with “Abraham Ozler,” “Bramayugam,” and “Turbo.” This year too he acted in “Dominic and the Ladies’ Purse” and “Bazooka.”
Personal Life
Mammootty’s talent has been recognised with numerous awards. He is a three-time recipient of the National Film Award for Best Actor and has won nine Kerala State Film Awards, eleven Kerala Film Critics Association Awards in 1998, 16 Filmfare Awards South and many more. He was honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to cinema in 1998. More recently, he received the Kerala Prabha Award in 2022.
Apart from his acting career, Mammootty is also a producer and a businessman. He chairs Malayalam Communications, which runs several Malayalam television channels. He owns production ventures such as Playhouse and Mammootty Kampany, contributing to the industry behind the scenes as well.
Mammootty has been married to Sulfath Kuttyy since 1979; together they have a daughter, Surumi, and a son, Dulquer Salmaan, who is also a top actor in Malayalam cinema.
Mammootty on IMDB
