The Malayalam Film Industry has been in the limelight for most of the decade. The compelling stories being narrated by filmmakers of this industry have set a benchmark for other film industries to create films that will make the audiences feel many emotions. In the end, it's all about having your money's worth which is what Mollywood has been doing for the past few years, but no matter how good the story is, if it is not conveyed properly with the right amount of emotions and expressions by the actors, the story won't strike a chord with the audience.
Thankfully, Malayalam Cinema has been blessed with actors who do justice to the script. Appreciating such actors who shed blood and tears to make it all worthwhile, here is a list of the top 10 Malayalam actors of 2025!
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Mammootty was born on Thursday, 7 September 1951, and is 73 years old as of 2025. He began his acting career in the early 1970s, with a small role in Anubhavangal Paalichakal (1971). His first credited role came in Devalokam, though it was never released. He worked in several films through the late 1970s and 1980s, slowly building his career with performances in movies like Mela, Aa Raathri, and Yavanika.
Mammootty rose to stardom in the 1980s with landmark films such as New Delhi, Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, and Kaalapani. His versatility and ability to adapt to any role made him one of the most respected actors in Indian cinema. Over the decades, he has acted in more than 400 films and has been honored with multiple National Awards.
In 2025, Mammootty continues to prove his relevance in the industry. He appeared in Turbo, an action-packed entertainer, and Bramayugam, a period horror thriller that gained critical acclaim. These films highlight how, even after five decades, Mammootty remains one of the strongest pillars of Malayalam cinema.
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Dulquer Salmaan was born on Friday, 28 July 1983, and is 42 years old as of 2025.
He made his acting debut in the Malayalam film Second Show (2012), earning a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. Early successes followed with critically acclaimed films like Bangalore Days (2014), Charlie, and Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi.
Dulquer rose to major stardom with the sweeping success of Bangalore Days, solidifying his place as a leading actor celebrated for his depth and versatility.
In 2025, two of his most notable new projects include Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra–a groundbreaking Malayalam superhero film he produced and appeared in–and Aakasam Lo Oka Tara, a Telugu-language romantic drama set to release later this year.
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Fahadh Faasil was born on Tuesday, 8 August 1982, and is 43 years old as of 2025. He is the son of filmmaker Fazil and grew up around cinema. Fahadh made his debut in 2002 with the film Kaiyethum Doorath, directed by his father, but the movie did not do well. After a break, he returned in 2009 with Kerala Café and slowly built his place with films like Chaappa Kurishu and 22 Female Kottayam.
His real breakthrough came with 22 Female Kottayam and North 24 Kaatham, which earned him wide praise for his natural style of acting. Movies like Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, and Joji further cemented him as one of the most versatile actors in Malayalam cinema.
In 2025, Fahadh continues to impress with big projects. He starred in Pushpa 2: The Rule, where his role as Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat gained massive attention. He also appeared in Aavesham, a Malayalam action-comedy that became a hit, showcasing his range and ability to connect with audiences across genres.
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Tovino Thomas was born on Friday, 21 January 1989, and is 36 years old as of 2025. He began his film journey with Prabhuvinte Makkal in 2012, where he played a small role. His early films like ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi, 7th Day, and Koothara helped him gain recognition as a fresh face in Malayalam cinema.
His big breakthrough came with Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015), where his performance won wide appreciation. Movies like Mayanadhi and Theevandi further strengthened his career, while Minnal Murali (2021), a Malayalam superhero film, made him a pan-India name. Known for balancing commercial and content-driven roles, Tovino has built a strong reputation for versatility and commitment.
In 2025, he continues to shine with notable films. He starred in Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM), a period action drama that became one of the most talked-about releases. He also appeared in Anveshippin Kandethum, a gripping investigative thriller that showcased his acting depth. Tovino’s journey reflects how he has grown from small roles to becoming one of the most bankable stars in Malayalam cinema today.
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Prithviraj Sukumaran was born on Sunday, 16 October 1982, and is 42 years old as of 2025. He made his acting debut in Nandanam (2002), which instantly marked him as a promising new face in Malayalam cinema. Early films like Stop Violence, Swapnakoodu, and Classmates helped him grow into one of the most sought-after young actors of his generation.
His rise to stardom came through powerful performances in films such as Thalappavu, Indian Rupee, and Ayalum Njanum Thammil. Later, big successes like Lucifer (2019), which he also directed, cemented his place as both a leading actor and filmmaker. Known for balancing mass entertainers and critically acclaimed projects, Prithviraj has built a strong and versatile career across languages.
In 2025, he remains one of the most prominent stars of Indian cinema. He played a key role in Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life), a survival drama that received global attention for its gripping story and his intense performance. He was also seen in L2: Empuraan, the highly anticipated sequel to Lucifer, where he reprised his role and also continued his journey as a director. Prithviraj’s career reflects consistency, adaptability, and a clear passion for storytelling.
6. Kunchacko Boban
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Kunchacko Boban was born on Wednesday, 2 November 1976, and is 48 years old as of 2025. He made his debut with Aniyathipravu in 1997, a romantic drama that turned into a blockbuster and earned him the title of the “chocolate boy” of Malayalam cinema. Following that, he starred in successful films like Niram, Nakshathratharattu, and Mayilpeelikkavu, which made him a household name among family audiences.
For a while, he was mainly known for youthful love stories, but he later reinvented himself with diverse roles. Movies like Elsamma Enna Aankutty, Traffic, and How Old Are You helped him transition into more mature characters. His ability to adapt to changing trends in cinema kept him relevant even after decades in the industry.
What truly strengthened his career was his willingness to experiment with genres, from thrillers to family dramas. By the mid-2010s, he became known for balancing commercial and content-driven films.
In 2025, Kunchacko Boban continues to stay strong in the industry with notable roles in Grrr, a comedy-drama, and Padmini, a film that highlights his knack for light-hearted yet meaningful storytelling. His long journey reflects consistency, charm, and steady growth as an actor.
7. Shane Nigam
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Shane Nigam was born on Tuesday, 21 December 1999, and is 25 years old as of 2025. He is the son of the late actor Kalabhavan Abi and grew up around cinema. Shane started his acting journey with a supporting role in Annayum Rasoolum (2013), but his first lead role came with Kismath in 2016. The film earned him recognition for his natural style of acting and set the tone for his career.
He followed it up with memorable performances in C/O Saira Banu, Parava, and Eeda. But it was films like Kumbalangi Nights and Ishq that really made him a star. His ability to bring vulnerability and depth to characters struck a chord with the audience, and soon he was seen as one of the most promising young actors in Malayalam cinema.
Shane has always chosen roles that break away from the usual, making his filmography stand out. He balances mainstream and artistic films with ease, keeping viewers curious about his choices.
In 2025, he continues to impress with strong performances in Qalb, a romantic drama, and Vela, a crime thriller. Both films show his growth as an actor who is unafraid to experiment with different shades of storytelling.
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Unni Mukundan was born on Monday, 22 September 1987, and is 37 years old as of 2025. He began his film journey with the Tamil movie Seedan (2011), but it was his Malayalam debut Bombay March 12 in the same year that introduced him to the industry. Soon, he appeared in films like Mallu Singh, Ithu Pathiramanal, and Babu Janardhanan’s Ithu Pathiramanal, where he started building his identity as a versatile performer.
His breakthrough came with Mallu Singh (2012), which gave him the title “Mallu Singh” among fans. Later, films like KL 10 Patthu and Style helped him gain wider recognition. Unni also showcased his acting depth in Mikhael and Meppadiyan, the latter being a turning point that earned him strong praise for his performance and choice of role.
Over the years, Unni has balanced action, drama, and emotional characters, making him one of the dependable names in Malayalam cinema.
In 2025, he continues his strong run with two popular films – Jai Ganesh, where he plays a disabled superhero, and Marco, a spin-off from Mikhael that has drawn attention for his intense role. Both movies reflect his growth and commitment to meaningful cinema.
9. Dileep
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Dileep was born on Thursday, 27 October 1966, and is 58 years old as of 2025. He started his journey in the Malayalam film industry as a mimicry artist before moving into acting. His debut as a lead came with Manathe Kottaram (1994), after appearing in small roles in films like Ennodu Ishtam Koodamo.
In the mid-90s, he slowly carved a space for himself with movies such as Sallapam and Ee Puzhayum Kadannu. His natural comic timing and ability to connect with the audience made him a favorite among family audiences. The real turning point came with films like Meesa Madhavan (2002) and Kalyanaraman, which made him one of the most bankable stars of Malayalam cinema. Later, movies like CID Moosa and Chanthupottu only strengthened his place.
Over the years, Dileep has balanced humor, drama, and emotional roles, building a career that spans more than three decades.
In 2025, he continues to stay relevant with films like Thankamani, based on real-life events, and Voice of Sathyanathan, which brings back his signature mix of humor and emotion. Both movies show his ability to keep reinventing himself while staying close to his roots.
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Nivin Pauly was born on Monday, 11 October 1984, and is 40 years old as of 2025. He started his acting career with the film Malarvaadi Arts Club (2010), directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan. The film gave him a good start, and soon he appeared in movies like The Metro and Sevenes, slowly gaining recognition.
His big break came with Thattathin Marayathu (2012), a romantic drama that made him a household name. After that, films like Neram, 1983, and Bangalore Days helped him rise to stardom. But it was Premam (2015) that changed everything, turning him into a pan-Indian sensation. His boy-next-door charm and natural acting style made him relatable to audiences everywhere.
Over the years, Nivin has balanced commercial entertainers and meaningful roles, building a career that feels both versatile and steady.
In 2025, he continues to shine with movies like Dear Students, a campus drama that connects with younger audiences, and Action Hero Biju 2, the sequel to his much-loved police drama. Both films show how he keeps growing while staying close to the roles that made people love him in the first place.