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一 |     As Mohanlal rings in his 65th birthday on May 21, his filmography stands as a towering testament to versatility, longevity, and brilliance. With hundreds of roles under his belt, the actor has explored nearly every genre—from intense family dramas and action thrillers to satirical comedies and metaphysical fantasies.      The Legend Beyond the Limelight      While hits like Drishyam, Kireedam, Vanaprastham, and Iruvar are rightly celebrated, there’s an equally rich collection of underappreciated films where his talent shines just as brightly, if not more. These films might not have shattered box office records or won national awards, but they reveal the risk-taker and craftsman within the superstar.      Here’s our pick of 10 hidden gems from Mohanlal’s staggering career that deserve your attention. 1. Sadayam (1992)           Directed by: Sibi Malayil | Written by: M.T. Vasudevan Nair      A dark and emotionally searing film, Sadayam sees Mohanlal as Sathyanathan, a man awaiting execution for a horrific crime. But the film gradually unveils the trauma and moral paradoxes that led him there. It’s a rare, gritty portrait of guilt, with Mohanlal delivering a raw, vulnerable performance that remains etched in the minds of those who’ve seen it.      2. Pingami (1994)           Directed by: Sathyan Anthikkad      Known mostly for slice-of-life dramas, Anthikkad surprised everyone with this somber thriller. Mohanlal plays an army officer drawn into a murder mystery after discovering a dying man's journal. Though the film didn’t generate much buzz at the time, it has since gained cult status for its gripping narrative and Mohanlal’s grounded performance. 3. Aham (1992)           Directed by: Rajeevnath      In this psychological drama, Mohanlal portrays Siddharthan, a man battling delusions and inner demons after a personal tragedy. This internalised performance, full of nuance and restraint, offers a haunting look at mental deterioration. Though it flew under the radar commercially, Aham remains a hidden treasure for those seeking character-driven storytelling.      4. Devadoothan (2000)           Directed by: Sibi Malayil      In a shift from conventional thrillers, Devadoothan introduces supernatural intrigue into a musician’s life. Mohanlal plays Vishal, who is mysteriously drawn to a haunted tune connected to a tragic past. The film was ahead of its time and received mixed reactions, but today it's praised for its eerie atmosphere and experimental style.      5. Ayal Kadha Ezhuthukayanu (1998)           Directed by: Kamal      In this dark comedy, Mohanlal plays a novelist whose fictional stories catch up with him in the real world. It's a clever satire on creative freedom, public perception, and the law. The actor delivers with pitch-perfect timing, balancing humour and gravitas. The film didn’t make waves on release but has since been revisited as a layered, thought-provoking watch.      6. Padamudra (1988)           Directed by: R. Sukumaran      Here, Mohanlal takes on dual roles: as a son and his estranged father, each shaped by society in opposing ways. The film delves into themes of abandonment, identity, and forgiveness. His performance is powerful and emotional, revealing both rage and regret with remarkable precision. Despite its depth, the film remains overlooked outside of cinephile circles.      7. Rajashilpi (1992)           Directed by: R. Sukumaran      A poetic and symbolic film, Rajashilpi reimagines the legend of Shiva and Parvati through the lives of a sculptor and his muse. Mohanlal’s portrayal is intense and spiritual, giving life to a deeply metaphorical story. While mainstream audiences didn’t fully connect with the film’s abstract narrative, it stands out as one of his boldest artistic choices.      8. Olympiyan Anthony Adam (1999)           Directed by: Bhadran      In this underrated cop drama, Mohanlal plays an undercover officer who takes a teaching job at a school to protect a child in danger. What begins as a standard police story soon tackles social issues like abuse and trust in institutions. With understated emotional depth and charm, Mohanlal anchors this thriller with realism.      9. Thiranottam (1978, released 2005)           Directed by: Mohan      This rarely-seen debut film starred a teenage Mohanlal playing a mentally challenged servant. Though it remained shelved for decades due to censorship, its eventual release showed glimpses of the immense talent that would later define a generation. It’s a humble but significant piece of cinematic history.      10. Guru (1997)           Directed by: Rajiv Anchal      This philosophical fantasy remains one of Mohanlal’s most intellectually ambitious works. He plays a militant who enters a parallel society where blindness is normal and sight is forbidden. As he begins to understand the roots of fear and ignorance, the film challenges viewers to rethink reality itself. India’s official submission to the Oscars that year, Guru remains criminally under-watched.      Timeless, Fearless, and Still Surprising      What makes Mohanlal’s career so fascinating is not just the quantity of his work, but the fearless curiosity that drives it. Even at the height of his superstardom, he chose offbeat scripts that explored difficult human truths and artistic experiments.      Mohanlal has never shied away from experimenting. These lesser-known films often show him embracing difficult, uncommercial roles that others might reject. Whether it’s dual characters, morally complex figures, or surreal narratives, Mohanlal brings a sense of truth to every role, even when the film around him falters.      As he turns 65, his legacy is as much about evolution as it is about consistency. These ten films might not be on every “top 10” list, but they hold a mirror to his creative soul; a man who, despite superstardom, never stopped being an actor first. See Also: Mohanlal’s Thudarum Hits ₹100 Crore Milestone, Continues To Break Records。