Meet actor who gave 34 films in a year, 25 blockbusters, released a film every 15 days, beats Rajinikanth, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Dharmendra, he is…
Many superstars in Bollywood work in a great way. As soon as they make and release their films one after the other, their films become a hit at the box office. The effect of the fan following of Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan is also seen on their films, but today we will talk about a superstar who did 34 films in a year, out of which 25 were blockbusters. This superstar's film was released every 15 days. There are many famous actors in the film world, but there are some who have achieved a special position with their hard work and talent. However, this superstar has been completely different from others.
Mohanlal appears in many films every year and is known for giving consecutive blockbuster hits. The special thing is that his films have often competed with the films of Bollywood's biggest star, Salman Khan. Salman Khan's films are often no less than a festival for his fans. However, his film 'Sikander' released this year, did not live up to expectations. In contrast, South superstar Mohanlal's film 'L2: Empuraan', released at the same time, received a lot of praise from the audience and critics.
Mohanlal's popularity is nothing new. He has worked in about 400 films in his illustrious career spanning four decades. There was a time when his films used to be released in theatres every 15 days. The most special thing is that in 1986, Mohanlal made a record which no one has been able to break to date. That year, he did 34 films, out of which 25 proved to be superhits. This achievement is still considered a benchmark.
Mohanlal is not only a successful actor but also a producer, director, distributor, playback singer and businessman. He has been honored with prestigious awards like Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. Even today Mohanlal is active in the film industry and will soon be back on the big screen with his upcoming films. His dedication and talent is an inspiration for today's artists.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
Blending style with substance: Evolving language of espionage in storytelling
Hindi cinema has recently seen a boom in the spy genre. From Salman Khan's 'Ek Tha Tiger' (2012) kickstarting the origins of Yash Raj Films' spy universe, to Neeraj Pandey's 'Baby' (2015) and 'Naam Shabana' (2017), the espionage saga in films and shows has evolved over the years. With Pandey's grounded storytelling or YRF's 'Mission Impossible'-inspired thrillers with a Bond-like flair in the spy genre, the genre has created a new cinematic wave in Hindi cinema. However, when it comes to films and shows, the audiences have grown to appreciate much more than gadgets, glitz and glamour over the years. Where is this genre heading, though? Is it all style and mass, but no meat? spoke to the industry experts to understand more about the genre and where it is thinking of espionage stories, a larger-than-life spectacle often comes into the picture. There has been a template in terms of storytelling in the genre by blending jingoism with the commercial elements of mainstream Bollywood. These stereotypes have now been broken with the OTT boom. Audiences are now rooting for more grounded and relatable characters and are not going to settle for mere style over recent teaser of Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, Kiara Advani's much-hyped 'War 2' has created a lot of buzz since it was launched. The action-thriller from Aditya Chopra's spy universe is a spin-off to 'Tiger 3' and 'Pathaan' while depicting similar chase sequences, hand-to-hand combat, aerial wire-work action, explosions, beach shots and musical sequences. In spite of movie buffs raving about the upcoming grand spectacle, it is worth noting that some previous big-budget films were mounted on the same yardstick. Despite the moderate or disappointing fate of these films, Bollywood filmmakers still stick to similar formulaic storytelling. At a time when not just OTT platforms but social media and podcast channels have also become an alternative to content consumption, it is crucial to retrospect the future of cinema and the much-needed evolution in film genres and the age of algorithms and market economics, where there is a reel for every teaser and trailer, the X-factor in storytelling needs to come from unique, layered characters and relatable stories, irrespective of the genres. With growing conversations around the future of theatrical releases, it is pivotal to also consider the changing preferences and content consumption habits of audiences. Movie lovers exposed to not just Hindi and English shows, but K-Dramas, Iranian and other languages' cinema are not going to have the same approach towards movie viewing as in earlier shows like 'The Family Man,' 'Special Ops,' 'Mukhbir - The Story of a Spy' and 'The Freelancer' paved the way for more nuanced, research-based stories, do mainstream Hindi filmmakers also need to evolve in their storytelling? On being asked whether the Indian audiences have become more discerning towards the spy genre post the OTT revolution, 'Mukhbir' writer Vaibhav Modi says, "In the pre-OTT era, we did not have too much exposure to that genre. A little bit of that kind of storytelling was there in the American shows, but not many people had access to it. But, if you look at that genre over the last few years, starting with 'Special Ops,' 'Bard of Blood' and 'The Family Man.' So, it has definitely given exposure to Indian audiences."advertisementFilmmaker Siddharth P Malhotra, however, feels that the Hindi film audiences haven't been discerning towards spy films as there have been many such stories being backed by studios like YRF. He says, "Spy content is still very popular on films and streaming platforms. There are an entire spy universe content-based films which are coming out.""Even Alia Bhatt and Sharvari are coming up with a spy film ('Alpha'). So, producers wouldn't be willing to back such movies if it were a discerning audience. If you get it right in terms of the flow, you will always enjoy it. The plot needs to be engaging enough for it not to be discerning. As a genre, it will never go out of fashion," he Gul Panag, who has acted in 'The Family Man', feels that there has been a shift in the audiences' ability to filter content since the OTT boom. She says, "Since the last 4–5 years, the audiences have been discerning towards not just spy content but all kinds of genres. They have been exposed to content from across the world. The viewers have been consuming films and shows available in many different languages. There has also been a shift in their ability to filter content dramatically."advertisementWatch War 2 teaser here: The virality of content and the bridging of language barriers in the current OTT era have also shaped how traditional audiences prefer watching films. Apart from engaging storytelling, is it also time for more research-oriented, nuanced filmmaking when it comes to spy genres? In spite of the charismatic on-screen personas of mainstream stars, does the Hindi film audience also expect character-led espionage films? Are producers willing to back such stories?While reflecting on the same, Modi says, "I would think so because one of the trends has been picking stories from real-life incidents. The other thing is making content from published material. There are a bunch of books out there that are based on declassified information from RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) and IB (Information Bureau). This medium allows time to develop research-based content."The writer also feels the long-form format of storytelling in the spy genres gives them more creative freedom in comparison to films. He further says, "This format of telling a story over eight or ten odd episodes gives you the ability to develop more characters and world-building compared to films where you are only going after one plot. Obviously, producers and writers have gone deeper in terms of geopolitical aspects of a story. In 'Mukhbir', we actually had to create the era where India's relationship with Pakistan was a certain way. We did a lot of deep research related to it."advertisementMalhotra, on the other hand, stresses the need to back writers apart from making projects based on big stars. He says, "If it is a real-life espionage story, then it is better. So, you need a big star and a big setup. Instead of backing stories, producers don't back writers in our film industry; they back stars. I am talking about barring Aditya Chopra, there is no other producer who is going to back the writers."Panag, while weighing on the same, feels that the backing has to come from the platforms. She says, "The producers are certainly open. The backing, however, has to come from platforms. At the end of the day, the numbers are on the platform, and they decide which shows to greenlight."The espionage genre in Indian cinema is not just about nationalism and high-octane action, but also concerns cross-border terrorism and geopolitics. With streaming platforms adapting to more realism and current events, it is imperative for mainstream cinema to also consider the changing trends. The cinematic experience doesn't just have to be about stunts and grand-VFX, but also set a narrative that compliments ongoing politics, national security threats, global terrorism and secret service agencies. Will the success of shows like 'The Family Man' or 'The Freelancer' impact the kind of spy films Bollywood greenlights in the next few years?advertisementPanag points out the diversity in the spy genre on OTT platforms and how the success of these shows depends on the audiences' response. She says, "Espionage is not only 007-style spy stories. That is what big blockbusters have been feeding us. But there have been lots of examples on streaming platforms like 'Jack Ryan,' 'Fauda' and others that have handled the narrative differently. There was this show with Sasha Baren Cohen ('The Spy'), based on a true story as well. The success of these stories, however, also depends on how well they have been received by the viewers."Watch Special Ops 2 teaser here: The future of spy stories largely depends on the ever-changing content-consumption pattern of audiences. Will movie-goers be more inclined towards masala entertainers, musical espionage thrillers, blending 'James Bond' with 'Dhoom'-inspired glamour and gadgets? Or has there been a revolutionary change in the cinematic preferences of film lovers?What is the future of spy stories in Hindi cinema? Panag feels there will always be a theatrical market. However, the actor credits OTT platforms for democratising content. She says, "OTT platforms in today's times have democratised content consumption. I will still go and watch Mission Impossible on the 1st day. So, there will always be a theatrical market apart from OTT platforms. And I don't think the two will cannibalise each other. The consumer is now king and the content creators have to work harder to get a piece of their attention. Earlier, the content was skewed in favour of the supply-side films that were released theatrically and, of course, the content we viewed on traditional television. But today there is a much larger choice and so scope for everyone."Theatrical releases are here to stay irrespective of the rise of streaming shows. The espionage genre - YRF's universe or the Bond franchise - will always appeal to the masses. However, the success and longevity of such stories will only be cinematically relevant if they resonate with the evolving mindset of audiences. Both mainstream films and OTT releases will have to bring a certain novelty and uniqueness to storytelling with a combination of realistic narrative apart from visual appeal in order to ensure audience fate of 'War 2,' 'Alpha,' 'Special Ops 2' and 'The Family Man 3' will define the future course of such films and Watch
Mint
18 hours ago
- Mint
‘Sorry, Ajay Devgn': Amid Thudarum OTT release, Mohanlal fans light up social media with heartfelt tributes
Amid Thudarum OTT release, Mohanlal fans have lit up social media with heartfelt tributes. On May 30, the Malayalam thriller started streaming on JioHotstar. One fan called Mohanlal 'Malayalis never-ending love story'. Another wrote, 'We've witnessed his magic countless times, but this one hits different and it's SPECIAL.' One fan wrote, 'More than the massive box office success, true joy of Thudarum lies in the fact that it served as a response to all the POST COVID cinephiles who had questioned his acting abilities.' 'The whole theatre erupted when Mohanlal jumped through the broken window…The Unmatchable flexibility, Perfection & Infinite aura of this 65 aged man,' came from another. There is no official confirmation that Ajay Devgn is making a Bollywood remake of Thudarum. However, Mohanlal fans already seem wary about the possibility. 'Unfortunately for Ajay Devgan he cannot remake "Thudarum" like he remade Drishyam 1 & Drishyam 2 from Mohanlal. Because Thudarum is not just a well scripted movie, it's a celebration and ode to India's best and finest actor - Mohanlal the Goat. Nobody can replace him here. Period!' wrote one fan on Facebook. 'Sorry Ajay Devgn sir, you can't replicate this. Everyone please watch this film before Ajay Devgn ruins it in hindi remake,' wrote one Mohanlal fan. Ajay Devgn has starred in Hindi remakes of Malayalam films originally featuring Mohanlal. The most prominent examples are Drishyam (2015) and Drishyam 2 (2022): The original Malayalam Drishyam (2013), directed by Jeethu Joseph, starred Mohanlal. As Georgekutty, the Malayalam cinema legend plays a man protecting his family after an accidental crime. Devgn played the equivalent role, Vijay Salgaonkar, in the Hindi version It was a critical and commercial success. Drishyam 2 (2021 in Malayalam) continued the story. Devgn's Hindi remake (directed by Abhishek Pathak) grossing approximately Rs. 350 crore worldwide. It was one of 2022's biggest Bollywood hits. Rohit Shetty's 2006 film Golmaal: Fun Unlimited is widely reported to be a remake of the 2001 Malayalam film Kakkakuyil, also starring Mohanlal. While Golmaal is said to be loosely based on a Marathi play "Ghar Ghar", it has strong thematic and plot similarities to the Priyadarshan directorial as well. Earlier reports indicated that Ajay Devgn was set to remake Mohanlal's crime thriller Oppam (2016). In that movie, Mohanlal played a blind lift operator.
NDTV
19 hours ago
- NDTV
The Traitors: What You Get When Bigg Boss And Roadies Have A Baby
Amazon Prime Video on Friday released the trailer of its new reality show The Traitors at an event in Mumbai - and let's just say, the drama is already real and the knives are out (metaphorically for now). Think of it as a spicy cocktail of Bigg Boss chaos and Roadies betrayal. But this time, there are 20 contestants, 3 secret traitors, and one simple rule: Trust no one. You can smile, hug, and make friends... But be careful, there's a good chance you might be hugging your enemy. Sounds like a regular Monday at work, doesn't it? Chaos And Betrayal But Made In India This show has already caused 'drama' in over 30 countries. Now, it's set to turn Indian screens into war zones. The original recipe is international, but the spice is 100% desi. The casting is straight out of a reel trending on social media. There are influencers with millions of followers, TV stars, fashionistas, comedians, and even a poker champ. The idea? Bring in people who already know how to perform and ensure their followers come along for the ride. Smart move, Prime Video. Very smart. At the helm of this wild journey is none other than Karan Johar, who is trading in film scripts for mind games as the host (but not of Koffee With Karan). Picture him channelling Salman Khan on Bigg Boss with more sass and a sharper wardrobe. Decoding The Game Of The Traitors The first episode of The Traitors will arrive on the streamer on June 12, with new episodes dropping every Thursday at 8 pm. Each week, the show promises to offer a sneak peek into emotional breakdowns, dramatic accusations, and friendships that go from "bestie" to "betrayer" in perhaps less than 60 seconds. But here's the real game: it's not just about winning money - it's about earning trust too. And that, dear reader, is the rarest currency in any reality show. If reality TV was a video game, The Traitors is boss level. From the looks of it, it's smart, sneaky, and emotionally messy - just how we like it. Meet the 20 Brave (Or Foolish?) Contestants of the Traitors Raftaar - Rapper, reality TV show judge, and possibly too chill for all the drama Karan Kundrra - Actor, host, and reality TV regular Apoorva Makhija - Fashion influencer with a strong game face Sufi Motiwala - Fashion critic who'll probably read everyone's outfits AND motives Nikita Luther - Poker champ; bluffing is her cardio Sahil Salathia - Actor, model, maybe a future traitor? Jannat Zubair - Gen Z queen with a million fans Uorfi Javed - Social media's wildcard; expect fireworks Raj Kundra - Businessman-husband of Celebrity Big Brother winner Shilpa Shetty and now a reality player Elnaaz Norouzi - Glam, grit, and maybe game Lakshmi Manchu - South Indian star power Harsh Gujral - Comedian and actor who'll laugh through the lies Anshula Kapoor - Arjun Kapoor's sister and a rising social media star out to make her own mark Sudhanshu Pandey - That one serious contestant who might surprise us Janhvi Gaur - Digital creator with killer instincts? Purav Jha - Gen Z actor, possibly the stealthiest of them all Jasmin Bhasin - TV sweetheart-turned-reality TV warrior Maheep Kapoor - Fabulous wife with a sharp tongue Ashish Vidyarthi - Veteran actor ready to outplay them all Mukesh Chhabra - Casting king now cast into the drama himself
