Must Watch : Kalabhavan Mani films

In an industry ruled by top stars, Kalabhavan Mani made a huge impact with his acting skills and won millions of hearts with his countless excellent performances. The versatile actor from Chalakuddy, over the next couple of decades, went on to establish himself as one of the most bankable stars in Mollywood Cinema. Even though comedy was his forte, he proved that he was not just a comedian. With more than 200 movies in his kitty, there are few that still stand out. In a befitting tribute, let us look at some of the films where the versatile actor made a huge mark.

Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyun Pinne Njaanum

The actor started his acting career with the Malayalam film ‘Aksharam,’ however, his breakthrough role was in the film ‘Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyun Pinne Njaanum.’ The movie established him as a serious actor and his portrayal of a blind street singer was well appreciated by both, critics and audience. He won the Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actor and the Special Jury Award at the National Film Awards. Mani’s performance in this Vinayan directed flick is regarded as the best in his career.

Click on the next slide to know why he's called a versatile actor...

Ben Johnson

This action packed racy entertainer directed by Anil Menon was a breakthrough film for Kalabhavan Mani in the action genre. The song 'Sona Sona' sung by Mani was the highlight of the film, which was well received. It was one of the biggest hits of 2005. The actor with his screen presence, comic timing and action scenes proved he belonged to this genre. Above all, the punch lines written by T.A Shahid were also fairly engrossing, which appealed to the masses and established Kalabhavan as an action star.

Karumadikuttan

This Vinayan directed flick has Mani starring in the lead role of Kuttan. The comedian-turned-action star impressed everyone with his acting skills as he portrayed a 30-year-old with the brain of a 10-year-old. The film received overwhelming reviews; with most of them hailing Mani's flawless performance. The movie was a surprise hit at the box office and the efforts put in by the actor to play the role of a mentally ill person in the film was well appreciated by the critics and audience.

Want to know in which movie Mani rocked in a negative role? Click on the next slide...

Chotta Mumbai

'Chotta Mumbai' starring Mohanlal, Siddique and Saikumar has Mani in a negative role. The role of the corrupt police officer fetched him the national award for Best Villain. The film turned out to be the biggest grosser of 2007 and went on to become a blockbuster. This was definitely one of the roles that were tailor-made for him, and the actor did not disappoint a bit with his flawless performance.

In the next slide, get a glimpse of the emotional side of the star...

Aayirathil Oruvan

Directed by the veteran director Sibi Malayail, 'Aayirathil Oruvan' stars Kalabhavan Mani as Aravindan, a ration shop dealer who is finding it hard to marry off his younger sister. Mani delivered an impeccable performance, that of an ever sacrificing brother who gets himself into a financial mess. The movie was a combination of great performance and a solid script weaved into one. It brilliantly conveys the devastating effects of dowry, debt, and desolation. The film was counted as amongst the most realistic Malayalam films at the time of its release in 2009.