Thilakan
ActingAbout Thilakan
Surendranatha Thilakan known mononymously as Thilakan, was an Indian film and stage actor who had starred in over 200 Malayalam films in a career spanning over four decades (1972-2012). Thilakan is regarded as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema, and popularly mentioned as the Perumthachan (master craftsman) of Malayalam Cinema. He is known for his excellence in character, antagonist, and protagonist roles. He has won 3 National Film Awards and 9 Kerala State Film Awards. The Government of India awarded him with the Padma Shri in 2009 for his contributions towards the arts.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Thilakan reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Thilakan's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 100% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Thilakan remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Kudumba Visesham, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Thilakan Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Thilakan's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Thilakan.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | God For Sale | Varghese | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Ustad Hotel | Kareem | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Spirit | Aashan | Hit | Similar → |
| 2011 | Indian Rupee | Achutha Menon | Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | Orkkuka Vallappozhum | Sethumadhavan | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Manjadikuru | Appukuttan Nair | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2002 | Kalyanaraman | Meppattu Thirumeni | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Narasimham | Maranchery Karunakara Menon | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Ee Mazha Then Mazha | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Veendum Chila Veettukaryangal | Kochuthomman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu | Ettuveettil Natesan Muthalali | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala | Karunan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Punjabi House | Kaimal | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Nakshatratharattu | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Spadikam | Chacko Master | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Sagaram Sakshi | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Kudumba Visesham | Madhavan Nair | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Manichitrathazhu | Brahmadattan Nampoothirippaadu | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Chenkol | Achuthan Nair | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Sadayam | Dr. K. V. G Nambiar | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Godfather | Balaraman | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Kilukkam | Justice Pillai | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Sandhesam | Raghavan Nair | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Chathriyan | Arumai Nayagam (Annachi) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Mathilukal | Jail warder | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Nanma Niranjavan Sreenivasan | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Vachanam | Police Officer | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Chakkikotha Chankaran | Raghavan Thampi | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Kireedam | Achuthan Nair | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Varnam | Major M. K. Nair | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Season | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Moonnam Pakkam | Thampi | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Orkkapurathu | J J | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Thaniyavarthanam | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Unnikale Oru Kadha Parayam | Priest | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Amrutham Gamaya | Kurup | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | And There Was a Village... | Raman (Manager) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Nadodikkattu | Ananthan Nambiar | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Kathakku Pinnil | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Namukku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal | Paul Pailokkaaran | Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Panchagni | Raman | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam | Damodaran | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Gandhinagar 2nd Street | Sridharan Menon | Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Puli Varunne Puli | 'Kuttithanam' Kurup | Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Ee Lokam Ivide Kure Manushyar | Krishna Pillai | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Irakal | Mathews | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu | Alexander | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Panchavadi Palam | Ishak Tharakan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Ente Mamattukkuttiyammakku | Fr. Joseph Sebastian | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Yavanika | Vakkachan | Super Hit | Similar → |
Thilakan - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Thilakan?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Thilakan is "Kudumba Visesham" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Thilakan acted in?
Thilakan has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Thilakan?
Other notable films include "God For Sale", "Ee Lokam Ivide Kure Manushyar", and "Sagaram Sakshi".