From the “phone-booth” elegance of the 80s to the global dominance of Khureshi Ab’raam in last year’s record-breaking L2: Empuraan, the king of the Malayalam film industry Mohanlal showcased an impossible performance as the Gangster. Today we will be checking out 5 movies of Mohanlal that redefined the gangster genre. So let’s get into the article to check out the movies.
Rajavinte Makan (1986)
This is where the “Superstar” was truly born. As Vincent Gomas, Mohanlal brought a sophisticated, cold, yet magnetic charm to the role of a crime boss seeking revenge. The movie features the iconic dialogue: “My phone number is 2255” and the same is not just a dialogue; it’s a piece of history. This film proved that a hero didn’t have to be “pure” to be loved by the masses.
Irupatham Noottandu (1987)
If Vincent Gomas was about vengeance, Sagar Alias Jacky was about pure style. With his trench coat and calm demeanor, Jacky became a fashion and cultural icon. The “Sagar Alias Jacky” theme music still triggers goosebumps and the movie cemented the “urban gangster” archetype that many have tried to imitate but none have matched.
Abhimanyu (1991)
Shifting from the local landscape to the gritty streets of Mumbai, Mohanlal played Hari, a man who rises to power in the underworld only to realize the heavy price of the crown. This particular cinema is a technical marvel for its time. Lalettan’s portrayal of a man who is both a lethal criminal and a lonely soul showed the “internal” side of a gangster’s life.
Aryan (1988)
Set against the backdrop of the Mumbai underworld, Aryan follows the transformation of a peaceful Brahmin youth into a powerful underworld figure. The contrast between the innocent Devan and the hardened gangster is one of the finest examples of Mohanlal’s range. It’s a “classic” that often gets overshadowed but remains a powerhouse of a performance.
Lucifer (2019) & L2: Empuraan (2025)
Stephen Nedumpally seemed like a simple politician, but the world stopped when his true identity as Khureshi Ab’raam was revealed. Following the massive global success of L2: Empuraan last March, the “Lucifer” universe is now the biggest brand in Mollywood. Khureshi is the culmination of every gangster role Mohanlal has ever played—he is the “Overlord.” Seeing him rule the international stage in the 2025 sequel proved that the King’s grip on the underworld remains as strong as ever.
Do let us know your favourite movie in the comments section below and stay with us for more updates about the king of the Malayalam film industry.
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