Malayalam actors who took up negative roles at the peak of their stardom
Stardom often boxes actors into familiar, safe roles, limiting the scope for experimentation and risk. However, in Malayalam cinema, a handful of bold actors have shattered this stereotype, fearlessly diving into characters with dark, complex layers. These actors have taken the leap, stepping away from the predictable path to explore roles that defy their established image—embracing the challenge of playing antagonists with striking depth and conviction. Let’s delve into some of these standout performances that broke the mold and left a lasting impact on audiences and the industry alike!
1.Nivin Pauly in Da Thadiya (2012)

Nivin Pauly had just established himself as Malayalam cinema’s newest heartthrob with the back-to-back hits Neram and Thattathin Marayathu. His image as the charming, boy-next-door was solidified—so when he took on the role of a villain in Aashiq Abu’s Da Thadiya, it turned a lot of heads. This wasn’t just any villain role either; Nivin played the calculating, ruthless owner of an Ayurvedic weight-loss Ashram, a man who profits off insecurities and exploits the vulnerable. It was a daring departure from his usual hero persona, showing his versatility and willingness to embrace the darker side of storytelling.
The film centers on Luke John Prakash, an overweight young man played by DJ Sekhar, who is determined to shed pounds in hopes of winning over Ann Mary, the girl of his dreams (played by Ann Augustine). Luke’s journey takes him to an Ashram that promises to help him transform his body and life through Ayurveda. But behind Ashram’s promises is Nivin’s character—a shrewd businessman who humiliates and manipulates people like Luke for profit.
This role was pivotal for Nivin, allowing him to break free from the “good guy” mold and showcase his ability to embody complex, morally ambiguous characters. Da Thadiya didn’t just surprise the audience—it hinted at the range Nivin would go on to explore in his career, proving he wasn’t just the charming boy-next-door, but an actor capable of playing both the light and dark sides of human nature.
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2. Fahadh Faasil in Kumbalangi Nights (2019)

Shammi from Kumbalangi Nights has etched his place in Malayalam cinema as one of the most memorable villains in recent history. Though undeniably a negative character, Shammi is crafted as a caricature—a man embodying the very essence of patriarchal hypocrisy. Throughout the film, his behavior exemplifies the rigid, “socially accepted” male figure, attempting to assert his authority and dominance as the head of the family.
Fahadh Faasil, with his uncanny ability to inhabit complex roles, brings an irreplaceable precision to Shammi’s character, one that would be nearly impossible for anyone else to replicate. The role’s success and its powerful resonance with audiences cemented Fahadh’s status as one of the most gifted actors in the country, once again proving his extraordinary range and skill.
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3. Prithviraj Sukumaran in Mumbai Police (2013), Kuruthi (2021)

Prithviraj’s role in Mumbai Police was far from a typical negative character; it was a daringly unconventional choice, one that few could have anticipated from an actor at the height of his career. Taking on such a bold, complex role, he pushed boundaries, and the risk paid off. The film earned critical acclaim for its unique storyline, and Prithviraj’s portrayal captivated audiences, winning him immense praise.
After Mumbai Police, he delivered another strikingly dark performance in Kuruthi, where he took on the role of Laiq, an ominous, uninvited guest in Ibrahim’s home. Laiq arrives not just as a stranger but as a catalyst, igniting the simmering flames of communal tension with his words and actions. Prithviraj’s chilling portrayal leaves a haunting impact, as Laiq’s intentions and actions unravel, showcasing his talent for bringing out the unsettling depths of his characters.
4. Mammootty in Vidheyan (1994), Munnariyippu (2014), Puzhu (2022)

Mammootty is a true national icon, a superstar whose fame and influence span across India. While many stars often lean into predictable roles that bolster their brand and reputation, Mammootty stands apart as an actor with an insatiable drive, refusing to let stardom box him into conventional characters. His first major foray into a negative role came in 1994 with Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s Vidheyan, during the height of his superstardom alongside Mohanlal. In the film, Mammootty took on the role of a ruthless landlord who mistreats his slave with cold brutality, bringing a raw intensity that won him the National Award for Best Actor that year.
This hunger for complex roles continued, with Mammootty taking on morally ambiguous characters in Munnariyippu and, more recently, in Puzhu. These performances are a testament to his fearless approach to storytelling, solidifying his place as an actor who embraces challenges and defies expectations with each role he undertakes.
Also Read: Puzhu Malayalam Movie Review- Mammootty steals the show again
5. Vineeth in Mazhavillu (1999)

It’s almost unimaginable to picture an actor like Vineeth, known for his gentle and innocent roles, stepping into the shoes of a villain in a mainstream film. Yet, he did just that, and the result was both surprising and chilling. In the Malayalam film Mazhavillu, Vineeth takes on the role of an obsessive maniac who, driven by twisted desire, attempts to kill his own friend to get closer to his wife. He played the part with unsettling perfection, making audiences despise his character for tearing apart a loving family. This unexpected shift showcased Vineeth’s range and ability to masterfully handle darker, more complex roles.
6. Tovino Thomas in Maari 2 (2018)

Tovino Thomas is one of the freshest talents to captivate audiences in Malayalam cinema. Right at the height of his rise, he took an unexpected turn, stepping into Tamil cinema to portray a menacing villain in Dhanush’s Maari 2. Tovino plays Beeja, also known as Thanatos—Maari’s relentless arch-nemesis, who is dead set on bringing him down.
The role is challenging, demanding a strong on-screen presence, but Tovino rises to the occasion with a performance that’s both fierce and captivating. His meticulous attention to body language and voice modulation brings an intensity to Thanatos that is as convincing as it is unforgettable, marking his versatility across industries.
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