Mayamohini to Sound Thoma: Dileep's impressive avatars

Dileep is often addressed as a 'character actor.' He adapts himself to the character that he has signed up for. That's why he is called as the Janapriyanayakan of the Malayalam film industry. Here are some of the different avatars that he has donned in his films...


Chakkara Muthu


In the film, Chakkara Muthu, Dileep playes the character of Aravindan who is mentally unstable. He is a ladies tailor by profession. Aravindan secretly falls in love with Anitha played by Kavya Madhavan, who is his childhood friend. His role as a sympathising mentally challenged person moved the audience to tears. Chakkara Muthu was directed by AK Lohithadas and was released in the year 2006.

Chanthupottu


In this film, Dileep plays the character of Radhakrishnan, who due to his grandmother's longing to have a girl grandchild, was brought up as one. With this role, Dileep proved his versatility. He was applauded for his the bold attempt. The movie follows the character's journey as he tries to accept his feminine characteristics as odd and change it. Chanthupottu was directed by Lal Jose and was released in the year 2005. Dileep even went on to win the Special Jury Award at the Kerala State Film Awards for his role.

Kunjikoonan


Dileep delivered one of the best performances of his career in Kunjikoonan. Dileep played the character of a handicapped hunchback, who doesn't particularly mind his looks and lives his life fully. This movie featured Dileep in a double role - one that of Kunjan - the hunchback and the other that of Karthik - a violent college student. Their paths cross after an accident. Dileep's role as a selfless hunchback stunned the audience. Kunjikoonan was directed by Sasi Shanker.

Mayamohini


This comedy film was released in the year 2012 and it was directed by Jose Thomas. Dileep disguises himself as a woman, Mayamohini, in the film. Dileep looks ultra glamorous in sexy sarees and an urban chic avatar. He was very impressive and looked beautiful as Mayamohini. Roshan NG was the man behind Dileep's look. According to a TOI report, when Dileep was asked about his role, he was quoted as saying that, "I have to admit that my role as Mayamohini was challenging. But whenever I took the risk of doing unconventional roles, the audience have accepted with open arms".

Sound Thoma


In Sound Thoma, Dileep plays the character of Plapparambil Thoma, who suffers from a cleft lip and vocal cord deformity. This romantic comedy shows how Dileep's character, despite his deformities, falls in love with a girl. Sound Thoma was a major box-office success and even ran in theatres for over 100 days. The film was directed by Vysakh.