When you think of a “Bhadran film,” you think of heavy-duty dialogues, complex father-son dynamics, and the king of the Malayalam film industry Mohanlal is physically and emotionally unbridled. Their collaboration provided us with characters that aren’t just seen; they are felt. So today, we will be checking out five iconic movies of this particular combination.
Check out the five iconic movies of Mohanlal and Bhadran
Spadikam (1995)
There is Malayalam cinema before Spadikam and Malayalam cinema after it. As Thomas Chacko (Aadu Thoma), Mohanlal provided what many consider the ultimate “Mass” performance. From the Ray-Ban glasses to the iconic “dhoti-twirling” action, it was a masterclass in style. But at its heart, it was a tragic story of a brilliant child destroyed by a father’s (Thilakan) rigid expectations. It remains a cult masterpiece that defined a generation.
Olympian Anthony Adam (1999)
Mohanlal played Antony Varghese, a police officer who goes undercover as a physical education teacher in a school. This film showcased Lalettan’s incredible physical agility and his effortless charm with children. The balance of intense action sequences and light-hearted comedy made this an evergreen family favorite.
Uncle Bun (1991)
Long before modern CGI, Mohanlal underwent a massive physical transformation to play Charlie Chacko, an obese man with a heart of gold. Using prosthetic makeup that was revolutionary for the time, Lalettan portrayed the loneliness and kindness of a man often ridiculed for his size. It remains one of his most endearing and technically challenging performances under Bhadran’s direction.
Udayon (2005)
In this film, Mohanlal took on a challenging double role, playing both the elderly, eccentric patriarch Shooranad Kunju and his son, Pappoyi. Kunju is one of the most unique characters in Lalettan’s career—loud, agrarian, and fiercely stubborn. While the film was an experimental departure from their usual style, it proved that the duo was never afraid to push the boundaries of “character” acting.
Changatham (1983)
One of their earliest collaborations, this film featured a young Mohanlal alongside Mammootty. It’s a drama that explores friendship and human relationships with the sensitivity that Bhadran would later become famous for. Seeing a youthful Lalettan in this film provides a fascinating glimpse into the raw talent that Bhadran would eventually refine into the powerhouse performances of the 90s.
So these movies are reminding that action is not only mass. Do let us know your favourite movie in the comment section below and stick with us for more updates about the king of the Malayalam film industry at your fingertips.
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