Mohanlal’s 2006 hit war film became a yardstick for portrayal of soldiers: Major Ravi
Major Ravi recounts that Malayalam films portrayed soldiers in a comic avatar, and it was Mohanlal’s Major Mahadevan role in Keerthi Chakra that put an end to the stereotype.
Last Updated: 11.40 AM, Mar 07, 2026
Malayalam actor-filmmaker Major Ravi was once synonymous with movies revolving around the Army and the warfront after the widespread popularity of Mohanlal's movie Keerthi Chakra in 2006. In a recent interview with Red FM, Major Ravi recounted that Malayalam films up until then portrayed soldiers in a comic avatar and it was Mohanlal’s Major Mahadevan role in Keerthi Chakra that put an end to the stereotype.
How Mohanlal’s Keerthi Chakra changed the portrayal of Army Jawan
Major Ravi, a former Army officer himself, wrote and directed the film Keerthi Chakra with Mohanlal in the lead role of Major Mahadevan. Recounting how Malayalam cinema portrayed soldiers in movies even 20 years ago, Major Ravi said that viewers saw soldiers as boasters. They also came in stereotypical comedy avatars with moustaches, white shorts and a dog on a leash. One such popular fictional role would be Pattalakaran Purushu in actor Dileep's hit movie Meesha Madhavan.
"They were comical characters, often insulting. Amid this, Major Mahadevan arrived. The film showed the emotional turmoil of a military man, who had to deal with the loss of his wife (even while on the line of duty). Viewers too travelled with the officer in his journey, and that's what made it a super-duper hit,” he remarked.
After that also attempts of comedy portrayal were made but that failed to win over the audiences. "Joshiey ettan did Salaam Kashmier. I told him it wont work and it did not,” he added. Salaam Kashmier, starring Jayaram, also became a meme material over a particular scene when the lead character Sreekumar is revealed to be a senior military officer.
The 2006 war film Keerthi Chakra was a hit and spawned three sequels with Mohanlal returning as Major Mahadevan in the lead, which were also helmed by Major Ravi.
“Now if you show military movies as comedy, people will not accept. Mahadevan has become a yardstick and I will bring back that Mahadevan in Operation Sindoor, irrespective who likes it or doesn't, Mahadevan will be there,” Major Ravi asserted.
Operation Sindoor is an upcoming project, envisioned by Major Ravi, based on the 2025 Pahalgam attack and India’s retaliatory strike.
On the other hand, Major Ravi was last seen in the movie Spa. Mohanlal's upcoming movies include Drishyam 3 and Patriot with Mammootty.
Mohanlal FAQs
Q. What is the rank of Mohanlal in military?
A. Malayalam actor Mohanlal has been conferred with the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army.
Q. Where to watch Mohanlal's Keerthi Chakra?
A. You can watch Mohanlal's Keerthi Chakra on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium.
Q. Which is Mohanlal's new movie?
A. Mohanlal's new movie is Drishyam 3, which will hit theatres on April 2, 2026.