Giving Mammootty’s big break to scripting Mohanlal’s successful films: How Sreenivasan helped shape Malayalam superstars’ careers

Sreenivasan is credited with being the catalyst for Mammootty’s cinematic journey and scripting successful stories for superstar Mohanlal and even Urvashi.

Sreenivasan with Mammootty in Kalikkalam, with Mohanlal in Nadodikkattu

Sreenivasan, one of the tallest figures of Malayalam cinema, is no more. As an actor, script writer and filmmaker, Sreenivasan proved his mettle and was an active contributor to Malayalam cinema’s growth during its golden age. Not just his own career, Sreenivasan is also credited with being the catalyst for Mammootty’s cinematic journey and scripting successful stories for superstar Mohanlal and even Urvashi, hailed as one of the greatest South actresses of her time. Here’s a look at how Sreenivasan helped shape Malayalam superstars’ careers.

Sreenivasan gave Mammootty his big break with Mela

Legendary Malayalam star Mammootty first faced the camera in 1971 for the film, Anubhavangal Paalichakal, as a junior artiste. He then featured in Vilkkanundu Swapnangal in 1980. But the film that brought him into public gaze was the 1980 movie Mela, which was helmed by the auteur KG George. Legend has it that it was Sreenivasan who referred Mammootty, who was then practising as a lawyer, to the ace filmmaker. It was the first film to showcase Mammootty in a significant role, and the actor went on to star in scores of notable movies, cementing his place as the megastar of Malayalam. Mela also marked the first collaboration between Mammootty-KG George, who then went on to collaborate on several cult movies such as Yavanika, Adaminte Vaariyellu and Mattoral. Sreenivasan has also penned several of popular Mammootty films such as Mazhayethum Munpe and Oru Maravathoor Kanavu.

Sreenivasan scripted Mohanlal's endearing films

The other Big M of Malayalam, Mohanlal, has also acted in scores of movies scripted by Sreenivasan. Several films, such as Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Vellanakalude Nadu, Gandhinagar 2nd Street and Varavelppu, were born of Sreenivasan’s pen, and established Mohanlal as a relatable Malayali man who is battling his everyday challenges with a charming smile. Even when he attained star status with mass movies such as Rajavinte Makan, it was the Sreenivasan-written movies that brought Mohanlal closer to the family audiences.

But the most iconic film would be Nadodikkattu, helmed by Sathyan Anthikad. Mohanlal and Sreenivasan as Dasan and Vijayan wooed audiences and continue to rule hearts. The popularity of the 1989 film led to two more sequels Pattanapravesham and Akkare Akkare Akkare, which followed the popular detective duo’s misadventures in the US. The witty banter between Vijayan and Dasan has a separate fan following on its own.

Also read: RIP Sreenivasan: Mohanlal to Rajinikanth, stars pay tribute to the iconic actor-writer-director - ‘Thank you for all the laughs and thoughts’

Sreenivasan penned women-centric roles too

It was not just male stars that benefited from Sreenivasan’s scripts. But the writer was also mindful of how heroines are portrayed on screen.

Urvashi, the veteran actress, has brought to life several of Sreenivasan’s characters such as the vile daughter-in-law Kanchana in Thalayana Manthram. Sreenivasan also starred opposite her as the meek husband. Midhunam was another notable film of Urvashi where she played Sulu, the wife of Mohanlal’s Sethu. Apart from penning the film, Sreenivasan also acted as the star’s sidekick in the film.

Sreenivasan FAQs

Q. What happened to the actor Sreenivasan?

A. Actor Sreenivasan passed away in Ernakulam on December 20, 2025. The actor-writer-filmmaker had been suffering from various ailments and passed away at a hospital in Thrippunithura around 8.30 am on Saturday.

Q. How many films were written by Sreenivasan?

A. One of the best screenwriters of Malayalam cinema during the 1980s and 1990s, Sreenivasan has penned over 50 film scripts.

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