Mohanlal and Joshiy’s combination always provided a thrilling experience in theatres and the movies are synonymous with high-octane action, sharp dialogues, and a larger-than-life screen presence that redefined the commercial boundaries of Malayalam cinema. So let’s check out 5 essential collaborations that define this powerhouse duo:
1. Naduvazhikal (1989) – The Feudal Prince
In this high-stakes family drama, Mohanlal played Arjun, a son forced to take over his father’s (Madhu) criminal empire. This film is the gold standard for “feudal mass” movies. It wasn’t just about the action; it was about the gravitas. Every time Lalettan stepped out of that vintage car, the screen breathed fire. It remains one of the most stylishly shot films of the late 80s.
2. No. 20 Madras Mail (1990) – The Charming Tony Kurishingal
Who can forget the boisterous, fun-loving Tony Kurishingal? While it was technically an investigation thriller, this film belongs to the “fun-mass” category. The chemistry between Mohanlal and Mammootty (playing himself) was legendary, but it was Lalettan’s carefree performance on a train journey that won hearts. It proved that Joshiy and Mohanlal could deliver “mass” through sheer charisma and humor, not just muscles.
3. Naran (2005) – Mullankolli Velayudhan
“Naran” is often cited as the film that perfected the “Mass with Soul” formula. As Velayudhan, a man who lives by his own rules in the river-side village of Mullankolli, Mohanlal delivered a performance that was physically demanding and emotionally deep. The iconic underwater sequence and the “Velayudha…” chant are still etched in the minds of every Malayali. It remains a masterclass in how to ground a superhero-like character in reality.
4. Twenty:20 (2008) – The Soul of an Epic
While this was a multi-starrer featuring almost the entire industry, it was directed by Joshiy and anchored by Mohanlal’s Devaraja Prathapa Varma. In a film filled with icons, Lalettan’s intro and his confrontation scenes with Mammootty provided the biggest “highs” for the audience. It showed that under Joshiy’s direction, Mohanlal could command the screen even in a frame filled with 50 other stars.
5. Run Babby Run (2012) – The Modern Blockbuster
After a brief lull in commercial hits, this duo returned to prove they still had the “Midas touch.” Playing Venu, a high-profile news cameraman, Mohanlal brought back his effortless charm mixed with sleek action. The film was a massive success, showing that the Joshiy-Mohanlal combination could adapt to the digital age and still break box office records.
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