KOCHI: In a move that celebrates both cinema and cultural heritage, the life and career of Malayalam superstar Mammootty is now officially part of the academic syllabus in Kerala. The University of Kerala has included the legendary actor in a course that explores prominent personalities who shaped the state’s social and cultural landscape.
With a towering presence in Indian cinema, Mammootty’s career spans more than 50 years and over 400 films across multiple languages. He’s not just a household name in Kerala, but a national icon — having bagged three National Film Awards for Best Actor, and countless other honours for his nuanced and versatile performances.
From intense dramas and political thrillers to mass entertainers and thought-provoking art films, Mammootty has played it all — police officers, lawyers, freedom fighters, fathers, villains, and even historical characters. His standout roles in films like Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, Mathilukal, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Munnariyippu are studied as benchmarks in acting and storytelling.
What makes his filmography even more fascinating is his ability to balance commercial hits with offbeat roles, often working with debut directors and taking bold creative risks. Beyond acting, Mammootty is also known for his charitable initiatives, promotion of literacy, and contribution to Malayalam language and literature.
His inclusion in the syllabus isn’t just about films — it’s about understanding an artist who reflects Kerala’s evolving identity, cinema culture, and social consciousness.
Joining Mammootty in the syllabus are other trailblazing figures like Dakshayani Velayudhan, Tapaswini Amma, Arnos Pathiri, and S S Koder, all of whom left an indelible mark on Kerala’s history.
