1. Jagathy Sreekumar – The Genius of Versatility
- Full Name:
Sreekumar Achary
- Born:
January 5, 1951 – Trivandrum, Kerala
- Career:
1974 – present (over 1,500 films)
- About:
Widely regarded as the King of Malayalam Comedy, Jagathy has acted
in more films than any other Indian actor. He can play the simple
villager, arrogant bureaucrat, cunning boss, or the naïve husband — with
equal brilliance.
- Comedy Style:
Witty dialogue delivery, intelligent word-play, and unmatched facial
expressions. He often blended humor with social satire.
- Famous Films:
Kilukkam, Yodha, Meesa Madhavan, Mazha Peyyunnu
Maddalam Kottunnu, Ramji Rao Speaking, Manichitrathazhu.
- Legacy:
Jagathy’s dialogues and expressions became everyday Malayalam idioms. He
remains the benchmark for every comic actor in Kerala.
2.
Innocent Vareed Thekkethala – The Natural Performer
- Born:
February 28, 1948 – March 26, 2023
- Career:
1972 – 2020s
- About:
Innocent was loved for his realistic acting and humane humor. He
played the “common man” with warmth and charm, connecting deeply with
audiences.
- Comedy Style:
Conversational wit, soft sarcasm, and emotional humor. He could make
audiences laugh without exaggeration.
- Famous Films:
Ramji Rao Speaking, Godfather, Mazhavil Koodaram, Manichitrathazhu,
Vietnam Colony.
- Other Roles:
Served as Member of Parliament (2014–2019).
- Legacy:
Symbol of kindness and humility; his name became synonymous with clean,
feel-good comedy.
3.
Salim Kumar – From Mimicry to Mastery
- Born:
October 10, 1969 – Paravur, Kerala
- Career:
1990 – present
- About:
Started as a mimicry artist before entering films. Known for his
rubber-like face and unique body language, he evolved into an
award-winning serious actor.
- Comedy Style:
Physical humor, exaggerated emotions, and spontaneous improvisation.
- Famous Films:
Ee Parakkum Thalika, CID Moosa, Meesa Madhavan, Thenkasipattanam.
- Awards:
National Film Award (2010) for Adaminte Makan Abu (a serious
role — proving his range).
- Legacy:
Bridges the worlds of comedy and drama effortlessly; still respected as an
acting powerhouse.
4.
Harisree Ashokan – The Slapstick Favorite
- Born:
April 6, 1964 – Ernakulam, Kerala
- Career:
1990 – present
- About:
Began as a mimicry performer in Harisree Kalakendram, became one of
Mollywood’s most loved comedians.
- Comedy Style:
Physical comedy, accent-based jokes, and “innocent villager” characters.
- Famous Films:
Punjabi House, Ee Parakkum Thalika, Friends, Meesa
Madhavan, CID Moosa.
- Legacy:
Famous for his partnership with actors like Dileep and Cochin Haneefa,
creating some of Malayalam cinema’s funniest scenes.
5.
Sreenivasan – The Satirical Storyteller
- Born:
April 6, 1956 – Thalassery, Kerala
- Career:
1977 – present
- About:
Not just a comedian, but also a writer, director, and thinker. His
screenplays blend humor with strong social commentary.
- Comedy Style:
Intellectual satire, situational humor, and realistic dialogue.
- Famous Films:
Sandesham, Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala, Nadodikkattu, Udayananu
Tharam, Varavelppu.
- Legacy:
Introduced the concept of “smart comedy with message” — inspiring a
generation of writers and comedians.
6.
Cochin Haneefa – The Stylish Comic Villain
- Born:
April 22, 1951 – Died February 2, 2010
- Career:
1970s – 2010
- About:
A multifaceted artist who directed and acted in both comic and villainous
roles. His booming voice and natural presence made every role memorable.
- Comedy Style:
Blending confidence and wit; known for exaggerated yet lovable characters.
- Famous Films:
Azhakiya Ravanan, Meesa Madhavan, Punjabi House, CID
Moosa.
- Legacy:
The go-to supporting comedian for over two decades.
7.
Kalabhavan Mani – The People’s Comedian
- Born:
January 1, 1971 – March 6, 2016
- Career:
1995 – 2016
- About:
Rose from being an auto-rickshaw driver to a National-Award-winning actor.
Started with mimicry at Kalabhavan troupe.
- Comedy Style:
Rooted, energetic, and emotional. Known for his earthy humor, songs, and
natural acting.
- Famous Films:
Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njanum, Chotta Mumbai, Summer
in Bethlehem.
- Legacy:
Embodied the voice of Kerala’s working class, mixing laughter with
realism.
8.
Mukesh – The Charming Entertainer
- Full Name:
Mukesh Madhavan
- Born:
March 5, 1956 – Kollam, Kerala
- Career:
1982 – present
- About:
Known for his comic timing and chemistry with Sreenivasan. Usually played
the unlucky but lovable middle-class man.
- Comedy Style:
Subtle humor, expressive face, and relatable characters.
- Famous Films:
Ramji Rao Speaking, Godfather, Kadha Parayumbol, In
Harihar Nagar.
- Legacy:
Still a beloved on-screen “everyman” — now active in theatre and politics.
9.
Jagadeesh Kumar – The Consistent Crowd-Pleaser
- Born:
June 29, 1955 – Trivandrum, Kerala
- Career:
1980s – present
- About:
A mathematics professor turned actor. Known for his nervous, talkative
characters.
- Comedy Style:
High-energy dialogue delivery, fast reactions, and exaggerated panic
humor.
- Famous Films:
In Harihar Nagar, Godfather, Hitler, Meesa
Madhavan.
- Legacy:
A familiar, dependable face who brought everyday humor to the big screen.
10.
Mamukkoya – The Dialect Legend
- Full Name:
Muhammed Kutty Ismail (Mamukkoya)
- Born:
July 5, 1946 – April 26, 2023
- Career:
1979 – 2023
- About:
The first Malayalam comedian who used Malabar dialect authentically.
Famous for his unique laugh and slang delivery.
- Comedy Style:
Regional dialect-based, realistic humor; perfect for village and
working-class roles.
- Famous Films:
Nadodikkattu, Kilukkam, Ramji Rao Speaking, Perumazhakkalam.
- Legacy:
Respected as a cultural icon who preserved Malabar’s linguistic flavor on
screen.
Summary
Table
|
Rank |
Comedian |
Signature
Style |
Era |
Notable
Films |
|
1 |
Jagathy Sreekumar |
Versatile satire & expressions |
1970s–present |
Kilukkam, Yodha |
|
2 |
Innocent |
Natural talkative humor |
1980s–2010s |
Godfather, Manichitrathazhu |
|
3 |
Salim Kumar |
Physical, emotional comedy |
1990s–present |
CID Moosa |
|
4 |
Harisree Ashokan |
Slapstick, accent humor |
1990s–present |
Punjabi House |
|
5 |
Sreenivasan |
Satirical, social message |
1980s–present |
Sandesham |
|
6 |
Cochin Haneefa |
Stylish comic villain |
1980s–2000s |
Azhakiya Ravanan |
|
7 |
Kalabhavan Mani |
Folk, emotional humor |
1990s–2010s |
Chotta Mumbai |
|
8 |
Mukesh |
Relatable family comedy |
1980s–present |
In Harihar Nagar |
|
9 |
Jagadeesh |
Fast talker, panic roles |
1980s–present |
Hitler, Godfather |
|
10 |
Mamukkoya |
Dialect-based humor |
1980s–2020s |
Nadodikkattu |
Conclusion
Mollywood comedy is deeply rooted in
realism and humanity.
From Jagathy’s witty satire to Innocent’s warmth, and from Kalabhavan Mani’s
folk charm to Yogi Babu-like naturalism emerging in new age Malayalam films —
every comedian added a layer to Kerala’s storytelling tradition.
Together, they defined Malayalam cinema’s unique blend of intellect,
innocence, and laughter.
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