5 Evergreen Villians of Malayalam Cinema

Cinema is not about heroes but villains as well and Malayalam movie industry is extremely rich with such kinds of actors who can carry negative roles with great aplomb. Interestingly, the top league actors of the industry including Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi started their acting careers with negative roles. Even popular comedy actors have created an impact in the negative genre. Let us look at some of the Mollywood movie industry villains who equally shined as the lead characters in the movies.

Jose Prakash

The star villain of Malayalam cinema, Jose Prakash carved a niche for himself in the Malayalam film industry with his portrayal of negative roles. The image of the actor clad in suits and coats with a lit pipe gave Malayalam films a touch of Hollywood way back in the late seventies. It was in 1969 he become one of the most sought after villain after his role in 'Olavum Theeravum'. The emotions he rendered to the characters were too intense and even after the emergence of many new actors in negative roles. The late veteran still remains the best villain of Malayalam Cinema.

Balan K Nair

Balan K Nair is another actor who established himself as one of the best villains of M’ town his characters have always been powerful and dominating. He has also worked as a body double for Bollywood star Dev Anand before his entry into Malayalam cinema. It was during the second half of the 7O’s he emerged as the top villain of Malayalam cinema. He played the villain’s role in the movie 'Kolilakkam' where the emerging star Jayan died in the helicopter accident while the climax was shot. The film was an uncredited remake of the 1965 Yash Chopra Hindi movie, 'Waqt'.

T.G. Ravi

T.G. Ravi has established himself as one of ‘Bad Men’ of Malayalam cinema since late1970s. He is one of the old villains without whom no Malayalam movie could not be complete. The actor was famous for his body language and style of dialogue delivery. The role of Shaji in the film ‘Chakara’ opposite Jayan established him as a villain. His negative role in ‘Parankamila’ was well received by the critics and audience. He made a comeback in villain roles in ‘Varsham’ after a gap of twenty-seven years which had superstar Mammootty in the lead roles.

Narendra Prasad

This soft-spoken Mavelikara born intellectual giant was a well-known writer who ended up as one of the biggest villains in Malayalam commercial cinema. His role of G.P, a scheming politician in 'Thalastaanam' who uses students to stir up trouble in campuses was brilliantly portrayed by Prasad. His body language and performance was well appreciated by the audience and critics. Later his roles in 'Ekalavyan' as godman and Kulappully Appan in 'Aaram Thamburan' established him as one of the most powerful villains of M’ town.

Rajan P Dev
The versatile Malayalam actor who played the villain on celluloid with ease broke on to the silver screen with his wicked looks and gruffing voice was a perfect popcorn villain. While the actor also played comical roles but it was the negative roles that actually brought him to the limelight. From corrupt police officer, to greedy minister he always surprised the viewers with his range and flair. In no frame did he appear out of place and could easily diversify his style when required. Even though he was part of the theater brigade still he had an inevitable presence in Malayalam film industry.