Some Leading Actresses Who Dominated Malayalam Films
Malayalam cinema has been experiencing a steady growth ever since the 1st Malayalam movie ‘Vigathakumaran’ produced and directed by J.C.Daniel was released in 1928. Though this film failed, the film ‘Jeevithanouka’ released in 1951 was the turning point in Malayalam cinema. Since then there is no looking back. Many fantastic box-office hits were released and many talented heroes and heroines were introduced to the Malayalam film fans.
Malayalam actresses are a blend of beauty and talents and leading actresses have proved their talents not only in acting, but also in dancing and singing. In the 60’s to 80’s the Malayalam cinema was dominated by actresses like Sheela, Sharada and Jayabarathi. The most leading pair was Prem Nazir and Sheela and they name figures in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest number of films as hero and heroine. Sheela’s role as Karuthamma in the movie Chemmeen stole the hearts of millions of her fans and this movie was recognized internationally too. Jayabarathi a noted dancer started her film career as a teenager in the 60’s and she has done leading roles with all the top heroes. Saraswathi Devi alias Sharada, who hails from Andra Pradesh, started her career acting in theater and once she entered Malayalam industry in 1965 and created a niche for herself with some memorable performances.
A few years later Seema entered Malayalam industry with the movie ‘Avaludae Raavugal’. A very versatile actress Seema entered the film industry as a group dancer. Malayalam movie goers saw some wonderful family storied movies during Seema’s era. Another versatile actress during this era was Srividhya, who came from tamil film industry and concentrated in Malayalam movies during the latter part of her career. Though this beautiful actress is no more she is always remembered for her brilliant portrayals as a mother in many movies. Suhashini, also from tamil industry, also acted in a few movies with top stars like Mamooty and created a place for herself in Malayalam cinema.
Between the years 80-86, the leading actress was Menaka. Though she acted only for a short span, she completed 116 films and some of her very popular movies were opposite Shanker. Malayalam films also experienced acting talents of actresses like Rohini and Poornima Jayaram.
This industry was then dominated by talented actresses like Urvashi, Parvathy, Manju Warrior, Samyuktha Varma, Divya Unni, Chippi, Mohini etc.
Shobana ruled the Malayalam film industry for many years acting opposite all the top stars and giving some excellent movies to the Malayalam fans. Her beauty, dance and acting talents gave her the number one position. She has now dedicated herself to dance profession, but she has made her appearance in one or two movies.
Malayalam films then saw the era of gorgeous, talented actresses like Navya Nair, Meera Jasmine, Bhavana and Kavya Madhavan. Though Navya and Meera have kept themselves off screen, Kavya is still strong and is now the best actress of Malayalam films. Bhavana is handling both Malayalam and Tamil movies simultaneously.
Today the leading actresses in Malayalam movies are Samvritha Sunil, Ananya, Bhavana and Kavya Madhavan, who is at the top of the list.