Hypermasculinity seems to be a term that many heroes have been gravitating towards for the past few years. But, two leading superstars, Mohanlal, 65, and Mammootty, 73, from the Malayalam film industry are quietly revolutionising their heroic image, thereby breaking stereotypes and becoming trendsetters.

A hero is not just a man who breaks bones, utters sermonic dialogues and is a saviour for the masses. And being in a film industry which is often criticised for its skewed stereotypes and conventional hero archetypes, Mohanlal and Mammootty, redefined masculinity with their latest choices.

WHEN MOHANLAL EMBRACED FEMININITY

Recently, Mohanlal starred in a commercial for a jewellery brand. Truth to be told, every jewellery commercial will usually opt for a heroine or a woman to promote their brand. But, this brand chose Mohanlal, one of the pillars of Malayalam cinema. The 110-second commercial, directed by acclaimed ad filmmaker Prakash Varma, featured Mohanlal embracing femininity.

Without a single dialogue, the actor was seen wearing diamond ornaments and striking feminine poses and admiring himself in front of the mirror. His expressions exuded unmatched elegance and one needs a lot of confidence to pull it off without being caricaturish. Being an ad, this could have been just another collaboration, but it is a powerful statement about inclusivity.

The 65-year-old actor stepped out of his comfort zone to showcase a feminine side, showcasing the strength and hold in his craft. It’s a welcoming departure from the norm of hypermasculine characters.

MAMMOOTTY PLAYED A HOMOSEXUAL IN KAATHAL

If Mohanlal’s chose to embrace his feminine side, Mammootty made a significant contribution in bringing inclusivity to the big screens when he played a homosexual man in director Jeo Baby’s ‘Kaathal – The Core’. In his early seventies, when you are seen as a man belonging to an older generation, playing a gay person on screen is a path-breaking decision coming from a megastar.

The role and the film could have gone either way. But, it transcended borders, spoke to the minority and also received a lot of love from people across the globe. Mammootty’s portrayal wasn’t just mere acting – it was a statement that Malayalam megastars are willing to push boundaries.

WHY THIS IS A TRENDSETTING MOVE

Mohanlal and Mammootty aren’t just any actors. They are megastars who have established themselves over the years. While they are nearing the end of their careers, they don’t have anything left to prove. Yet, their decisions in playing such roles, be it a commercial or a film, signal their quest to explore new challenges and maturity in portraying such complex characters.

At a time when many films poke fun at transgender people and promote homophobia, the reach of Mohanlal’s commercial and Mammootty’s film’s success highlights a meaningful change. Sexuality, even in 2025, is a taboo topic in our country. When two of the biggest actors in the country choose such portrayals, it normalises expressions of fluidity and sexuality.

Though there has been a bit of backlash from traditionalists, many praised the two actors’ choice and conviction to portray such roles. It leads to larger conversations about understanding, acceptance and stereotypes.

Art is for all and love is for all. And with these bold yet thoughtful choices, these Malayalam actors are wielding their powers to push creative boundaries and be a representative of change in contemporary Indian cinema.

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