PremiumFrom Godfather to Ayyappanum Koshiyum: Malayalam movies that brought iconic rivalries
Megha Mukundan
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A protagonist and their antagonist are a basic part of any storyline, but some of them have created an iconic duo of rivalry. Malayalam cinema has a handful of characters whose names are used even in casual conversations to express hate. Aaraam Thampuran’s Jagannadhan and Kulappully Appan played by Mohanlal and Narendra Prasad respectively, are known for their giving each other a stiff competition and so do Godfather’s Anjooran (N N Pillai) and Anappara Achamma (Philomina).
Here is a list of Malayalam’s most iconic rival duos, who will always be strongly remembered:
1
Godfather
The 1991 movie has seen one of the most iconic rivalries in Malayalam cinema history. Anjooran and Anappara Achamma played by N N Pillai and Philomina are very popular for their sibling rivalry. The man who hates woman and the woman who hates him back takes their enmity to a greater level when the entire family gets involved. The entity movie’s narrative is based on their rivalry. Directed by Siddique-Lal, the movie also has Mukesh, Thilakan, Kanaka and Innocent playing major roles.
2
Devasuram
Mangalassery Neelakandan and Mundakkal Shekaran have a serious audience even now among Malayalis. The iconic rivalry duo portrayed by Mohanlal and Napoleon in Devasuram is popular and still loved for many reasons, as the film’s prequel Ravanprabhu also used their enmity and gained a huge commercial success. Helmed by I V Sasi, the 1993 movie stars Innocent, Maniyanpilla Raju, Revathi, and Nedumudi Venu in supporting roles.
3
Aaram Thamburan
Jagannadhan and Kulappully Appan’s rivalry story makes everyone move to the edge of their seats each time while watching this Shaji Kailas directorial. Played by Mohanlal and Narendra Prasad, the movie is about Jagannadhan winning over the feudal lord and being the voice of a community that was silenced by him for ages. The movie also has Manju Warrier, Saikumar, Oduvil Unnikrishnan and Srividya playing vital roles.
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4
Kireedam
Sethu, who wanted to become a police officer, ends up being a criminal after intervening with Keerikkadan Jose, a local goon. The roles played by Mohanlal and Mohan Raj, turned out to be iconic, so much so that the latter is known by his stage name Keerikkadan Jose, even after the movie. The action-emotional drama helmed by Sibi Malayil is one of the most famous Malayalam films, which was a major commercial success at the box office. The movie also has Thilakan, Parvathy Jayaram, and Kaviyoor Ponnamma playing supporting roles.
5
Dhruvam
Mannadiar-Hydar Marakkar duo played by Mammootty and Tiger Prabhakar has created waves among the audience during Dhruvam’s release in 1993. The movie revolves around both of them, who take revenge on each other in different ways. The Joshy directorial is an action-thriller, which still is loved by the movie lovers and the duo still leaves them thrilled. The other cast in the movie includes Jayaram, Suresh Gopi, Vikram, Gautami and Shammi Thilakan.
6
Ayyappanum Koshiyum
The 2020 movie has created the most iconic rivalry of the decade, which is between Ayyappan and Koshy. Biju Menon and Prithviraj Sukumaran have nailed their roles as the egoistic, irritated rivals, who have a huge fanbase. The movie which centres around their enmity is helmed by Sachy and it also turned out to be a major success. The duo’s conflict has won many hearts, as the movie has been currently roped for remakes in Tollywood and Bollywood as well.
