Editing Mohanlal (section)

==Film career==

===Early years (1978–1985)===
Mohanlal made his acting debut in 1978 with the film ''[[Thiranottam]]'', which was produced and made by Mohanlal and his friends{{mdash}}[[Maniyanpilla Raju]], Suresh Kumar, Unni, [[Priyadarshan]], [[Ravikumar (actor)|Ravi Kumar]] and a few others. Mohanlal played Kuttappan, a mentally disabled servant. Due to some issues with censorship, the film was not released on time. It took 25 years to release the film.<ref name="thiranottam"/>

In 1980, Mohanlal was cast in the lead antagonist role in ''[[Manjil Virinja Pookkal]]'' – the directorial debut of [[Fazil (director)|Fazil]]. The film became a major success.<ref name="toi1">{{cite news|title=Destiny made me an actor: Mohanlal|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Destiny-made-me-an-actor-Mohanlal/articleshow/199817.cms|work=[[The Times of India]]|last=Maya|first=M.|date=24 September 2003|access-date=30 September 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130123747/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Destiny-made-me-an-actor-Mohanlal/articleshow/199817.cms|archive-date=30 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Mohanlal's friends had sent his application in response to an advertisement released by [[Navodaya Studio]].<ref name="mathrubhumi">{{cite news|author=Mathrubhumi|title=മഞ്ഞിൽ വിരിയുന്ന ഓർമ്മകൾ...|trans-title=Remembrance Bloomed in the Mist|url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/travel/columns/mohanlal/mohanlal-malayalam-news-1.36450|work=[[Mathrubhumi]]|language=ml|date=23 February 2011|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115230814/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/travel/columns/mohanlal/mohanlal-malayalam-news-1.36450|archive-date=15 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> He auditioned for the role in front of a panel that included professional directors. Displeased with his appearance, two of them gave him poor marks, but Fazil and Jijo Appachan gave him 90 and 95 marks out of 100.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/12/23/stories/2005122301990100.htm|title=His experiments with cinema|last=Manmadhan|first=Prema|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=23 December 2005|access-date=3 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130130934/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/12/23/stories/2005122301990100.htm|archive-date=30 November 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> In an interview with [[Reader's Digest]] in 2004, Mohanlal said that his looks as a young man might have fit the [[villain]]'s image.<ref name="rd">{{cite web|title=You Cool Cat|url=http://www.rd-india.com/newsite/other/facetoface_july04.asp|publisher=[[Reader's Digest]]|last=Sivanand|first=Mohan|author-link=Mohan Sivanand|access-date=19 April 2010|date=July 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060523070740/http://www.rd-india.com/newsite/other/facetoface_july04.asp|archive-date=23 May 2006}}</ref> His acclaimed negative roles include ''[[Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu]]'' and ''[[Kuyiline Thedi]].''<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 August 2011 |title=Back in action |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/back-in-action/article2346718.ece |access-date=21 March 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=2 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202062049/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/back-in-action/article2346718.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

By 1983, Mohanlal was credited in more than 25 feature films, most of them had him playing negative roles.<ref name="rd"/> Films such as ''[[Ente Mohangal Poovaninju]]'', ''[[Iniyengilum]]'', ''[[Visa (film)|Visa]]'', ''[[Attakkalasham]]'', ''[[Kaliyil Alpam Karyam]]'', ''[[Ente Mamattukkuttiyammakku]]'', ''[[Engane Nee Marakkum]]'', ''[[Unaroo]]'' and ''[[Sreekrishna Parunthu]]'' changed his image.{{vague|date=April 2013|reason=Insufficient context. Were these roles where he was no longer a villain? If so a simple sentence like "Films such as ___ where he played heroic leading roles changed his image." Would need reference to support image change.}} Through Sasikumar's ''[[Ivide Thudangunnu]]'', he became a successful hero with a "good heart". Mohanlal played his first comic lead role in an [[ensemble cast]] in the 1984 comedy ''[[Poochakkoru Mookkuthi]]'', directed by Priyadarshan, as a young man in love with a girl whom he mistakenly believes to be rich.<ref name="25yrs">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/sep/03mohan1.htm|title=25 years, 25 landmarks|work=[[Rediff.com]]|last=Warrior|first=Shobha|date=3 September 2003|access-date=3 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130134455/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/sep/03mohan1.htm|archive-date=30 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> It also marked the beginning of the Mohanlal-Priyadarshan duo, who as of 2016, have worked together in 44 films.<ref>{{cite news|title=Priyan-Mohanlal back after eight years for a comedy|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/141489/priyan-mohanlal-back-eight-years.html|work=[[Deccan Herald]]|agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service]]|access-date=6 May 2012|date=27 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130135839/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/141489/priyan-mohanlal-back-eight-years.html|archive-date=30 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1985, he recorded a song for the film ''[[Onnanam Kunnil Oradi Kunnil]]''.<ref name="25yrs"/> ''[[Uyarangalil]]'', ''[[Nokketha Doorathu Kannum Nattu]]'', ''[[Boeing Boeing (1985 film)|Boeing Boeing]]'' and ''[[Aram + Aram = Kinnaram]]'' were some of his films in this period.

===Established actor (1986–1999)===
During this period, Mohanlal played very different roles in films "made by the great masters", such as [[G. Aravindan]], [[Hariharan (director)|Hariharan]], [[M. T. Vasudevan Nair]], [[Padmarajan]], [[Bharathan]] and [[Lohithadas]].<ref name="hinduinterview"/> Mohanlal, along with actor and scriptwriter [[Sreenivasan]], who played his sidekick in several films, showcased the angst of unemployed, educated [[Malayali]] youth forced to adapt to hostile environments in many realistic social satires,<ref name="toi2">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/Too-bad-if-you-dont-know-this-man/articleshow/1173425.cms|work=[[The Times of India]]|title=Too bad if you don't know this man|last=B.|first=Viju|date=14 January 2007|access-date=20 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120042753/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/Too-bad-if-you-dont-know-this-man/articleshow/1173425.cms|archive-date=20 January 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> some of which were written by Sreenivasan himself.<ref name="udayan">{{cite news|url=http://hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/05/20/stories/2005052003000100.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|last=Pillai|first=Sreedhar|title=The Mohanlal effect|date=20 May 2005|access-date=22 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204154816/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/05/20/stories/2005052003000100.htm|archive-date=4 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1986, he starred in ''[[T. P. Balagopalan M.A.]]'', directed by [[Sathyan Anthikad]], for which he received his first [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor]].<ref name="award1">{{cite web|title=State Film Awards (1986)|url=http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/stateawards2.htm|publisher=[[Department of Information and Public Relations (Kerala)|Department of Information and Public Relations]]|access-date=6 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091119014326/http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/stateawards2.htm|archive-date=19 November 2009}}</ref> He portrayed an unemployed young man who shoulders the responsibility of his family. His performance in ''[[Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam]]'' as a harassed house-owner won him the [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Malayalam)]] in the same year. Mohanlal was given the status of a new Malayalam [[superstar]] by the public after the box office success of ''[[Rajavinte Makan]]'' (1986), in which he played an [[Crime boss|underworld don]], Vincent Gomez. He also starred in the [[tragedy]] ''[[Thalavattom]]'', playing Vinod, a young man who becomes mentally ill upon witnessing his girlfriend's death. He played Solomon in Padmarajan's ''[[Namukku Parkkan Munthirithoppukal]]''. Mohanlal's association with Padmarajan was very well noted because their films told stories that were well and truly ahead of their times and broke many conventional [[stereotype]]s prevailing during that time in the Malayalam film industry. In 1986 alone, Mohanlal appeared in 36 Malayalam films.<ref name="hinduinterview"/>

The following year, Mohanlal starred with [[Sreenivasan]] and [[Shobana]] in the Sathyan Anthikad comedy ''[[Nadodikkattu]]'', which became a box office success. Mohanlal and Sreenivasan reprised their roles as the detectives [[Dasan and Vijayan]] respectively in its sequels; ''[[Pattanapravesham]]'' (1988) and ''[[Akkare Akkare Akkare]]'' (1990). ''[[Thoovanathumbikal]]'', directed by Padmarajan, in which he portrayed a person torn between his twin love interests, broke many stereotypes in Indian films,<ref name="toi2"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Mohanlal, still raring to go at 53|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/photos/mohanlal-still-raring-to-go-at-53-10492|access-date=21 May 2013|work=[[NDTV]]|date=21 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204155948/http://movies.ndtv.com/photos/mohanlal-still-raring-to-go-at-53-10492|archive-date=4 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> such as, the leading man falling in love with a second woman immediately after he is rejected by the first, and of a man falling in love with a sex worker. The [[romantic comedy]] ''[[Chithram]]'', released in 1988, played for 366 days in a theatre, becoming the longest-running Malayalam film.<ref name="25yrs"/> Mohanlal won a [[Kerala State Film Award (Special Jury Award)|Kerala State Special Jury Award]] in 1988 for his acting in ''[[Padamudra (film)|Padamudra]]'', ''[[Aryan (1988 film)|Aryan]]'', ''[[Vellanakalude Nadu]]'', ''[[Ulsavapittennu]]'' and ''Chithram''.<ref name="award1"/>

In 1989, the combination of the writer [[Lohitha Das]] and director [[Sibi Malayil]] created the character Sethumadhavan, a person who dreams of becoming a police officer, but ends up as a criminal, in the tragedy ''[[Kireedam (1989 film)|Kireedam]]''. The role earned Mohanlal a [[National Film Award – Special Mention (Feature Film)|National Film Special Jury Mention]].<ref name="25yrs"/> Mohanlal later recalled that his portrayal of Sethumadhavan's mental agony, commended as a natural performance, was spontaneous and that he "did what Sethumadhavan, my character, would have done in such a situation", adding that acting was "akin to entering another person's body."<ref name="hinduinterview"/> In the same year, he acted in a film which became a commercial success, ''[[Varavelpu]]'', which tells the story of a man who earned money working in the [[Persian Gulf|Gulf]] and came back home to enjoy his life with his family. He bought a bus, which eventually gets him into trouble. The former [[Prime Minister of India]], [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]], mentioned the film as an example of ignorance by Malayali towards global economic changes during the inauguration of the Global Investor Meet held at [[Kochi]] on 18 January 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/jan/18gim.htm|title=Kerala ignores global economic changes: PM|work=[[Rediff.com]]|date=18 January 2003|access-date=20 January 2008|author=Press Trust of India|author-link=Press Trust of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204162257/http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/jan/18gim.htm|archive-date=4 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=PIB Press Releases: Prime Minister Inaugurates Global Investors Meet|url=http://pib.nic.in/archive/releases98/lyr2003/rjan2003/18012003/r180120031.html|location=[[Kochi]]|publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]]|date=18 January 2003|access-date=18 January 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204172357/http://pib.nic.in/archive/releases98/lyr2003/rjan2003/18012003/r180120031.html|archive-date=4 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1989, he starred in another one of Padmarajan's movies; ''Season''.

In the early 1990s, Mohanlal acted in a number of commercial films, such as ''[[His Highness Abdullah]]'', ''[[Mithunam (1993 film)|Midhunam]]'' and ''[[No.20 Madras Mail]]''. ''His Highness Abdullah'' was the first independent production of Mohanlal under his company [[Pranavam Arts International]]. Mohanlal appeared in Bharathan's ''[[Thazhvaram]]'' in 1990, as a widower seeking revenge for the murder of his wife by his most trusted friend. His romantic comedy ''[[Kilukkam]]'' in 1991 won him a State Film Award for Best Actor. The film is considered one of the greatest comedy films of all time in Malayalam. It also became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of the time. In 1991, Mohanlal produced and starred in ''[[Bharatham]]'', which is interpreted as a modern-day adaptation of the ''[[Ramayana]]'' from [[Bharata (Ramayana)|Bharath]]'s perspective. The film was a critical and commercial success, with his role as a [[Carnatic Music|Carnatic singer]] who is burdened by a jealous brother, earning him the [[National Film Award for Best Actor]] for that year.<ref name="ndtvgoodtimes">{{cite news|url=http://goodtimes.ndtv.com/PhotoDetail.aspx?Page=2&ID=10492&AlbumType=PG#talk|title=Malayalam cinema's invincible star turns 51|work=[[NDTV Good Times]]|date=21 May 2011|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401141453/http://goodtimes.ndtv.com/PhotoDetail.aspx?Page=2&ID=10492&AlbumType=PG#talk|archive-date=1 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Warrier|first=Shobha|title=An interview with Lohitadas, director of the Malayalam film, Bhoothakkannadi|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/aug/11lo1.htm|work=[[Rediff.com]]|access-date=24 January 2016|date=22 August 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220111815/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/aug/11lo1.htm|archive-date=20 February 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> His role in Bharatham was listed among the "25 Greatest Acting Performances of [[Cinema of India|Indian cinema]]" by [[Forbes India]] on the occasion of celebrating 100 years of Indian Cinema.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Prasad|first1=Shishir|last2=Ramanath|first2=N. S.|last3=Mitter|first3=Sohini|title=25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema|url=http://www.forbesindia.com/article/100-years-of-indian-cinema/25-greatest-acting-performances-of-indian-cinema/35125/0|work=[[Forbes India]]|access-date=11 January 2017|date=27 April 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141028052937/http://forbesindia.com/article/100-years-of-indian-cinema/25-greatest-acting-performances-of-indian-cinema/35125/0|archive-date=28 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> He portrayed a [[Bharatanatyam]] dancer in ''[[Kamaladalam]]''(1992). He took help from his choreographer and his co-actors and professional dancers [[Vineeth]] and [[Monisha]] for enacting the dance scenes.<ref name = "hinduinterview">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/acting-is-a-bit-like-meditation/article2273126.ece|title=Acting is a bit like meditation|work=[[The Hindu]]|last=Kumar|first=P. K. Ajith|date=27 July 2007|access-date=27 July 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204170644/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/acting-is-a-bit-like-meditation/article2273126.ece|archive-date=4 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Rajashilpi]]'', ''[[Sadayam]]'', ''[[Yodha (1992 film)|Yoddha]]'', and ''[[Vietnam Colony]]'' were his other films released in 1992. The drama ''[[Devaasuram]]'' (1993), written by [[Ranjith (director)|Ranjith]] and directed by [[I. V. Sasi]], was one of Mohanlal's most successful films and is regarded as a [[cult classic]].<ref name="ndtvgoodtimes"/>

In 1994, Mohanlal starred in the lead role as Dr. Sunny Joseph in the [[Fazil (director)|Fazil]]-directed cult classic ''[[Manichitrathazhu]]'', as a psychiatrist. ''[[Spadikam]]'' was a 1995 work for which he won his third Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor and fifth Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Malayalam) for his portrayal of Thomas "Aadu Thoma" Chacko, a young man who becomes a thug, estranged from his father, upon failing to meet the latter's high expectations. In 1996, Mohanlal starred in Priyadarshan's ''[[Kaalapani]]'', an epic film about the prisoners in the [[Cellular Jail]] of [[Port Blair]] and Lohithadas's ''[[Kanmadam]]'' (1998). He played the lead role in ''[[Guru (1997 film)|Guru]]'', directed by [[Rajiv Anchal]] in 1997. The film was chosen as [[List of Indian submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|India's official entry to the Oscars]] to be considered for nomination in the [[Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|Best Foreign Language Film]] category for 1997.

Mohanlal acted in his first non-Malayalam film in 1997, in the [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]] [[biographical film]] ''[[Iruvar]]'', directed by [[Mani Ratnam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/dec/07ash.htm|title=Ash's Hollywood debut in mid-2003|work=[[Rediff.com]]|last=Chand|first=Fakir|date=7 December 2002|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204172636/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/dec/07ash.htm|archive-date=4 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The film, in which Mohanlal depicted an actor who turns to politics (based on the life of [[M. G. Ramachandran]]), was a critical success and won many awards including the Best Film award at the [[FEST (Belgrade)|Belgrade International Film Festival]] and two National Film Awards.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/F4AF25E8DDFA9E8F6525694100207BAB|title=Censors refer Iruvar to home dept|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=28 February 1997|access-date=6 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405022505/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/F4AF25E8DDFA9E8F6525694100207BAB|archive-date=5 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/jun/09/slide-show-1-looking-at-mani-ratnams-landmark-movies.htm|title=Looking at Mani Ratnam's landmark movies|work=[[Rediff.com]]|date=9 June 2010|access-date=6 May 2012|first=Pavithra|last=Srinivasan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204173521/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/jun/09/slide-show-1-looking-at-mani-ratnams-landmark-movies.htm|archive-date=4 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1998, he produced and starred in ''[[Harikrishnans]]'', co-starring [[Mammootty]] and [[Juhi Chawla]]. The film was a commercial success, but was not well received by critics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/mar/11moh1.htm|title=Nothing, neither criticism nor compliment, affects me|work=[[Rediff.com]]|last=Warrier|first=Shobha|date=11 March 1999|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204174203/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/mar/11moh1.htm|archive-date=4 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The film had dual [[climax (narrative)|climaxes]], which were screened in different regions, based on the popularity of the two lead actors in each particular region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/sep/14hari.htm|title=The win-win situation|work=[[Rediff.com]]|last=Jose|first=D.|date=14 September 1998|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204174523/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/sep/14hari.htm|archive-date=4 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> This, however, became controversial and took a communal turn when lawsuits were filed claiming that prints exhibited in [[Hindu]]-dominated areas showed Mohanlal marrying the heroine, whereas the ones in [[Muslim]]-dominated areas showed Mammootty marrying her. The major issue was that the film showed uncensored scenes, as the submitted cut of the film to the [[Central Board of Film Certification]] was the version in which Mohanlal wins the leading lady. Hence they were forced to remove the Mammootty version from theatres, replacing it with the original. However, in television premieres, both film versions were shown.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/oct/06hari.htm|title=Double trouble|work=[[Rediff.com]]|last=Jose|first=D.|date=6 October 1998|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204174801/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/oct/06hari.htm|archive-date=4 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mohanlal depicted a [[Kathakali]] artist whose personal life is a tragedy in the 1999 [[France–India relations|Indo-French]] [[historical drama|period drama]] ''[[Vanaprastham]]'', produced by him and directed by [[Shaji N. Karun]]. It won him the second National Award for Best Actor and was the first film that got him international recognition by screening in various Film festivals. The film was selected for the competitive section at the [[Cannes Film Festival]] and his performance was critically acclaimed. It also earned him his fourth Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor, second National Film Award for Best Actor and sixth Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Malayalam).<ref name="rd"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2000/07/28/stories/09280226.htm|title=Accolades are a norm|work=[[The Hindu]]|last=Narasimham|first=M. L.|date=28 July 2000|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204175519/http://www.thehindu.com/2000/07/28/stories/09280226.htm|archive-date=4 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2000/07/14/stories/09140221.htm|title=On a winning spree|work=[[The Hindu]]|last=Santhosh|first=K.|date=14 July 2000|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204175307/http://www.thehindu.com/2000/07/14/stories/09140221.htm|archive-date=4 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Vanaprastham'' was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the [[American Film Institute|AFI Fest]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Philip|first=Benson|title=Must Watch International Award Winning Malayalam Films|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/must-watch-international-award-winning-malayalam-films/photostory/52255815.cms|access-date=11 January 2017|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=13 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113194956/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/must-watch-international-award-winning-malayalam-films/photostory/52255815.cms|archive-date=13 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Vanaprastham'' was screened in retrospective, during the 2014 [[International Film Festival of India]] in the 'Celebrating Dance in Indian Cinema' section.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Cinema Catalogue 2014|url=http://www.iffi.nic.in/Indian%20Cinema%20Catalogue%202014.pdf|publisher=[[International Film Festival of India]]|date=20 November 2014|access-date=16 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316163822/http://www.iffi.nic.in/Indian%20Cinema%20Catalogue%202014.pdf|archive-date=16 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Career expansion (2000–2009)===
[[File:Mohanlal and Madhu.jpg|thumb|alt=Mohanlal talking to actor Madhu
|Mohanlal and [[Madhu (actor)|Madhu]] at [[Association of Malayalam Movie Artists|AMMA]] General Body meeting, 2008]]
In 2000, Mohanlal starred in ''[[Narasimham (film)|Narasimham]]'', playing a rogue with a good heart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl1715/17151210.htm|publisher=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]|title=Greasepaint, and beyond|last=Krishnankumar|first=R.|date=22 July 2000|access-date=20 March 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204190956/http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl1715/17151210.htm|archive-date=4 December 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> It became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time.<ref name="narasimham">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/jan/24mallu.htm|title=Sleaze time, folks!|work=[[Rediff.com]]|last=Ayyappan|first=R.|date=24 January 2001|access-date=3 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204191304/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/jan/24mallu.htm|archive-date=4 December 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> In the next two years, Mohanlal was [[Typecasting (acting)|typecasted]] in similar larger-than-life [[action hero]] roles in films such as ''[[Ravanaprabhu]]'' (2001), ''[[Praja]]'' (2001), ''[[Onnaman]]'' (2002), ''[[Thandavam]]'' (2002) and ''[[Chathurangam (2002 film)|Chathurangam]]'' (2002). Except for ''Ravanaprabhu'', these films were widely criticised for their repetitive plots, lewd dialogues, punch lines and male chauvinistic outlook.<ref name="narasimham"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/thandavam-review-malayalam-pclutucejjhjc.html|title=Thandavam|website=[[Sify]]|date=16 August 2002|access-date=6 May 2012|author=Moviebuzz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204191733/http://www.sify.com/movies/thandavam-review-malayalam-pclutucejjhjc.html|archive-date=4 December 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/praja-review-malayalam-pclunFceecebe.html|title=Praja|website=[[Sify]]|author=Moviebuzz|date=24 December 2001|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204191837/http://www.sify.com/movies/praja-review-malayalam-pclunFceecebe.html|archive-date=4 December 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> A critic from ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' wrote: "The ''Narasimham'' hangover is terrifically strong and it has, at least for the moment, killed the prospects of good films. I don't see any other reason for the failure of well made female-oriented films like ''[[Mazha]]'' and ''[[Madhuranombarakkattu]]''".<ref name="narasimham"/>

In 2002, Mohanlal played Sreenivasan [[Indian Police Service|IPS]], a [[Mumbai]] police officer,<ref name="rd"/> in his first [[Bollywood]] film ''[[Company (2002 film)|Company]]'', which introduced him to the [[Hindi]]-speaking audience in India and for which he won the [[International Indian Film Academy Awards]] (IIFA) and [[Star Screen Award]] for Best Supporting Actor.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/bold-themes-different-roles/article3218428.ece|title=Bold themes, different roles|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=9 June 2006|access-date=3 March 2011|last=Nagarajan|first=Saraswathy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204192315/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/bold-themes-different-roles/article3218428.ece|archive-date=4 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/content/image_galleries/iifa_red_carpet_gallery.shtml?4|title=Stars arrive at IIFA awards|work=[[BBC]]|access-date=3 March 2011|archive-date=22 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722194226/http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/content/image_galleries/iifa_red_carpet_gallery.shtml?4|url-status=live}}</ref> The film dealt with the real-life story of two underworld dons who ruled Mumbai (played by [[Ajay Devgan|Ajay Devgn]] and [[Vivek Oberoi]]). Mohanlal's performance was well received. ''[[The Hindu]]'' noted that the actor is "at his natural best" and "does not look stifled or anxious as other [[South India]]n stars do when they appear in a Hindi movie for the first time".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/04/22/stories/2002042200750300.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|last=Palicha|first=Paresh C.|title=Mohanlal at ease in Company|date=22 April 2002|access-date=20 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204193002/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/04/22/stories/2002042200750300.htm|archive-date=4 December 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In a 2010 online poll by Hindifilmnews.com, Mohanlal's performance in ''Company'' was chosen as "The Finest Performance of a Bollywood Actor in the Last Decade (2001–2010)". He was No. 1 in the audiences' list and maintained No. 6 in the critics' list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindifilmnews.com/polls-2/poll-5-the-finest-performance-of-a-bollywood-actor-in-the-last-decade-2001-2010/#.UNNmrXdTGSo|title=Poll-5: The Finest Performance of a Bollywood Actor in the Last Decade (2001–2010)|publisher=Hindifilmnews.com|access-date=21 December 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627120413/http://www.hindifilmnews.com/polls-2/poll-5-the-finest-performance-of-a-bollywood-actor-in-the-last-decade-2001-2010/#.UNNmrXdTGSo|archive-date=27 June 2013}}</ref>

The following year, Mohanlal, trying to change his action hero image,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/11/28/stories/2002112800890403.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Superstars running scared?|date=28 November 2002|access-date=22 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204200806/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/11/28/stories/2002112800890403.htm|archive-date=4 December 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> returned to comedic roles with ''[[Kilichundan Mampazham]]'', ''[[Balettan]]'', ''[[Hariharan Pillai Happy Aanu]]'' and ''[[Mr. Brahmachari]]''. ''Kilichundan Mampazham'', promoted as a comeback vehicle for the actor, received good reviews and a decent box office collection.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/04/24/stories/2003042400120203.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|last=Pillai|first=Sreedhar|title=Box-office update|date=28 April 2003|access-date=24 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204201012/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/04/24/stories/2003042400120203.htm|archive-date=4 December 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/kilichundan-mambazham-review-malayalam-pclu1idhbfgij.html|title=Kilichundan Mambazham|website=[[Sify]]|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204202732/http://www.sify.com/movies/kilichundan-mambazham-review-malayalam-pclu1idhbfgij.html|archive-date=4 December 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Balettan]]'', directed by [[V. M. Vinu]], was also a commercial success.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/01/01/stories/2004010101290200.htm|title=Tinsel world sees a bright picture|work=[[The Hindu Business Line]]|last1=Venkatraman|first1=Latha|last2=Radhakrishnan|first2=Sankar|date=1 January 2004|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100307015933/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/01/01/stories/2004010101290200.htm|archive-date=7 March 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> Mohanlal played Athanipparambil Balachandran, a bank employee always willing to lend a helping hand to others, who is forced to hide many secrets after his father's death leading to his family's mistrust.<ref name="balettan">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2003/09/04/stories/2003090401100200.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Mohanlal back to 'chammal' role|last1=Abhijath|last2=Ram|date=4 September 2003|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060628023259/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2003/09/04/stories/2003090401100200.htm|archive-date=28 June 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2004, ''[[Natturajavu]]'' and ''[[Mambazhakkalam]]'' were his only successes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/malayalam-cinema-analysis-2004-news-malayalam-kkfvAKceaeasi.html|title=Malayalam cinema- Analysis 2004!|website=[[Sify]]|author=Moviebuzz|date=1 January 2005|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204202246/http://www.sify.com/movies/malayalam-cinema-analysis-2004-news-malayalam-kkfvAKceaeasi.html|archive-date=4 December 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Mohanlal appeared in the 2005 [[black comedy]] ''[[Udayananu Tharam]]'' as an aspiring film director. It was well received by critics and performed well even in places where Malayalam films do not run in regular shows, such as [[Vadodara]], [[Rajkot]], [[Pune]] and [[Ahmedabad]].<ref name="udayan"/> In the same year, he appeared in director [[Blessy]]'s second film ''[[Thanmathra]]'', a film that tells the story of an individual suffering from [[Alzheimer's disease]]. The film received positive reviews and Mohanlal's performance was highly praised by critics.<ref name="thanmatra">{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/feb/15sd1.htm|title=Exclusive! Mohanlal on Thanmatra|work=[[Rediff.com]]|last=Warrier|first=Shobha|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204195922/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/feb/15sd1.htm|archive-date=4 December 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Mohanlal won his fifth [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor]] and seventh [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Malayalam)|Filmfare Award for Best Actor]] for his performance. In the movie, his character does not speak in the second half.<ref name="thanmatra"/><ref name="hindu2"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/blessy/20060308.htm|title=Blessy: Thrilled about winning|work=[[Rediff.com]]|first=Paresh C.|last=Palicha|date=8 March 2006|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204195711/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/blessy/20060308.htm|archive-date=4 December 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2006, he worked with director [[Sathyan Anthikkad]] in ''[[Rasathanthram]]'', a family drama. Mohanlal also acted in ''[[Keerthi Chakra (film)|Kirtichakra]]'', by director [[Major Ravi]], in which he plays an [[Indian Army]] officer, [[Major Mahadevan]]. The film was shot in [[Kashmir]], and was a notable commercial success.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/superstars-continue-their-reign/article3231843.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Superstars continue their reign|date=29 December 2006|access-date=30 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204195419/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/superstars-continue-their-reign/article3231843.ece|archive-date=4 December 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> A [[dubbing (filmmaking)|dubbed]] Tamil version of the film was released in [[Tamil Nadu]] as ''[[Aran (film)|Aran]]'', but Mohanlal disassociated himself with the film since his voice was not used, stating that "I prefer to speak for my role in the film."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/mohanlal-dissociates-himself-from-aran/article3087136.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Mohanlal dissociates himself from 'Aran'|last=Kumar|first=S. R. Ashok|date=8 August 2006|access-date=8 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204195238/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/mohanlal-dissociates-himself-from-aran/article3087136.ece|archive-date=4 December 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Mohanlal also acted in the sequels ''[[Kurukshetra (2008 film)|Kurukshetra]]'' (2008) and ''[[Kandahar (2010 film)|Kandahar]]'' (2010) in the Major Mahadevan series. In 2009, the Indian government conferred him with the honorary title of [[lieutenant colonel]] in the [[Territorial Army (India)|Indian Territorial Army]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2013/sep/04/mohanlals-fb-page-crosses-one-million-fans-513324.html|title=Mohanlal's FB page crosses one million fans|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=4 September 2013|access-date=20 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204195045/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2013/sep/04/Mohanlals-FB-page-crosses-one-million-fans-513324.html|archive-date=4 December 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2007, Mohanlal won the [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor]] for his performance in ''[[Paradesi (2007 film)|Paradesi]]'', directed by [[P. T. Kunju Muhammed]]. [[Sify.com]] stated that "Mohanlal is mesmerising and reinvents the idiom of acting once more with feeling." His July release ''[[Hallo (2007 film)|Hallo]]'' became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of the year.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120721033050/http://www.bharatwaves.com/news/Mohanlal%E2%80%99s-Hello:-biggest-Mollywood-hit-of-2007-7964.html "Malayalam Cinema News : Mohanlal's 'Hello': biggest Mollywood hit of 2007".] Bharatwaves.com. Retrieved 15 January 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.sify.com/movies/pardesi-review-malayalam-14542769.html Movie Review:Pardesi] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222221213/http://www.sify.com/movies/pardesi-review-malayalam-14542769.html |date=22 December 2013 }}. Sify.com. Retrieved on 6 May 2012.</ref> In August that year, he appeared in his second [[Bollywood]] film ''[[Aag (2007 film)|Aag]]'', (also called ''Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag''), a remake of the Bollywood classic ''[[Sholay]]'' (1975). Mohanlal reprised the role played by [[Sanjeev Kumar]] from the original.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=214 |title=Boxofficeindia.com |publisher=[[Box Office India]] |access-date=12 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109040918/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=214 |archive-date=9 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2008, Mohanlal did the lead role in the multi-starrer blockbuster ''[[Twenty:20 (film)|Twenty:20]]'' and in 2009, he co-starred with [[Kamal Haasan]] in the Tamil film ''[[Unnaipol Oruvan (2009 film)|Unnaipol Oruvan]]''. His last film of the year, ''[[Evidam Swargamanu]]'', was directed by [[Rosshan Andrrews]].

===Continued commercial success (2010–2015)===
[[File:Bachan mohanlal.jpg|thumb|Mohanlal with [[Amitabh Bachchan]]|alt=Mohanlal with the Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan]]
In 2010, he acted in five films, the first being ''[[Janakan]]'', a crime thriller in which he co-starred with [[Suresh Gopi]], written by [[S. N. Swamy|S. N Swamy]]. In the film, he played Adv. Surya Narayanan encounters some runaway suspects as they approach him for justice. [[Alexander the Great (2010 film)|''Alexander the Great'']], directed by Murali Nagavally was a comical racy entertainer released in May. ''[[Oru Naal Varum]]'', directed by [[T. K. Rajeev Kumar|T. K Rajeev Kumar]], scripted by [[Sreenivasan]] and produced by [[Maniyanpilla Raju]], was a social satire about [[corruption in India]]. It reunited the much-adored classic combo of Mohanlal-[[Sreenivasan]] onscreen. His next film was ''[[Shikkar]],'' a dark revenge thriller directed by [[M. Padmakumar]], in which he played a lorry driver who is haunted by his past. The film topped at the [[Ramadan|Ramzan]] box office.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14957248&cid=14625530|title = Kerala Box-Office (September 1 to 16)|date = 18 September 2010|access-date = 11 October 2014|website = [[Sify]]|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141028080936/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14957248&cid=14625530|archive-date = 28 October 2014|url-status = dead}}</ref> It was followed by [[Kandahar (2010 film)|''Kandahar'']], a war film directed by [[Major Ravi]], based on the hijacking of [[Indian Airlines Flight 814]] in 1999. Mohanlal reprised the role of [[Major Mahadevan]] in the film. It was the third installment in the [[Major Mahadevan|Major Mahadevan film series]], and the debut Malayalam film of [[Amitabh Bachchan]].

Mohanlal's first release in 2011 was the multi-starrer ''[[Christian Brothers (film)|Christian Brothers]]'', an [[Action film|action drama]] directed by [[Joshiy]] and scripted by [[Udayakrishna-Siby K. Thomas]], in which he co-starred with [[Suresh Gopi]], [[Dileep (actor)|Dileep]] and [[Sarath Kumar]]. Released worldwide in March across 300 screens, which was the largest release for a Malayalam film at the time,<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Can-Mohanlal-pull-it-off/articleshow/7734697.cms|title = Can Mohanlal pull it off?|date = 18 March 2011|work = [[The Times of India]]|access-date = 12 October 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161205101608/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Can-Mohanlal-pull-it-off/articleshow/7734697.cms|archive-date = 5 December 2016|url-status = live}}</ref> this racy film was a commercial success and one of the top grossing Malayalam films of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-christian-brothers/20110318.htm|title = Review: Christian Brothers is entertaining|date = 18 March 2011|work = rediff.com|access-date = 12 October 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141019005606/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-christian-brothers/20110318.htm|archive-date = 19 October 2014|url-status = live}}</ref> His [[Vishu]] (April) release was ''[[China Town (2011 film)|China Town]]'', another multi-starrer in which he co-starred with [[Jayaram]] and [[Dileep (actor)|Dileep]], which was a comedy film directed by [[Rafi Mecartin]]. Despite mixed reviews, the film ran over 100 days and became one of the highest grossing Malayalam films of the year.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://ibnlive.in.com/news/2011-was-troublesome-for-malayalam-films/217739-8-70.html|title = 2011 was troublesome for Malayalam films|publisher = ibnlive.in.com|access-date = 12 October 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141023221826/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/2011-was-troublesome-for-malayalam-films/217739-8-70.html|archive-date = 23 October 2014|url-status = dead}}</ref> He starred in ''[[Pranayam (2011 film)|Pranayam]]'', released in August, an off-beat [[romantic drama]] directed by [[Blessy]]. It was a love story between three aged characters played by Mohanlal, [[Anupam Kher]] and [[Jayapradha]]. The film was highly acclaimed by critics and Mohanlal's performance as Mathews was well appreciated.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/english/movies/malayalam/123816/ |title=Mohanlal, Blessy bag Critics award |date=18 May 2012 |publisher=mathrubhumi.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529040906/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/english/movies/malayalam/123816/ |archive-date=29 May 2012  }}</ref> His next film ''[[Snehaveedu]]'', was directed by [[Sathyan Anthikkadu]],<ref>[http://www.sify.com/movies/snehaveedu-review-malayalam-14980318.html Movie Review: Snehaveedu] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011085931/http://www.sify.com/movies/snehaveedu-review-malayalam-14980318.html |date=11 October 2013 }}. Sify.com. Retrieved on 6 May 2012.</ref> a family film in the background of a village in [[Palakkad]]. For the first time, actress [[Sheela]] shared screen space with Mohanlal. She played his mother. ''Snehaveedu'' is credited as his 300th film.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.sify.com/movies/sneha-veedu-mohanlal-s-300th-film-imagegallery-malayalam-ljtmomdedidsi.html|title = Sneha Veedu Mohanlal's 300th film|access-date = 12 October 2014|website = [[Sify]]|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141028081228/http://www.sify.com/movies/sneha-veedu-mohanlal-s-300th-film-imagegallery-malayalam-ljtmomdedidsi.html|archive-date = 28 October 2014|url-status = dead}}</ref> The film was a hit.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14981090&cid=14625530|title = Kerala Box-Office- September 12 to October 8|date = 12 October 2011|website = [[Sify]]|access-date = 12 October 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141028081231/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14981090&cid=14625530|archive-date = 28 October 2014|url-status = dead}}</ref> His last movie that year was ''[[Oru Marubhoomikkadha]]'', directed by [[Priyadarshan]], which was an [[action comedy film|action comedy]] thriller entirely set in the [[Middle East]]. It marked the return of the Priyadarshan-Mohanlal-[[Mukesh (actor)|Mukesh]] combo of the late 1980s and 90s. The film performed well at the Christmas-New Year's box office.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14989183&cid=14625530|title = Kerala Box-Office – Dec 16 to Jan 11|date = 19 January 2012|access-date = 12 October 2014|website = [[Sify]]|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141028081233/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14989183&cid=14625530|archive-date = 28 October 2014|url-status = dead}}</ref>

In 2012, he acted in six films. His first release was the much hyped big-budget [[romantic thriller]] film ''[[Casanovva]]'', directed by [[Rosshan Andrrews]] and written by [[Bobby–Sanjay|Bobby-Sanjay]]. He enacted the role of Casanova, a serial womaniser and the owner of Casanova's Eternal Spring – an international chain of flower boutiques. Later, he appeared in a cameo role in the Bollywood movie ''[[Tezz]]'', which was released in April and directed by [[Priyadarshan]]. His next film was the [[B.&nbsp;Unnikrishnan]]-directorial ''[[Grandmaster (2012 film)|Grandmaster]]'', a [[neo-noir]] [[Crime film|crime]] [[Thriller film|thriller]] about a cop who is forced to investigate a series of murders. Mohanlal's well-tempered, calm and subdued acting was appreciated by the critics.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-mohanlal-excels-in-grandmaster/20120504.htm|title = Review: Mohanlal excels in Grandmaster|date = 4 May 2012|access-date = 12 October 2014|work = rediff.com|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141018235924/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-mohanlal-excels-in-grandmaster/20120504.htm|archive-date = 18 October 2014|url-status = live}}</ref> Produced by [[UTV Motion Pictures]], it was the first Malayalam film to be released through [[Netflix]], and made available in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Prakash|first=Asha|title=How about paying for viewing films online?|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/How-about-paying-for-viewing-films-online/articleshow/16322780.cms|access-date=24 November 2016|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=10 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031085616/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/How-about-paying-for-viewing-films-online/articleshow/16322780.cms|archive-date=31 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Spirit (2012 film)|Spirit]]'', directed by [[Ranjith (director)|Ranjith]], talked about the increasing habit of alcoholism in [[Kerala]]. The film was exempted from the entertainment tax by the state government for creating social awareness in the society.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://ibnlive.in.com/news/malayalam-film-spirit-exempted-from-tax/267983-71-210.html|title = Malayalam film 'Spirit' exempted from tax|date = 26 June 2012|publisher = ibnlive.in.com|access-date = 12 October 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141023161143/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/malayalam-film-spirit-exempted-from-tax/267983-71-210.html|archive-date = 23 October 2014|url-status = dead}}</ref> The film completed a 125-day theatrical run in Kerala and became a commercial success.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://ibnlive.in.com/news/spirit-completes-100-day-run-on-box-office/293536-71-210.html|title = Spirit: Completes 100 day run on Box office|date = 20 September 2012|publisher = ibnlive.in.com|access-date = 12 October 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141023115500/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/spirit-completes-100-day-run-on-box-office/293536-71-210.html|archive-date = 23 October 2014|url-status = dead}}</ref> ''[[Run Baby Run (2012 film)|Run Baby Run]]'', released during the [[Onam]] festival, was a [[comedy thriller]] directed by [[Joshiy]]. It featured the news media as the background. The film was well appreciated by critics, remarking that it was as an example of a well-crafted thriller.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://ibnlive.in.com/news/malayalam-review-run-baby-run-is-gripping-thriller/287092-71-212.html|title = Malayalam Review: 'Run Baby Run' is a gripping thriller|date = 31 August 2012|access-date = 12 October 2014|publisher = ibnlive.in.com|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141023161149/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/malayalam-review-run-baby-run-is-gripping-thriller/287092-71-212.html|archive-date = 23 October 2014|url-status = dead}}</ref> It became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of the year.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://ibnlive.in.com/news/run-baby-run-to-trivandrum-lodge-mohanlal-is-giving-back-to-back-hits/299788-71-210.html|title = 'Run Baby Run' to 'Trivandrum lodge', Mohanlal is giving back to back hits|date = 10 October 2012|publisher = ibnlive.in.com|access-date = 12 October 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141023161157/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/run-baby-run-to-trivandrum-lodge-mohanlal-is-giving-back-to-back-hits/299788-71-210.html|archive-date = 23 October 2014|url-status = dead}}</ref> The year ended with the Christmas release ''[[Karmayodha]]'', directed by [[Major Ravi]], an action thriller in which he played Mad Maddy, an encounter specialist who is assigned to investigate the disappearance of a teenage school girl in [[Mumbai]]. The film dealt with the [[discrimination against women]].

[[File:Mohanlal.jpg|thumb|upright|left|alt=Photograph taken from an angle highlighting his face|Mohanlal at the [[International Film Festival of Kerala|17th International Film Festival of Kerala]] in 2012]]

2013 was a remarkable year for Mohanlal, it was the year in which the all-time blockbuster of Malayalam film, ''[[Drishyam]]'' released. His first film of the year was ''[[Lokpal (film)|Lokpal]]'', a vigilante thriller in which he played a vigilante nicknamed "Lokpal". It was directed by [[Joshiy]] and written by [[S. N. Swamy]]. ''[[Red Wine (2013 film)|Red Wine]]'', directed by [[Salam Bappu]], was a non-linear investigation thriller based on a political murder. ''[[Ladies and Gentleman]]'', directed by [[Siddique (director)|Siddique]], was a romantic comedy film set in the backdrop of IT companies.'' ''[[Geethaanjali]], a horror thriller directed by [[Priyadarsan]], was a spin-off of the Malayalam classic film ''[[Manichitrathazhu]]'', in which he reprised the role of Dr. Sunny from the original. His last release was ''[[Drishyam]]'', directed by [[Jeethu Joseph]]. It grossed {{INR}}75&nbsp;crore worldwide and became the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever, until 2016.<ref>{{cite news|author=DC|title=Mohanlal's Pulimurugan becomes first Malayalam film to gross over 100 crore rupees|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/mollywood/071116/mohanlals-pulimurugan-becomes-first-malayalam-film-to-gross-over-100-crore-rupees.html|access-date=12 January 2017|work=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=7 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122062944/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/mollywood/071116/mohanlals-pulimurugan-becomes-first-malayalam-film-to-gross-over-100-crore-rupees.html|archive-date=22 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2014, he starred in the [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]] action-drama ''[[Jilla]]'', alongside [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]], directed by [[R. T. Neason]] and produced by [[R. B. Choudary]].<ref>{{cite news|title=First Day Box Office Collections of 'Jilla' and 'Veeram'|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140111/entertainment-kollywood/article/first-day-box-office-collections-jilla-and-veeram|publisher=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=15 January 2014|access-date=17 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006104616/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140111/entertainment-kollywood/article/first-day-box-office-collections-jilla-and-veeram|archive-date=6 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Pongal releases 'Jilla', 'Veeram' gold spinners|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Pongal-releases-Jilla-Veeram-gold-spinners/articleshow/28882331.cms|publisher=timesofindia.indiatimes.com|author=IANS|date=16 January 2014|access-date=17 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801011522/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Pongal-releases-Jilla-Veeram-gold-spinners/articleshow/28882331.cms|archive-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was a commercial success, grossing over {{INR}}85&nbsp;crore worldwide,<ref>{{cite news|last=Mehta|first=Ankita|title='Jilla' Box Office Collection: Vijay-Mohanlal Starrer Wins BO Battle|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/jilla-box-office-collection-vijay-mohanlal-starrer-wins-bo-battle-537429|access-date=12 January 2017|work=[[International Business Times]]|date=5 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215001253/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/jilla-box-office-collection-vijay-mohanlal-starrer-wins-bo-battle-537429|archive-date=15 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and completed 100 days theatrical run in [[Chennai]], Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite news|title='Ilayathalapathy' Vijay-Mohanlal's 'Jilla' Set to Complete 100-Day Theatrical Run|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/039ilayathalapathy039-vijay-mohanlal039s-039jilla039-set-to-complete-100-day-theatrical-run-548546|work=[[International Business Times]]|author=Sangeetha Seshagiri|date=17 April 2014|access-date=17 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011225222/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/039ilayathalapathy039-vijay-mohanlal039s-039jilla039-set-to-complete-100-day-theatrical-run-548546|archive-date=11 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Mohanlal's first Malayalam release of 2014 was ''[[Mr. Fraud]]'', a [[heist film]] directed by [[B. Unnikrishnan]]. He appeared in an extended cameo role in his next film ''[[Koothara]]'', directed by Srinath Rajendran, a [[coming-of-age]] [[mystery film]] set in an untold period. He played a mysterious character in the experimental film, who at the end of the film revealed himself as a [[merman]]. His next was the comical [[political satire]] film ''[[Peruchazhi]]'', written and directed by [[Arun Vaidyanathan]]. He played a young political kingmaker who is assigned to make a candidate for governor win the [[California]] state gubernatorial elections, where he uses standard Indian political gimmicks to win the election in the USA.

In 2015, his first release was the [[Kannada]] film ''[[Mythri (2015 film)|Mythri]]''. His performance as the revenge-seeking DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) scientist Mahadev was well appreciated by the critics. His first Malayalam release was with a cameo appearance in ''[[Rasam (film)|Rasam]]''. ''[[Ennum Eppozhum]]'', directed by [[Sathyan Anthikad]] was his first leading role in the year, co-starring [[Manju Warrier]]. The film was a success at the box office. It was followed by the action thriller ''[[Lailaa O Lailaa]]'', directed by Joshiy, both of which failed critically and commercially at the box office. His next was the [[Ranjith (director)|Ranjith]] directorial thriller ''[[Loham]]''. Though it met with mixed critical reactions, the film was a commercial success.<ref>{{cite news|author=IBTimes|title=Charlie, I, Puli, Loham, Amar Akbar Anthony among top 5 movies with good opening day collection at Kerala box office|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/charlie-i-puli-loham-amar-akbar-anthony-among-top-5-movies-good-opening-day-collection-kerala-661271|access-date=12 January 2017|work=[[International Business Times]]|date=29 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106102142/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/charlie-i-puli-loham-amar-akbar-anthony-among-top-5-movies-good-opening-day-collection-kerala-661271|archive-date=6 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The revenge thriller ''[[Kanal (2015 film)|Kanal]]'' was his last in the year. It also received mixed reviews from critics.
[[File:Mohanlal 1.jpg|thumb|At 48th Kerala State Film Awards ceremony]]

===Progression and fluctuations (2016–present)===
In 2016, Mohanlal had four releases, which had a combined gross collection of {{INR}}378&nbsp;crore worldwide, making him fourth (behind [[Aamir Khan]], [[Akshay Kumar]], and [[Salman Khan]]) among the top Indian actors with highest box office receipts in the year, and in top position among [[South India]]n actors.<ref name="top5">{{cite news|last=Nair|first=Sree Prasad|title=2016 Box Office Kings : Mohanlal is the only Malayalam actor among top 5, Aamir Khan tops the list, followed by Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan|url=http://www.catchnews.com/regional-cinema/2016-box-office-kings-mohanlal-is-the-only-malayalam-actor-among-top-5-aamir-khan-tops-the-list-followed-by-akshay-kumar-and-salman-khan-1483966620.html|access-date=12 January 2017|work=Catch News|date=9 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112061634/http://www.catchnews.com/regional-cinema/2016-box-office-kings-mohanlal-is-the-only-malayalam-actor-among-top-5-aamir-khan-tops-the-list-followed-by-akshay-kumar-and-salman-khan-1483966620.html|archive-date=12 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> His first release in the year was the Telugu film ''[[Manamantha]]'', a family drama directed by [[Chandra Sekhar Yeleti]]. His following release was another Telugu film ''[[Janatha Garage]]'', an action drama directed by [[Koratala Siva]]. It became the highest-grossing Telugu film of 2016 and one of the highest-grossing Telugu films,<ref>{{cite news|last=Hooli|first=Shekhar H|title=Janatha Garage 3rd week box office collection: Jr NTR film emerges as the highest grosser of 2016|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/janatha-garage-3rd-week-box-office-collection-jr-ntr-film-emerges-highest-grosser-2016-694855|access-date=26 September 2016|work=[[International Business Times]]|date=23 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160926023119/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/janatha-garage-3rd-week-box-office-collection-jr-ntr-film-emerges-highest-grosser-2016-694855|archive-date=26 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> with a gross collection of over {{INR}}135&nbsp;crore worldwide.<ref name="JG">{{cite news|author=DC|title=6 South Indian films that turned out to be game-changers in 2016|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/301216/6-south-indian-films-that-turned-out-to-be-game-changers-in-2016.html|access-date=12 January 2017|work=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=30 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113012015/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/301216/6-south-indian-films-that-turned-out-to-be-game-changers-in-2016.html|archive-date=13 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> His first Malayalam release that year was the crime-thriller ''[[Oppam]]'', directed by [[Priyadarshan]] in which he played a blind man. The film became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last=Nair|first=Sree Prasad|title=Kerala Box Office: Mohanlal's Oppam is now highest grosser of 2016, beats Jacobinte Swargarajyam|url=http://www.catchnews.com/regional-cinema/kerala-box-office-mohanlal-s-oppam-is-now-highest-grosser-of-2016-beats-jacobinte-swargarajyam-1474716416.html|access-date=26 September 2016|work=Catch News|date=24 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927001833/http://www.catchnews.com/regional-cinema/kerala-box-office-mohanlal-s-oppam-is-now-highest-grosser-of-2016-beats-jacobinte-swargarajyam-1474716416.html|archive-date=27 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> It crossed the {{INR}}50&nbsp;crore mark at the box office within one-and-a-half months,<ref>{{cite web|author=Moviebuzz|title=Mohanlal has two 50 crore blockbusters in his kitty!|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/mohanlal-has-two-50-crore-blockbusters-in-his-kitty-news-malayalam-qkssadjifbbdc.html|website=[[Sify]]|access-date=11 November 2016|date=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025204019/http://www.sify.com/movies/mohanlal-has-two-50-crore-blockbusters-in-his-kitty-news-malayalam-qkssadjifbbdc.html|archive-date=25 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> and grossed over {{INR}}65&nbsp;crore worldwide.<ref>{{cite news|last=Nair|first=Sree Prasad|title=After Drishyam, Ajay Devgn to reprise Mohanlal's role in Oppam|url=http://www.catchnews.com/regional-cinema/after-drishyam-ajay-devgn-to-reprise-mohanlal-s-role-in-oppam-1482872134.html|access-date=12 January 2017|work=Catch News|date=28 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114184512/http://www.catchnews.com/regional-cinema/after-drishyam-ajay-devgn-to-reprise-mohanlal-s-role-in-oppam-1482872134.html|archive-date=14 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> He acted as a hunter in his following release, the action film ''[[Pulimurugan]]'' (2016). It became the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever and is the first Malayalam film to gross over {{INR}}100&nbsp;crore at the box office.<ref>{{cite news|last=Viswanath|first=Chandrakanth|title=Mohanlal's Pulimurugan breaches the Rs 100 crore mark|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2016/nov/07/mohanlals-pulimurugan-breaches-the-rs-100-crore-mark-1536006--2.html|access-date=11 November 2016|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=7 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111194211/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2016/nov/07/mohanlals-pulimurugan-breaches-the-rs-100-crore-mark-1536006--2.html|archive-date=11 November 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> The film has so far collected {{INR}}152&nbsp;crore worldwide. The next year, he acted in ''[[Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol]]'' (2016) which grossed 50 crore at the box office''.''<ref name="top5"/> The next film he acted in was ''[[1971: Beyond Borders]]'' (2017) directed by [[Major Ravi]] and was based on the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The next film he acted in was [[Velipadinte Pusthakam|''Velipadinte Pusthakam'']] directed by [[Lal Jose]] in their first colloboration. It was followed by the action thriller ''[[Villain (2017 film)|Villain]]'' directed by [[B. Unnikrishnan]]. Next year he acted in fantasy drama film ''[[Odiyan]]'', directed by [[V. A. Shrikumar Menon]]. The film was written by Harikrishnan and was based on the legend of the [[Odiyan clan|Odiyan]] clan. The next film he acted in was [[Lucifer (2019 Indian film)|''Lucifer'']] directed by [[Prithviraj Sukumaran]] and written by [[Murali Gopy]] which was a box office success.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/lucifer-box-office-mohanlal-film-collects-rs-100-crore-worldwide-5665523/|title=Lucifer box office: Mohanlal film collects Rs 100 crore worldwide|date=8 April 2019|access-date=30 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409131841/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/lucifer-box-office-mohanlal-film-collects-rs-100-crore-worldwide-5665523/|archive-date=9 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> It  earned over ₹200&nbsp;crore, which includes box office collections and the earnings from the sale of its satellite rights, digital streaming rights and TV rights in other languages.<ref>{{Cite web|date=4 June 2019|title=Mohanlal's Lucifer storms into Rs 200 crore club, first for Malayalam cinema|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/mohanlal-s-lucifer-storms-into-rs-200-crore-club-first-for-malayalam-cinema/story-vTm7JXaAdz0FWFTllE4n2I.html|access-date=16 July 2021|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=11 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611022057/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/mohanlal-s-lucifer-storms-into-rs-200-crore-club-first-for-malayalam-cinema/story-vTm7JXaAdz0FWFTllE4n2I.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Mohanlal's period drama film ''[[Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham]]'', directed by [[Priyadarshan]] won the Best Feature Film Award in 67th National Award for the year 2019. The film released in 2021, in theatres.<ref>{{cite news|last=Punnoose|first=Aby|date=11 November 2021|title=67th-national-film-awards-marakkar-arabikkadalinte-simham-wins-the-best-feature-film-award|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/67th-national-film-awards-marakkar-arabikkadalinte-simham-wins-the-best-feature-film-award/articleshow/81633289.cms|access-date=11 November 2021|website=Timesofindia|language=en|archive-date=11 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111163303/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/67th-national-film-awards-marakkar-arabikkadalinte-simham-wins-the-best-feature-film-award/articleshow/81633289.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Mohanlal starred in the thriller film ''[[Drishyam 2]]'', directed by [[Jeethu Joseph]], which released in Amazon Prime.<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 February 2021|title=Drishyam 2 trailer: Ghost from the past comes to haunt Mohanlal|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/drishyam-2-trailer-the-ghost-from-the-past-comes-to-haunt-mohanlal-7177482/|access-date=8 February 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227153724/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/drishyam-2-trailer-the-ghost-from-the-past-comes-to-haunt-mohanlal-7177482/|url-status=live}}</ref> He starred in ''[[Aaraattu (2021 film)|Aaraattu]],'' produced and directed by [[B. Unnikrishnan]] and was released in 2022 to a mixed response and low box office returns.<ref>{{Cite web|date=18 February 2022|title=Aaraattu Movie Review: A massy entertainer with a so-so story|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/aaraattu/movie-review/89664583.cms|access-date=26 May 2022|website=The Times of India|archive-date=12 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412215516/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/aaraattu/movie-review/89664583.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> His solo role in the 2023 film ''[[Alone (2023 film)|Alone]]'' received negative reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/alone-movie-review-is-mohanlal-in-a-race-to-give-us-the-worst-mohanlal-film-yet-12062912.html |title=Alone movie review: Is Mohanlal in a race to give us the worst Mohanlal film yet? |date=1 June 2023 |accessdate=23 April 2024 |website=firstpost.com}}</ref> Following a cameo in [[Jailer (2023 Tamil film)|''Jailer'']],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gqindia.com/content/jailer-mohanlal-charged-rs-8-crore-find-out-how-many-crores-rajinikanth-tamannaah-bhatia-and-others-charged |title=Jailer: Mohanlal charged Rs 8 Crore; find out how many Crores Rajinikanth, Tamannaah Bhatia & others charged |website=[[GQ India]] |date=10 August 2023 |accessdate=23 April 2024}}</ref> he starred in [[Neru (film)|''Neru'']], released in late 2023, and the period drama film ''[[Malaikottai Vaaliban]]'', which was released in early 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-24 |title=Malaikottai Vaaliban: All you need to know about Mohanlal's grand Malayalam film |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/others/malaikottai-vaaliban-all-you-need-to-know-about-mohanlals-grand-malayalam-film-101706100574093.html |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> He made his first directorial debut with ''[[Barroz 3D]]'', which released in late 2024 to mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-08 |title=Barroz Lifetime Kerala Box Office: Mohanlal's fantasy movie to end its run grossing ONLY Rs 11 crore in the state |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/barroz-lifetime-kerala-box-office-mohanlals-fantasy-movie-to-end-its-run-grossing-only-rs-11-crore-in-the-state-1366314 |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en}}</ref>

In 2025, he reunited with Prithviraj Sukumaran for the sequel of ''Lucifer'', ''[[L2: Empuraan]]''. Though it opened to mixed-to-positive reviews, it became a commercial success, grossing over {{INR}}265 crore worldwide, becoming [[List of highest-grossing Malayalam films|the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all-time]] and the highest-grosser of his career.<ref>{{Cite web |title= L2: Empuraan Box Office Collection Day 30: Mohanlal's Magnum Opus Earns Only 1 Lakh On Its 5th Friday! |url= https://www.koimoi.com/box-office/l2-empuraan-box-office-collection-day-30-mohanlals-magnum-opus-earns-only-1-lakh-on-its-5th-friday/ |date= 26 April 2025 |website= Koimoi.com |language= en}}</ref> A month after the release of ''L2: Empuraan'', his second release of the year, ''[[Thudarum]]'', released to positive reviews from the critics.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Fans hail 'Thudarum' as Mohanlal's return to form, tickets selling out fast |url= https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2025/04/25/thudarum-movie-audience-reaction-mohanlal-tharun-moorthy.amp.html |website= Onmanorama |language= en}}</ref>