Malayalam film industry is buzzing with the return of superstar Mohanlal and award-winning actress Shobana on screen after a 15-year gap in the new drama Thudaram . Directed by Tharun Moorthy, who has worked on Operation Java , the movie guarantees an interesting mix of suspense, humor, and nostalgia.
Before their highly anticipated reunion in Thudaram —hitting theaters on April 25, 2025—Mohanlal and Shobana's screen teaming has been a pleasure to watch for decades . From laugh‑out‑loud comedeies to thrillers, among their onscreen collaborations are five time‑less Malayalam films: Minnaram (1994), Thenmavin Kombath (1994), T. P. Balagopalan M.A. (1986), Manichitrathazhu (1993), and Nadodikkattu (1987). Each film not only demonstrates their incredible range but is also deeply indebted to the cinematic tradition of Kerala.
Minnaram (1994)
Minnaram is a love tragedy directed and written by Priyadarshan, based on a plot by Cheriyan Kalpakavadi. Bobby (Mohanlal) is a free-spirited orphan brought up by his uncle, whose life goes out of control when Neena (Shobana), his college romance, turns up stating that the baby in her custody is his daughter. A chain of hilarious misapprehensions yields to emotional depth, leading to a climax that is still holding together with the public. Thilakan supports the leads as Retd. I.G. Matthews, while Sankaradi, Jagathy Sreekumar, and Lalu Alex provide support to them.
Thenmavin Kombath (1994)
Priyadarshan directed and scripted Thenmavin Kompath , a romantic comedy that was the largest Malayalam grosser of 1994. Two closest friends—Manikyan (Mohanlal) and Sreekrishnan (Nedumudi Venu)—both seek the love of village singer Karthumbi (Shobana). The film won two National Film Awards (Best Cinematography and Best Production Design) and five Kerala State Film Awards, including Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value. With its witty dialogues, acerbic humor, and charming performances, Thenmavin Kombath remains the benchmark for Malayalam comedies.
T. P. Balagopalan M.A. (1986)
Sathyan Anthikkad-directed and Sreenivasan-scripted, T. P. Balagopalan M.A. is a comedy-drama that captures the struggles of a virtuous young man amidst economic hardships. Mohanlal stars in the title role of Balagopalan, juggling family responsibilities and a modest sales job while planning his sister's wedding. Shobana is brilliant in the role of Anitha, the schoolteacher who is his romantic interest, supported by the film's combination of heart and social commentary.
Manichitrathazhu (1993)
Fazil's Manichitrathazhu is a genre‑defining psychological thriller written by Madhu Muttam that delves deep for over 365 days in cinemas when released. Shobana delivers a breathtaking double turn as Ganga and her demonized alternate self Nagavalli, earning the National Film Award for Best Actress. Mohanlal does an eye‑popping cameo as Dr. Sunny Joseph, the psychiatrist who gets called to a haunted bungalow where a forbidden room unleashes a vengeful ghost. Its international success led to highly acclaimed remakes— Bhool Bhulaiyaa (Hindi), Chandramukhi (Tamil)—and a 4K restoration re-release in August 2024.
Nadodikkattu (1987)
Sathyan Anthikkad's satirical farce Nadodikkattu , scripted by Sreenivasan from a Siddique‑Lal story, introduced Dasan (Mohanlal) and Vijayan (Sreenivasan), two unemployed friends whose dream of moving to Dubai takes them to Chennai, mistaken for CID officials. Shobana has an important supporting role, and Thilakan and Innocent round off a star cast. Nadodikkattu turned cult, spawning sequels ( Pattanapravesham , Akkare Akkare Akkare ) and a permanent cult fan base.
These five movies are still beaconing examples of the on-screen chemistry of Mohanlal and Shobana—ages-old classics which continue to enthrall audiences as we eagerly await seeing them together in Thudaram.
