Kochi, India – Iconic actor Mammootty turned 75 on Monday, with fans and notable figures paying heartfelt tribute to his illustrious journey in cinema spanning more than five decades. On his birthday, the actor took to social media to announce the title and first look poster of his new movie Mela, directed by Nithish Sahadev, promising a thrilling action ride. The movie, bankrolled by Mammootty Kampany, shares its title with the late filmmaker K.G. George’s critically-acclaimed 1980 movie featuring Mammootty in one of his memorable early roles. A day before, he had also released his character poster for the much-awaited Om – Chapter 1, directed by Rajkumar Periasamy and starring Dhanush.
Scores of fans gathered at his residence in Kochi on Sunday night, distributing cakes and wishing him good health, even as the actor thanked them via a video call from Chennai. Filmmaker Sibi Malayil, who worked with Mammootty on Thaniyavarthanam and Mudra, said the legendary actor has moved seamlessly through generations by portraying several characters through his passion and artistry. “He is inventing himself with every movie and looking out for new challenges in his creative pursuit,” he said. Actor and MLA Ramesh Pisharody, who joined the celebrations at his Chennai residence, said Mammootty has always surprised him by showing how a person can adapt in tune with the changing times.
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Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan extended birthday wishes, saying that “the pride of Malayalam” has created magic on screen over the last five decades. Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan said the versatile actor has explored the immense possibilities of acting through the characters he had portrayed. The year 2026 has been special for the actor after he won the Rajat Kamal for Best Actor—a record-equalling fourth—for his chilling portrayal of Kodumon Potty in Bramayugam. He made his debut in a brief appearance in K.S. Sethumadhavan’s Anubhavangal Paalichakal in 1971 and has since mesmerised audiences across languages in a filmography spanning over 400 movies. His upcoming projects include Padayaatra helmed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Mattancherry Mafia directed by Khalid Rahman.
