From Sreenivasan to Prithviraj: Malayalam actors who donned the director’s hat

The entertainment industry has seen many of their actors donning the director’s hat for years. Often the most talented actors have proved their skills off-screen, while some of them who couldn’t shine bright in acting have turned later to be best directors too. While coming to Mollywood industry, there are many actors who were noted for their silver screen performances, became popular directors later, and has contributed much to the Malayalam movie library. Whether it be Sreenivasan or his son Vineeth Sreenivasan, they have nailed their names as actors and fine directors, with a handful of extraordinary movies. 

Here is a list of some of the Malayalam actors who turned as directors and left the audience in awe.

Sreenivasan

One of the Malayalam’s beloved actors Sreenivasan, who had a successful career for a couple of decades during early 90s, has turned to an exemplary director with his debut Vadakkunokkiyanthram in 1889. Apart from being a major box office hit, the movie has a seperate fan base even today. He donned the hat once again for his next blockbuster Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala, which bagged many awards too. The actor further established his position as a comedian, actor and screenwriter too, in the industry.

Venu Nagavally

The senior actor who has appeared in more than 200 films, has also helmed 12 movies during 90s, out of which many of them are superhits. His directorials include Aye Auto, Lal Salaam, and Sarvakalashala. It is also interesting to note that out of his 12 directorials, 9 of them have Mohanlal playing the lead, making the duo a hit combination. Venu has also scripted the blockbuster movie Kilukkam.

Prathap Pothan

The talented actor who entered the cinema world through Bharathan’s Thakara has made his directorials in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. He made his first film during 1985, titled as Meendum Oru Kadhal Kadhai, which won the national award. He directed three films in Malayalam which are Rithubhedham, Daisy and Oru Yathramozhi, which have created waves throughout Kerala. He also made the Telugu film Chaitanya in 1991. The actor who is a familiar face for Malayali audience, is currently on his next directorial venture which stars Dulquer Salmaan in lead role.

Vineeth Sreenivasan

Though he entered the industry with the support of his father Sreenivasan’s popularity, Vineeth quickly proved his skills and carved his own name in Mollywood. After being a hit singer, and playing some lead roles, he turned to direction and made the youth movie Malarvaadi Arts Club out of his hat. With the blockbuster movie Thattathin Marayathu, Vineeth paved a way for the new generation movies, which later turned to be an inspiration for many. He has also helmed Thira, starring Shobana, and his directorial Jacobinte Swargarajyam was one of the highest grossing films of 2016.

Nadirsha

Entering the industry as a mimicry artist, the actor majorly handled supporting roles initially. He cemented his directorial career with the hit movie Amar Akbar Anthony, starring Prithviraj, Jayasurya and Indrajith. The movie bagged the position of the third highest grossing film during 2015, and the songs were also composed by the director himself while Bijibal took over the background score. Nadirsha’s next directorial venture Kattappananyile Rithwik Roshan was also a blockbuster hit at box office during 2016.

Prithviraj Sukumaran

Mollywood’s youth icon has left everyone in awe with his directorial debut Lucifer, starring Mohanlal. Besides being a blockbuster box office hit, the movie has also created a wave among Mohanlal fans. The directorial skills of the actor was widely appreciated, as he has deep professional skills for the job and also brought marketing techniques such as character posters, to Malayalam cinema. He is currently working on his next directorial venture Bro Daddy starring Mohanlal, while he also announced Empuran, the sequel to Lucifer.