As Nivin Pauly’s Malarvaadi Arts Club turns 11, we take a look at the talent the film introduced

When Malarvaadi Arts Club went on to be a success following its release, it gifted the Malayalam film industry a bunch of people who would stay around for many years to come. The movie, written and directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan, told the story of five friends who lived in a village in North Kerala. These boys who had no aim in life come together to find their true calling in order to save their usual hangout place, Malarvaadi Arts Club.

Son of writer-director Sreenvasan, Vineeth made his debut in Malayalam as a playback singer in 2002. He starred in the 2008 film, Cycle, marking his acting debut. Malarvaadi Arts Club was his directorial debut and since then he has helmed four movies including Hridayam, starring Pranav Mohanlal and Kalyani Priyadarshan. 

Produced by actor Dileep, the cast of Malarvaadi Arts Club, which consisted of debutants, was selected through a talent hunt. Let’s take a look at some of them.

1. Nivin Pauly

Perhaps the biggest contribution to the industry from Malarvaadi Arts Club would be Nivin Pauly. Nivin played the lead role as the leader of the gang of friends in the film. The role garnered him much praise. He then went on to do supporting roles and multi starrers. With Thattathin Maraythu, directed by Vineeth again in 2012, he got his big break and is now one of the most sought-after actors in Malayalam.

2. Aju Varghese

Aju Varghese, who started as the jester of the group of friends in Malarvadi Arts Club, has had amazing growth. Since his debut, he has starred in over 100 movies. Seen as the top option for a comedian role in Malayalam today, he is a fan favorite. 

3. Malavika Wales

Malavika was introduced through Malarvaadi Arts club, playing the love interest named Geethu. She later went on to act in numerous movies. She has also acted in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada movies. She rose to fame through her role in Ponnambili, a soap aired by Mazhabil Manorama.

4. Deepak Parambol

Another actor that made his debut through Malarvaadi Arts Club, Deepak has since acted in many minor and supporting roles, most notably in Thattathin Marayathu, Kunjiramayanam and BTech. He also played the lead in movies like Bhoomiyile Manohara Swakaryam and Ormayil oru Shishiram.

5. Shaan Rahman

Shaan Rahman was the music director for Malarvaadi Arts Club. Just his second work, the songs from the film were widely accepted during the release of the movie. His work in the film made people take notice. He has since composed for many films including Thattathin Marayathu, Thira and Oru Vadakkan Selfie. 

6. Jude Anthany Joseph

Jude Anthany Joseph is a popular director today, having made films like Ohm Shanthi Oshana, Oru Muthassi Gadha and Sara’S. Jude Anthany had worked in the 2008 movie Crazy Gopalan, but as the assistant director of Malarvadi Arts Club, it opened him new doors into the industry.