In 2025, Mohanlal reaffirmed his cinematic prowess with diverse roles in L2: Empuraan,Thudarum, and Hridayapoorvam, showcasing his versatility. From the enigmatic hero in Empuraan to the nuanced character in Thudarum and the heartwarming lead in Hridayapoorvam, he captivated audiences. These performances highlighted his enduring relevance, bridging mass appeal and artistic depth within the industry.
Few actors in world cinema, let alone Indian cinema, can claim to command both mass hysteria and critical admiration the way Mohanlal does. With a career spanning over four decades, the legendary Malayalam actor has been celebrated for his unmatched naturalism, screen presence, and ability to slip into any character. Yet, in 2025, Mohanlal has once again reminded audiences why he remains a force of nature by delivering three distinct, varied performances in L2: Empuraan, Thudarum, and Hridayapoorvam.In a single year, he has effortlessly transitioned from the enigmatic, larger-than-life franchise hero in Prithviraj Sukumaran’s L2: Empuraan to a layered character drama in Thudarum, and finally to the tender, emotional heart of Hridayapoorvam. Together, these films not only showcase his range but also underline his continuing relevance in an industry now dominated by younger stars and pan-Indian spectacles.The Phenomenon of L2: EmpuraanWhen Lucifer released in 2019, it redefined the grammar of Malayalam cinema. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, it presented Mohanlal as Stephen Nedumpally suave, mysterious, and politically astute ,a character with layers yet to be unraveled. Six years later, the highly awaited sequel L2: Empuraan arrived in 2025, carrying the weight of massive expectations.Mohanlal’s portrayal of Khureshi-Ab’Ram (the global face of the empire) in Empuraan is nothing short of iconic. Unlike the grounded political thriller tone of Lucifer, L2 widens the canvas into a globe-trotting saga of crime, power, and politics. Here, Mohanlal is required not just to maintain the charisma of a mass superstar but also to inject moral ambiguity into his character. He oscillates between savior and manipulator, hero and anti-hero, never allowing the audience to pin him down.What makes his performance stand out is restraint. In the age of overblown pan-Indian action spectacles, Mohanlal relies on quiet menace, piercing glances, and controlled delivery, making Stephen/Khureshi-Ab’Ram a towering figure. The box office thunder of Empuraan proved that Mohanlal can still headline a blockbuster of massive scale.Thudarum: The Actor’s Actor ReturnsIf Empuraan was Mohanlal the superstar, Thudarum is Mohanlal the actor. Directed by Tharun Moorthy, a new-age filmmaker intent on pushing narrative boundaries, the film strips away the larger-than-life aura and places Mohanlal in a raw, intimate space. Thudarum tells the story of resilience, regret, and relationships, a thriller drama. Critics hailed Thudarum as a reminder of why Mohanlal is regarded as one of the world’s finest natural actors. The subtlety of his expressions, the effortlessness with which he makes the audience empathize with his character’s inner turmoil, and his ability to inhabit every frame without “acting” in the conventional sense these hallmarks once again came to the fore.If Empuraan drew cheers in theaters, Thudarum drew tears and hushed admiration. The contrast between the two releases within months of each other highlighted Mohanlal’s duality: a mass icon who can also be the face of Malayalam cinema’s most sensitive explorations of the human condition.Hridayapoorvam: The Tender HeartJust when one thought the year couldn’t offer more shades of Mohanlal, along came Hridayapoorvam, directed by Sathyan Anthikad. Touted as a heartfelt family comedy drama, the film presented him in yet another light warm, affectionate, and rooted in everyday emotions.Unlike the intense gravitas of Empuraan or the somber depth of Thudarum, Hridayapoorvam allowed Mohanlal to showcase his different side. He plays a loner in the film who has recently undergone a heart transplant and how he understands the importance of relationships in life .Importantly, Hridayapoorvam proved that Mohanlal can still headline films that don’t rely on spectacle or high-stakes drama but on pure emotional storytelling.
The Larger Legacy
Mohanlal’s 2025 is more than just about three films; it’s about a statement. In an era when cinema is increasingly segmented between mass blockbusters and niche arthouse, he has shown that one actor can successfully bridge both worlds. His ability to carry Empuraan, Thudarum and Hridayapoorvam to historic box office numbers even after 4 decades in the business speaks volumes about his craft and love audience has for him.For younger actors, his year stands as a blueprint: stardom need not come at the cost of craft, and reinvention is possible at every stage of a career. As the year draws on, the Malayalam superstar has not just delivered hits; he has delivered a masterclass in versatility, ensuring that his name will echo in the annals of cinema for decades to come. Go to Source
