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Priyadarshan
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Priyadarshan Soman Nair (born 30 January 1957)[1][2] is an Indian film director and screenwriter. He has worked primarily in Malayalam and Hindi cinema since 1982, directing over 98 films in multiple Indian languages, with notable works in Tamil and Telugu. Known for his memorable comedic films, he has received several accolades, including three National Film Awards, multiple Kerala State Film Awards, and the Padma Shri in 2012.[3] Most of his Hindi films are remakes of Malayalam films, some of which Priyadarshan helmed both versions.
Key Information
He began his cinematic journey in the early 1980s, primarily working in Malayalam cinema. He directed several notable films during this period, including Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu (1986), Thalavattam (1986), Vellanakalude Nadu (1988), Chithram (1988), Vandanam (1989), and Kilukkam (1991). Throughout the 1990s, he continued directing successful films such as Abhimanyu (1991), Mithunam (1993), Thenmavin Kombath (1994), Kaalapaani (1996), Chandralekha (1997), and Megham (1999).
While working in Malayalam cinema, Priyadarshan also made his foray into Bollywood with Gardish (1994) and Virasat (1997), both of which were critically acclaimed. In the 2000s, he gained widespread recognition in Bollywood for his Hindi adaptations of Malayalam films, particularly in the comedy genre. Some of his most notable Bollywood films include Hera Pheri (2000), Hungama (2003), Hulchul (2004), Garam Masala (2005), Bhagam Bhag (2006), Chup Chup Ke (2006), Dhol (2007), De Dana Dan (2009), and Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2008).[4][5]
Early life
[edit]Priyadarshan received his early education at the Government Model School in Thiruvananthapuram, and later a Master of Arts in Philosophy from University College Thiruvananthapuram.[6] His father, a college librarian, nurtured his love for literature, which led to a passion for storytelling. He was an avid reader in his teens, and during college, he began writing short plays and skits for All India Radio. He was influenced by the films of director P. Venu. His friends during this time included Mohanlal, M. G. Sreekumar, Suresh Kumar, Sanal Kumar, Jagadish, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Ashok Kumar. Mohanlal entered the film industry, and his friends followed him to Chennai in search of opportunities. With Mohanlal's help, Priyadarshan worked as an assistant scriptwriter on a few films and began writing his own scripts, some of which became successful. Eventually, he returned to Kerala.[7]
Though he initially aspired to become a cricketer, an eye injury shifted his focus toward filmmaking.[8]
Film career
[edit]Priyadarshan has been active in Indian cinema since 1984 as a director and screenwriter, directing over 95 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu.
1984–1987
[edit]In 1984, Priyadarshan made his directorial debut with Poochakkoru Mookkuthi, a slapstick comedy produced by his friends Suresh Kumar and Sanal Kumar, with financial backing from Thiruvenkadam. Mohanlal, who had become a well-known actor by then, starred alongside Shankar as the parallel lead. The film received critical acclaim and became a commercial success, running for 100 days in Kerala theaters.[9]
Following this success, Priyadarshan continued making comedies, directing Odaruthammava Aalariyam and Onnanam Kunnil Oradi Kunnil. He then experimented with a family thriller, Parayanumvayya Parayathirikkanumvayya, starring Mammootty and Shankar. His first film without Mohanlal, Punnaram Cholli Cholli, was followed by Boeing Boeing and Aram + Aram = Kinnaram, both of which were well received.
However, Rakkuyilin Ragasadassil, despite featuring hit songs, failed at the box office. He regained success with Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu, Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi, and Dheem Tharikida Thom. The family drama Thalavattam established him as a director capable of handling serious themes, further strengthening his position in the Malayalam film industry.
During this period, Priyadarshan also directed a Tamil film, Chinnamanikkuyile, which remained unreleased. Meanwhile, his Malayalam film Cheppu achieved commercial success.
He then made Punnaram Cholli Cholli, his first film without Mohanlal, followed by Boeing Boeing and Aram + Aram = Kinnaram. He was later criticised for Rakkuyilin Ragasadassil. Despite hit songs, the film flopped. However, Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu, Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi and Dheem Tharikida Thom were successful. Priyadarshan gained recognition as a serious director with the successful family drama Thalavattam. His Tamil film Chinnamanikkuyile remained unreleased, while his work in Malayalam continued with Cheppu, which was a success.[10]
1988–1998
[edit]In 1988, Priyadarshan directed multiple films that contributed to his growing recognition in Indian cinema. Vellanakalude Nadu, scripted by Sreenivasan and starring Mohanlal, tackled themes of corruption and land mafia, becoming a significant film in his career. He then directed Aryan, an action film written by T. Damodaran, which depicted the Mumbai underworld and achieved commercial success, running for over 150 days in theaters.[11]
That same year, Chithram, a comedy-drama starring Mohanlal, was released. The film ran for 366 days in theaters, setting box office records at the time, later surpassed by his own film Kilukkam in 1991.[11] Priyadarshan's other releases in 1988 included Oru Muthassi Katha and Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu. However, he faced setbacks in 1990 with Kadathanadan Ambadi and Akkare Akkare Akkare, which did not perform well commercially.
In 1991, Kilukkam, starring Mohanlal, Jagathi Sreekumar, and Revathi, became a box office success, further cementing Priyadarshan's reputation. His subsequent films, Abhimanyu (1991), Advaitham (1992), and Thenmavin Kombathu (1994), all ran for over 100 days in theaters.[12] Midhunam (1993) and Minnaram (1994) also received positive responses from audiences.
Priyadarshan expanded into Tamil cinema when he was invited by M. Karunanidhi to direct Gopura Vasalile for his son's production house. In 1991, he directed his first Telugu film, Nirnayam, when actor Nagarjuna approached him to remake the Malayalam film Vandanam. He made his Bollywood debut in 1992 with Muskurahat, a remake of Kilukkam, though it failed at the box office.[13]
In 1993, Priyadarshan returned to Bollywood with Gardish, an adaptation of the Malayalam film Kireedom, written by A. K. Lohithadas. In 1994, he directed his second and, to date, last Telugu film, Gandeevam, starring Balakrishna. He gained national recognition in 1996 when he directed the Miss World pageant held in Bangalore. That same year, he released Kalapani, a period drama about India's independence struggle, scripted by T. Damodaran. The film, starring Mohanlal, Tabu, Prabhu, and Amrish Puri, was originally made in Malayalam and later dubbed into Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. Kalapani won multiple awards and was widely praised for its historical narrative and cinematography.[14]
In 1997, Priyadarshan directed two commercially successful films: Chandralekha in Malayalam and Virasat in Hindi, the latter being an adaptation of Bharathan's Tamil film Thevar Magan. In 1998, he directed three Hindi films—Saat Rang Ke Sapne (a remake of Thenmavin Kombathu), Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (inspired by Aniyathi Pravu), and Kabhi Na Kabhi—all of which underperformed at the box office. In 1999, he collaborated with Mammootty for Megham, marking their first film together in several years.
2000–2016
[edit]In 2000, Priyadarshan directed Hera Pheri, a Hindi adaptation of the Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking (1989). The film, starring Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, Tabu, and Paresh Rawal, became a box office success and is regarded as a landmark in Hindi cinema. It also marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration between Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar,[15] while Paresh Rawal became a regular in many of his subsequent films.[16]
Following Hera Pheri, Priyadarshan directed several Hindi films, including Yeh Teraa Ghar Yeh Meraa Ghar, Hungama, Hulchul, Garam Masala, and Kyon Ki. In 2000, he also directed Raakilipattu, a bilingual Malayalam-Tamil thriller (Snegithiye in Tamil), starring Tabu and Jyothika. Adapted from the Marathi film Bindhaast, the film was notable for its all-female cast and received critical acclaim. While the Tamil version was released in 2000, the Malayalam version and a dubbed Hindi version (Friendship) were released in 2007.[17][18]
Priyadarshan's English-language epic period film titled The Last Revolutionary, produced by 20th Century Fox and based on the life of Indian freedom fighter Chandrasekhar Azad, was planned for filming in 2001 but was eventually shelved.[19][20] During this time, Kamal Haasan was working on Anbe Sivam and approached Priyadarshan to direct it. Pre-production commenced, but Priyadarshan left the project due to creative differences, leading to Sundar C. taking over as director. In 2001, Priyadarshan directed the comedy film Kakkakuyil, reuniting Mohanlal and Mukesh, a successful duo from the 1980s and 1990s. The film became a box-office hit. However, his next two Malayalam films, Kilichundan Mampazham (2003) and Vettam (2004), had only an average performance at the box office, prompting him to shift focus toward Bollywood. In Hindi cinema, Priyadarshan maintained his success with films such as Chup Chup Ke, Bhagam Bhag, Malamaal Weekly, Dhol, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, De Dana Dan, and Mere Baap Pehle Aap. However, subsequent films like Billu, Bumm Bumm Bole, Khatta Meeta, Aakrosh, and Tezz did not meet expectations at the box office. His 2013 film Rangrezz also failed commercially.
Priyadarshan released Kanchivaram, a film about weavers in Kanchipuram. Prakash Raj won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2008 for his performance. Kanchivaram also won awards at film festivals.[21]
Returning to Malayalam cinema, Priyadarshan directed Arabeem Ottakom P. Madhavan Nayarum in Oru Marubhoomikkadha, starring Mohanlal. However, his subsequent films Geethaanjali (2013) and Aamayum Muyalum (2014) were box-office failures.

In late 2015, Priyadarshan announced a crime thriller in Malayalam with Mohanlal.[22][23] The production was confirmed, and the title Oppam was announced in December 2015. Due to weather constraints in Russia, another big-budget Mohanlal film was delayed, allowing Priyadarshan to begin work on Oppam.[24] The screenplay and dialogues, written by Priyadarshan based on a story by Govind Vijayan, received positive reviews[25] and became a blockbuster, breaking records[26] and becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film of the year within 16 days of release.[27]

2018–present
[edit]In early 2018, Priyadarshan began pre-production on Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham, a Malayalam-language historical period film set in the 16th century. The film, starring Mohanlal, is based on the battle exploits of Kunjali Marakkar IV—the naval chieftain of the Zamorin of Calicut who organized the first naval defense of the Indian coast by safeguarding Calicut from Portuguese invasion for almost a century. The film was released on December 2, 2021, and while it received mixed reviews, it failed at the box office due to its high production costs.
Before the release of Marakkar, Priyadarshan directed a spiritual sequel to his 2003 Hindi film Hungama, titled Hungama 2. Released directly on 23 July 2021 on Disney+ Hotstar, the film received negative reviews. It was loosely based on Priyadarshan's 1994 Malayalam film Minnaram.[28]
In 2023, Priyadarshan produced and directed Corona Papers, a Malayalam film starring Shane Nigam. The film, an official remake of the Tamil film 8 Thottakkal (inspired by Akira Kurosawa's 1949 Stray Dog), was released on April 6, 2023. It received positive reviews and was a moderate success at the box office.[29]
In the same year, Priyadarshan directed the Tamil film Appatha, starring Urvashi in the lead role. Released directly on 29 July 2023 on JioCinema, the film was celebrated as Urvashi's 700th project and was showcased at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Film Festival.[30][31][32]
In 2024, Priyadarshan announced the release of Bhooth Bangla, a horror-comedy film starring Akshay Kumar, marking their long-awaited collaboration after 14 years.[33]
In August 2025, he announced his intention to retire following the completion of several landmark projects, including Bhoot Bangla, Haiwaan, Hera Pheri 3, and a highly anticipated 100th film starring his longtime collaborator Mohanlal. He is currently filming Hindi thriller Haiwaan a remake of his own Malayalam film Oppam starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, which will also feature a cameo appearance by Mohanlal.[34][35] Priyadarshan also confirmed plans to helm Hera Pheri 3. The director expressed that he feels "tired" and hopes to step away from active filmmaking upon completing these projects.[36][37]
Other work
[edit]Priyadarshan has also directed numerous advertisement films for brands such as Coca-Cola, American Express, Nokia, Parker Pens, Asian Paints, Kinley, and Max New York Life Insurance.[38]
Personal life
[edit]He married actress Lissy on 13 December 1990.[39] They have two children, actress Kalyani and Sidharth.[40][41] The couple divorced on 1 September 2016, after 26 years of marriage.[42]
Filmography
[edit]Awards and honours
[edit]Priyadarshan has received numerous awards from both the State and Central governments, as well as from various film organizations. He has won the prestigious National Film Award three times and has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to Indian cinema.
National Film Awards
[edit]- 2007: Best Feature Film – Kanchivaram (Golden Lotus)
- 2007: Best Feature Film (Producer) – Kanchivaram (Golden Lotus)
- 2019: Best Director – Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (Golden Lotus)[43]
- 2019: Best Feature Film – Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (Golden Lotus)[43]
- 1996: Best Art Direction – Kalapani (Sabu Cyril)
- 1996: Best Cinematography – Kalapani (Santosh Sivan)
Civilian Awards
[edit]- 2012: Padma Shri (India's fourth-highest civilian award)[44]
Kerala State Film Awards
[edit]- 1994: Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value – Thenmavin Kombathu
- 1995: Second Best Film – Kaalapani
Kerala Film Critics Association Awards
[edit]Filmfare Awards
[edit]- 1997: Best Film (Critics) – Virasat
- 2009: Best Director (Tamil) – Kanchivaram
Special Recognitions
[edit]- 2008 – Special Honour Jury Award – for Outstanding contributions to Indian Cinema
- 2008 – Special Jury Award at Chennai & Jaipur International Film Festival – 'Sila Samayangalil', an art movie on AIDS awareness.
- 2010 – Jaihind Rajat Mudra Award
- 2016 – Asiavision Award for Best Director – Oppam
- 2019 – Kishore Kumar Award by the Government of Madhya Pradesh[47]
- 2022 – Honorary doctorate (D.Litt) – Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science.[48][49]
Academic and Institutional Recognitions
[edit]- 2013: Excellence Award – Hindustan University, Chennai
- 2011-2014: Chairman – Kerala State Chalachithra Academy
- 2011-2014: Director – International Film Festival of Kerala
Government Appointments
[edit]- 2019: Chairperson – Feature Films Jury, 50th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)
- 2016: Central Jury Chairperson – 64th National Awards (President's Award for 2016)
- Sports and Social Contributions
- Columnist – Malayala Manorama Newspaper (for international cricket matches in Kerala)
- Chairperson – Committee of Ceremonies, 35th National Games (2015)
- Director – Rising Star Outreach of India (2014–2019)
References
[edit]- ^ "Happy Birthday Priyadarshan: Mohanlal, Riteish Deshmukh, and others wish Nimir director". The Indian Express. 30 January 2018. Archived from the original on 2 December 2021. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
- ^ "Priyadarshan - Film Director - Official Website". directorpriyadarshan.com. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
- ^ "Happy Birthday, Priyadarshan: Reasons why he is a master at handling every film genres". The Times of India. 30 January 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
- ^ "Priyadarshan birthday special: Top 10 comedy movies starring Akshay Kumar, Shahid Kapoor and more that you can watch again and again". 30 January 2023.
- ^ "9 Priyadarshan Movies That Are So Funny You Won't Even Want to Pause for a Second". 24 August 2024.
- ^ "University College, Thiruvananthapuram – University College, Thiruvananthapuram". 3 December 2024. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
- ^ "Trivandrum days". The Hindu. 29 January 2010. Archived from the original on 5 December 2014. Retrieved 13 September 2014.
- ^ "What made Priyadarshan give up cricket?". The Times of India. 1 October 2012. Archived from the original on 30 March 2024. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
- ^ "#FilmyFriday! Poochakkoru Mookkuthi: A screwball comedy that will leave you glued to your screens!". The Times of India. 18 March 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ "Priyadarshan – the man at 66, and the director at 39". The Indian Express. 30 January 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ a b "Priyan and I share a special bond: Mohanlal". The Times of India. 24 January 2017. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ "25 Years Of Kilukkam: Some Interesting Facts About The Film!". www.filmibeat.com. 26 August 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ Muskurahat (1992) - User reviews - IMDb. Retrieved 30 March 2025 – via www.imdb.com.
- ^ "43rd National Film Festival 1996" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 April 2023.
- ^ "Revisiting Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan's iconic collaborations". English.Mathrubhumi. 30 September 2024. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ "Hera Pheri - Movie - Box Office India". www.boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ "Snegithiye (2000)". IMDb. Archived from the original on 27 October 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
- ^ "Howzzat? Priyan film releases and goes unnoticed!". Archived from the original on 13 June 2011.
- ^ "rediff.com, Movies:'I'm a greedy filmmaker':Priyadarshan". rediff.com. Archived from the original on 24 January 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
- ^ "Bachchan Jr to star in international project". The Times of India. 12 August 2001. Archived from the original on 13 March 2019. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
- ^ "'Kanchivaram' wins national award for best feature film". The Hindu. 7 September 2009. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ Menon, Akhila (6 November 2015). "WHAT! Mohanlal Says No To Priyadarshan?". Filmibeat. Archived from the original on 8 June 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ Vikram, Raj (6 November 2015). "Mohanlal to play a blind man in Priyadarshan's 73 rd movie". Metromatinee.com. Archived from the original on 28 March 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ James, Anu (15 December 2015). "Mohanlal-Priyadarshan to join hands for small budget film before Russian project?". International Business Times. Archived from the original on 31 March 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ James, Anu (9 September 2016). "'Oppam' critics review: Comeback movie of Mohanlal, Priyadarshan duo". International Business Times. Archived from the original on 5 January 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2016.
- ^ "Oppam Box Office Collection: 6 Records Broken by the Mohanlal Starrer!". filmibeat.com. 28 September 2016. Archived from the original on 25 March 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
- ^ "Oppam Beats Jacobinte Swargarajyam to be the Biggest Hit of 2016!". Archived from the original on 2 October 2016. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
- ^ "Shilpa Shetty's Hungama 2 to premiere on Disney+Hotstar on July 23". 30 June 2021. Archived from the original on 30 June 2021. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
- ^ "Corona Papers Review | an Elaborate and Restructured Version of 8 Thottakkal with a Superb Sidhique". 6 April 2023. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
- ^ "Urvasi's 700th film 'Appatha' to be screened at the Shangai Cooperation Organisation Film Festival". The Times of India. 27 January 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 31 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "Urvashi's 700th film 'Appatha' premieres directly on OTT from July 29". The Times of India. 24 July 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 24 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "Priyadarshan's 'Appatha' to open Shanghai Cooperation Organisation film festival". India Today. 26 January 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ "Akshay Kumar begins filming of Bhooth Bangla, to release in 2026". India Today. 10 December 2024. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ "Scoop: Saif Ali Khan, Priyadarshan Finalise Script For Film Inspired By Mohanlal's Oppam". Times Now. 24 November 2024. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ Naaz, Fareha (23 August 2025). "Akshay Kumar teams up with Saif Ali Khan after '18 years' to kickstart Priyadarshan film 'Haiwaan' shoot; watch video". mint. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
- ^ "Priyadarshan To Retire After 100th Film, Confirms Mohanlal's Cameo In Akshay Kumar And Saif Ali Khan's Haiwaan". NDTV. 23 August 2025. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
- ^ "Priyadarshan announces retirement after 100th film, says he's getting 'tired'; reveals Mohanlal will make a cameo in Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar's Haiwaan". Indian Express. 24 August 2025. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
- ^ Priyadarshan – Director's Reel. Archived from the original on 25 December 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2016 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Lissy Priyadarshan, on her husband". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 7 August 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
- ^ "Kalyani Priyadarshan on why Hello is the best film that has happened to her career". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 18 July 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
- ^ Unni, K. Warrier. "Never thought Sidharth had movies in mind: Priyadarshan on double National awards that came home". onmanorama.com. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
- ^ Subramani, A. (16 September 2016). "Film director Priyadarshan – actor Lissy divorce formalities complete". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 January 2018. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
- ^ a b The Hindu Net Desk (22 March 2021). "67th National Film Awards: Complete list of winners". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ "Padma Awards Directory (1954-2013) - Year-Wise List" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 October 2015.
- ^ Critics, kerala Film. "FILM CRITICS AWARDS COMPLETE LIST FROM 1977 TILL 2012 ഫിലിം ക്രിട്ടിക്സ് അവാര്ഡ് 1977 മുതല് 2012 വരെ സമ്പൂര്ണ പട്ടിക". Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ a b Staff Reporter (6 March 2017). "Film critics awards announced". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ "Director Priyadarshan gets MP government's Kishore Kumar award". The Indian Express. Khandwa. 14 October 2019. Archived from the original on 22 October 2019. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
- ^ "Priyadarshan felicitated with an honorary doctorate by Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science". Bollywood Hungama. 7 March 2022. Archived from the original on 28 March 2022. Retrieved 28 March 2022.
- ^ "സംവിധായകന് പ്രിയദര്ശന് ഡോക്ടറേറ്റ്" [Priyadarshan bestowed with honorary doctorate]. Malayala Manorama (in Malayalam). 8 March 2022. Archived from the original on 28 March 2022. Retrieved 28 March 2022.
External links
[edit]Priyadarshan
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Family background and childhood
Priyadarshan Soman Nair was born on 30 January 1957 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, into a middle-class family rooted in the region's cultural traditions. His father, Poojappura Soman Nair, worked as a college librarian and was a noted dramatist in Malayalam theatre, contributing to local stage productions during the mid-20th century. These professions placed the family in a socio-economic context typical of educated Kerala households in the post-independence era, with access to literature and artistic circles that fostered intellectual growth. His mother, Rajamma, managed the household in a conservative environment that emphasized traditional values and family bonds, shaping Priyadarshan's early worldview. The family included a younger sister, creating a close-knit unit where parental expectations revolved around education and cultural appreciation rather than material pursuits. This setting provided a stable yet modest backdrop, with the father's dual roles in academia and drama introducing subtle artistic influences into daily life.[6][7] During his childhood in the 1960s, Priyadarshan developed a voracious reading habit, drawing from his father's library resources, which sparked an early interest in storytelling and narratives. The vibrant theatre scene in Kerala, amplified by his father's involvement, exposed him to local performances and dramatic arts, immersing him in the state's rich folk and classical traditions. These experiences, amid the cultural ferment of post-colonial Kerala, laid the groundwork for his imaginative inclinations without formal training. He first met actor Mohanlal during his school years, initiating a enduring friendship.[8][9]Schooling and early influences
Priyadarshan received his primary education at the Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram, where he honed early acting skills through school plays and activities alongside childhood friends, including future actor Mohanlal.[10][11] The school's environment, shared with peers like Mohanlal and singer M. G. Sreekumar, fostered a collaborative spirit that later influenced his creative collaborations. His father's role as a dramatist and college librarian provided access to a rich collection of books, sparking Priyadarshan's passion for Malayalam literature as a voracious reader during his teenage years; this familial support encouraged his early creative pursuits in writing and performance.[12] At Mahatma Gandhi College in Thiruvananthapuram, where he pursued a bachelor's degree before earning an M.A. in Philosophy from University College, Thiruvananthapuram, Priyadarshan wrote short plays and skits for All India Radio, blending literary influences with amateur theatre.[10][13] Key cinematic influences included classic Malayalam films, particularly those directed by P. Venu, whose stylistic approach inspired Priyadarshan's entry into filmmaking.[12] Friendships with Mohanlal and others like Suresh Kumar further shaped his vision, leading to amateur filmmaking experiments, such as his work as assistant director on the 1978 film Thiranottam (directed by V. Ashok Kumar), a low-budget college project starring Mohanlal as a mentally challenged servant—a bold exploration of sensitive themes that faced censorship and was shelved after one screening.[14][15] These early endeavors, rooted in school and college experiences, laid the foundation for his professional career in cinema.Film career
1984–1989: Debut and formative years
Priyadarshan entered the Malayalam film industry as a screenwriter in 1983 with Kuyiline Thedi, a film directed by M. Mani that marked his initial foray into crafting narratives centered on rural romance and social dynamics.[16] His directorial debut came the following year with Poochakkoru Mookkuthi (1984), which he also wrote, adapting elements of screwball comedy to depict misunderstandings arising from romantic entanglements in an urban setting.[17] Starring Mohanlal in a lead role alongside Shankar, Menaka, and Nedumudi Venu, the low-budget production became a surprise commercial hit, running for over 100 days in theaters and establishing Priyadarshan's knack for blending slapstick elements with relatable character-driven humor.[17] This film also initiated a lifelong friendship with Mohanlal, forged during their college days, which provided crucial early opportunities for collaboration.[18] Building on this momentum, Priyadarshan directed Boeing Boeing (1985), a remake of the 1965 American comedy of the same name, featuring Mohanlal as a journalist juggling relationships with three air hostesses, aided by his friend played by Mukesh.[19] The film, also starring Menaka and Lizy, was a commercial success that highlighted Priyadarshan's adeptness at adapting Western farce for local audiences through exaggerated timing and visual gags.[19] Similarly, Onnanam Kunnil Oradi Kunnil (1985), another screwball comedy he wrote and directed, followed two unemployed youths—portrayed by Mohanlal and Shankar—navigating absurd romantic pursuits, with supporting roles by Lissy, Prem Prakash, and Sukumari adding layers of familial chaos.[20] This ensemble-driven narrative received positive reception for its light-hearted take on youthful aspirations and became a box-office performer, reinforcing Priyadarshan's rising profile in the industry.[21] Throughout these formative years, Priyadarshan's collaborations extended to veteran actress Sukumari, who appeared in key roles in Poochakkoru Mookkuthi, Boeing Boeing, and Onnanam Kunnil Oradi Kunnil, often embodying eccentric maternal figures that amplified the comedic tension.[22] His comedy style began evolving from raw slapstick toward more nuanced situational humor, where conflicts arose organically from character interactions and improbable coincidences, laying the groundwork for his signature multi-threaded narratives seen in later works.[23] By 1989, with films like Vandanam blending thriller elements with humor—again starring Mohanlal—this period solidified his reputation for versatile, audience-engaging storytelling in Malayalam cinema.[24]1990–1999: Breakthrough in Malayalam cinema
During the 1990s, Priyadarshan solidified his position as a prominent figure in Malayalam cinema, directing a series of commercially successful films that blended comedy with elements of drama and social commentary.[25] His collaborations with actor Mohanlal continued to yield major hits, including Kilukkam (1991), a comedy-drama about a tourist guide sheltering a mentally unstable woman, which became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of the year and ran for over 200 days in theaters.[26] Similarly, Abhimanyu (1991), an action-packed tale of vengeance starring Mohanlal, achieved blockbuster status and completed a 100-day theatrical run, reinforcing Priyadarshan's ability to deliver high-stakes narratives with broad appeal.[27] Priyadarshan's signature style during this decade featured fast-paced dialogues, intricate ensemble casts, and subtle social satire, often critiquing societal norms through humorous scenarios.[28] Films like Midhunam (1993), a satirical comedy exploring marital discord and family dynamics with Mohanlal and Sreenivasan in lead roles, exemplified this approach and emerged as a critical and commercial success, running for 175 days.[29] In 1994, he delivered two back-to-back hits: Thenmavin Kombath, a lighthearted rural comedy starring Mohanlal and Shobana that grossed significantly at the box office and celebrated ensemble humor, and Minnaram, a romantic tragedy involving themes of love and deception, which also achieved strong audience reception.[30] These works built on his formative comedic templates from the 1980s, evolving them into more polished, satire-infused entertainers.[31] Later in the decade, Priyadarshan diversified with Kaalapaani (1996), a historical drama set in the Cellular Jail depicting freedom fighters' struggles, starring Mohanlal and Tabu; it received widespread acclaim for its grand scale and emotional depth, marking a departure from pure comedy while maintaining commercial viability. Chandralekha (1997), another Mohanlal starrer, revived his comedic roots with a story of mistaken identities and village antics, becoming a box-office success through its ensemble-driven humor. By 1999, Megham further showcased his range with a family drama centered on emotional reconciliation, starring Mohanlal and again proving his enduring popularity in Malayalam cinema. Amid his Malayalam dominance, Priyadarshan made initial forays into other regional industries, directing his first Tamil film Gopura Vasalile (1991), a thriller exploring superstition and family bonds, and his debut Telugu project Nirnayam (1992), a remake of his own Malayalam hit Vandanam, both of which contributed to his growing reputation for box-office successes across languages.[32]2000–2009: Transition to Hindi blockbusters
In the early 2000s, Priyadarshan expanded his career beyond Malayalam cinema by venturing into Hindi films, leveraging his expertise in comedic storytelling honed during the 1990s. His breakthrough came with Hera Pheri (2000), a frame-to-frame remake of the 1989 Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking, which featured direct Hindi translations of the original dialogues without additional scripting. Starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, the film depicted a chaotic heist scenario involving three unemployed men, blending situational humor with relatable middle-class struggles, and achieved average box-office performance with a nett collection of approximately ₹12.35 crore in India. This success marked Priyadarshan's resurgence in Bollywood after earlier experimental Hindi projects, establishing him as a director capable of adapting regional narratives for a national audience.[33][34][35] Priyadarshan's adaptation strategy during this period relied heavily on remaking his own or other Malayalam successes, tailoring them to Hindi sensibilities by emphasizing universal comedic elements like mistaken identities and ensemble dynamics while minimizing cultural specifics. For instance, Hungama (2003), a semi-hit with ₹12.6 crore nett, remade his 1984 Malayalam film Poochakkoru Mookkuthi, focusing on farcical misunderstandings among a diverse cast. This approach continued with Hulchul (2004), a hit earning ₹20.29 crore nett and remade from the 1991 Malayalam Godfather, which explored family rivalries through slapstick action and romance. Priyadarshan noted that such remakes allowed him to retain core plot structures while adjusting pacing and dialogues to suit Bollywood's broader appeal, often resulting in commercially viable entertainers.[34][35][36] Central to his Hindi blockbusters were repeated collaborations with Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal, whose comic timing amplified the films' energy. Garam Masala (2005), a hit with ₹29 crore nett, remade Priyadarshan's own 1985 Malayalam Boeing Boeing (itself inspired by a French play), starring Kumar and Rawal in a tale of juggling multiple fiancées amid comedic chaos. The duo reunited for Bhagam Bhag (2006), another hit grossing ₹40.38 crore nett, involving a theater troupe's misadventures abroad. These partnerships not only boosted box-office records but also solidified Priyadarshan's reputation for ensemble comedies that prioritized timing over overt slapstick.[34][35][36] The decade's pinnacle arrived with Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), a psychological horror-comedy remade from the 1993 Malayalam Manichitrathazhu, featuring Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, and Shiney Ahuja in a story of a haunted mansion and dissociative identity. It emerged as one of Priyadarshan's biggest hits, collecting ₹49.1 crore nett and blending suspense with humor to critical and commercial acclaim. Despite these triumphs, Priyadarshan balanced Hindi commitments with Malayalam projects, such as the 2003 romantic comedy Kilichundan Mampazham, starring Mohanlal and Sreenivasan, which explored themes of marriage and infertility in a lighthearted village setting.[34][35][37] Bilingual productions posed challenges, including synchronizing humor across linguistic barriers and managing dual shoots, yet Priyadarshan observed that core comedic triggers like absurdity remained consistent regardless of language, easing adaptations. He emphasized that audiences in both industries responded similarly to well-timed gags, though the scale of Bollywood demanded larger sets and star-driven narratives, sometimes leading to production pressures during remakes like Hera Pheri. This era cemented Priyadarshan's national stature, with his Hindi films collectively grossing hundreds of crores and influencing the comedy genre's revival.[38][33][34]2010–present: Mature phase and multilingual projects
In the 2010s, Priyadarshan continued his exploration of Hindi cinema with films like Aakrosh (2010), a vigilante thriller starring Ajay Devgn that addressed social issues such as honor killings and police inaction, marking a departure from his earlier comedies. He followed this with Khatta Meetha (2010), a satirical comedy critiquing corruption in municipal governance, featuring Akshay Kumar in a lead role and reuniting Priyadarshan with the actor after several collaborations. These projects reflected his maturing directorial style, blending humor with commentary on contemporary Indian societal flaws, though they received mixed commercial responses. By 2013, Priyadarshan returned to more dramatic territory with Rangrezz, a Hindi remake of the Malayalam film 22 Female Kottayam, focusing on themes of revenge and survival in the face of exploitation, starring Jackky Bhagnani and Priyanka Chopra. Transitioning back to Malayalam cinema in the mid-2010s, Priyadarshan embraced thrillers, beginning with Oppam (2016), a suspenseful narrative about a blind elevator operator entangled in a murder mystery, starring Mohanlal in a critically acclaimed performance that highlighted the actor's versatility. This film exemplified his shift toward genre experimentation, incorporating tense pacing and moral dilemmas over slapstick elements, and it became one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of the year. Priyadarshan's foray into historical epics came with Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (2021), a multilingual period drama depicting the 16th-century naval warrior Kunjali Marakkar IV, again led by Mohanlal, with production involving extensive VFX to recreate maritime battles; the film was released in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, underscoring his growing interest in pan-Indian storytelling. Despite production delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it earned recognition for its ambitious scale and historical authenticity. The 2020s saw Priyadarshan further diversify into thrillers and multilingual ventures, with Corona Papers (2023), a neo-noir action thriller set during the pandemic, revolving around a missing service revolver and ensuing chaos, starring Shane Nigam and directed as a remake of the Tamil film 8 Thottakkal.[39] This Malayalam project demonstrated his adeptness at adapting taut scripts for high-stakes narratives. In the same year, he ventured into Tamil cinema with Appatha (2023), a comedy-drama about an elderly woman's evolving relationship with a stray dog, marking his return to the language after nearly two decades and featuring Urvashi in her 700th film; the OTT release emphasized emotional depth over commercial tropes.[40] Priyadarshan's multilingual efforts extended to Telugu through co-productions and dubs of his Malayalam works, such as Oppam, broadening his audience across South India. His legacy from 2000s blockbusters influenced sequels like the anticipated Hera Pheri 3. Recent projects include Bhooth Bangla (2026), a horror-comedy reuniting Priyadarshan with Akshay Kumar after 14 years, blending supernatural elements with his signature humor, starring Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav.[41] As of 2025, Priyadarshan is directing Haiwaan, a Hindi thriller remake of Oppam featuring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, with Mohanlal in a cameo role, positioning it as his 99th film. Principal photography for Haiwaan wrapped in November 2025, with a scheduled release in 2026.[42] He has also confirmed plans for his 100th film starring Mohanlal in the lead, focusing on a yet-untitled project that aims to revisit their collaborative roots. In August 2025 interviews, Priyadarshan announced intentions to retire after completing Haiwaan, Hera Pheri 3, and the 100th film, citing fatigue after four decades in the industry.[43] However, by September 2025, he clarified that rumors of immediate retirement were exaggerated, stating he would continue selectively based on health and creative passion, without a fixed timeline.[44] This phase of his career highlights a refined balance of genre innovation, cross-linguistic expansion, and reflective closure.Other professional endeavors
Production, writing, and collaborations
Priyadarshan has contributed significantly to Indian cinema as a screenwriter, often penning the screenplays for his own directorial ventures, which blend comedy, drama, and social commentary. Notable examples include Chithram (1988), where he crafted the script around a motley group of characters trapped in a house, exploring themes of fate and human connections; Thenmavin Kombath (1994), a romantic comedy screenplay highlighting rural life and mistaken identities; Minnaram (1994), focusing on youthful romance and family dynamics; Kaalapaani (1996), a historical drama script centered on the Cellular Jail's prisoners; and Chandralekha (1999), which delved into superstition and rural superstitions through its narrative structure.[45] These works demonstrate his skill in adapting complex ideas into engaging, character-driven stories that have influenced multiple genres across regional cinemas. In addition to writing, Priyadarshan has ventured into production, establishing himself as a backer of innovative projects. He directed and produced Corona Papers (2023), a Malayalam action thriller set during the COVID-19 pandemic, starring Shane Nigam.[46] Priyadarshan's collaborations extend beyond his frequent partnerships with Mohanlal and Akshay Kumar, encompassing enduring ties with actors like Paresh Rawal, with whom he worked on over 15 films including Hera Pheri (2000), Hungama (2003), and Bhagam Bhag (2006), leveraging Rawal's comic timing for ensemble comedies; and Suniel Shetty in projects like Garam Masala (2005) and De Dana Dan (2009). With composers, he shares a notable rapport with Ouseppachan, collaborating on Megham (1999), where the score enhanced the film's emotional depth, and Khatta Meetha (2010), blending Malayalam roots with Hindi sensibilities in the soundtrack. These partnerships have shaped his films' musical and performative elements, contributing to their commercial and critical appeal. His theatre background briefly informs his writing style, infusing dialogues with rhythmic, stage-like naturalism.[47]Personal life
Marriage and family
Priyadarshan married actress Lissy Lakshmi on 13 December 1990 in Chennai, in a union that blended their shared backgrounds in the Malayalam film industry.[48] The couple's marriage lasted 24 years before Lissy filed for divorce in a Chennai family court on 1 December 2014, citing irreconcilable differences.[49] The divorce was finalized on 16 September 2016, marking the end of their relationship amid reports of a contentious legal battle.[50] The couple has two children: elder daughter Kalyani Priyadarshan, born on 5 April 1993 in Chennai, who has established herself as an actress in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films, and younger son Siddharth Priyadarshan, who works as a visual effects supervisor in the industry.[51][52][7] Kalyani made her acting debut in 2017 with the Telugu film Hello, while Siddharth has contributed to projects like Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (2021).[53] Post-divorce, Priyadarshan and Lissy have maintained an amicable co-parenting dynamic, with the family splitting time between Mumbai—where Priyadarshan resides for his Hindi film commitments—and Kerala, where they own a home in Kochi and uphold strong ties to his Thiruvananthapuram roots through regular visits.[54][55] The family provided mutual support during Priyadarshan's shift from Malayalam to Hindi cinema in the early 2000s, with Lissy pausing her acting career to focus on household stability amid his frequent travels.[7] Their children received encouragement in pursuing industry roles, as evidenced by Kalyani's account of her parents' belief in her talents prior to her debut, despite Priyadarshan's initial reluctance to launch her professionally.[56] Recent family gatherings, such as Kalyani's 32nd birthday in 2025, highlight ongoing bonds, including celebrations with Siddharth, his wife Merlin (married in 2023), their daughter, and the rest of the family—marking Priyadarshan's new role as a grandfather.[57]Interests and philanthropy
Priyadarshan is known for his voracious reading habits, which began in his teenage years and influenced his early writing endeavors, including short plays and skits for All India Radio during college.[10] While specific preferences for Malayalam literature are not detailed in public records, his deep roots in Kerala cinema suggest an affinity for regional literary traditions that have shaped his storytelling. He maintains a relatively private personal life, residing in Mumbai and avoiding the spotlight beyond his professional commitments, as evidenced by his limited public discussions on non-career matters.[7] In philanthropy, Priyadarshan has actively supported disaster relief efforts in Kerala. During the devastating 2018 floods, he personally handed over cheques—his own and that of actor Akshay Kumar—to the Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund to aid recovery and rebuilding in the flood-affected regions. Although specific amounts were not publicly disclosed, his contribution was part of a broader wave of celebrity support that helped raise substantial funds for the state. No verified records exist of direct donations to environmental causes or specific aid for film industry workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, though the industry as a whole mobilized relief for affected crew members. Regarding future plans, Priyadarshan announced in August 2025 his intention to retire after completing key projects, including Haiwaan starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, Hera Pheri 3, and his 100th film with Mohanlal, citing fatigue and a desire for better work-life balance to preserve his legacy.[43] He emphasized family input in such decisions, noting the importance of spending more time with loved ones. However, by September 2025, he clarified that rumors of immediate retirement were overstated, stating he would continue directing if compelling stories arise.[44]Awards and honors
National and state film awards
Priyadarshan has earned recognition from India's National Film Awards for his directorial efforts in promoting national integration and historical narratives through cinema. His 2008 Tamil film Kanchivaram, which explores the struggles of silk weavers in pre-independence India, received the Swarn Kamal Award for Best Feature Film at the 55th National Film Awards.[58] This marked a significant shift from his comedic works, highlighting his versatility in crafting socially relevant dramas.[59] In 2021, Priyadarshan's multilingual historical epic Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (2019) was honored with the Best Feature Film award at the 67th National Film Awards, acknowledging its portrayal of 16th-century naval warfare and Malayali heritage.[60] The film's technical achievements, including visual effects supervised by his son Siddharth Priyadarshan, further underscored its impact, though the director's vision was central to the recognition.[61] At the state level, Priyadarshan's early Malayalam films garnered multiple Kerala State Film Awards, reflecting his foundational contributions to regional cinema. His 1994 comedy Thenmavin Kombath, a commercial success blending humor and romance, won the Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value, celebrating its broad audience engagement and artistic merit.[62] His 1996 historical drama Kaalapani, depicting the Cellular Jail's role in India's freedom struggle, earned Priyadarshan the Best Director award, while the film itself received the Second Best Film accolade.[62] These honors affirmed his prowess in handling large-scale productions with historical depth, influencing subsequent multilingual projects.[63]| Year | Award | Category | Film | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Kerala State Film Awards | Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value | Thenmavin Kombath | Recognized for blending entertainment with aesthetic quality.[62] |
| 1996 | Kerala State Film Awards | Best Director | Kaalapani | Honored for direction of the epic historical narrative.[62] |
| 1996 | Kerala State Film Awards | Second Best Film | Kaalapani | Film-level award for overall excellence.[62] |
| 2009 | 55th National Film Awards | Best Feature Film (Swarn Kamal) | Kanchivaram | For promoting national integration through weavers' stories.[58] |
| 2021 | 67th National Film Awards | Best Feature Film | Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea | For historical depiction of naval heroism.[60] |
Industry and critics' awards
Priyadarshan has been recognized by various film industry bodies for his comedic and dramatic works, particularly through lifetime achievement honors that highlight his peer-recognized impact on commercial and artistic cinema. In 2008, he received the Special Honour Jury Award at the Asianet Film Awards for his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema, acknowledging his versatile direction across Malayalam and Hindi films.[64] In 2009, Priyadarshan won the V. Shantaram Award for Best Director for Kanchivaram, recognizing his contribution to Indian cinema.[65] The Asianet Film Awards further honored him in 2013 with the Contribution to Indian Cinema Award for Lifetime Achievement, celebrating his enduring influence on multilingual projects and blockbuster successes like Hera Pheri (2000).[4]Civilian recognitions and appointments
In recognition of his contributions to Indian cinema, Priyadarshan was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian honor in India, by the Government of India in 2012 for his work in the field of arts. Priyadarshan has received academic honors for his cultural impact, including an honorary doctorate conferred by the Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science in Chennai in March 2022.[66] He has held official government appointments related to the film industry, serving as Chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy from 2011 to 2014, where he oversaw initiatives to promote Malayalam cinema.[67][68] In 2017, he was appointed Chairperson of the jury for the 64th National Film Awards, leading the evaluation of feature films across India.[63][69]Works
Directed feature films
Priyadarshan's directorial career encompasses over 90 feature films across Indian languages, predominantly in Malayalam and Hindi, with occasional ventures into Tamil and Telugu cinema. His works often feature ensemble casts led by prominent actors like Mohanlal in Malayalam films and Akshay Kumar in Hindi productions. Many of his films are remakes or adaptations from other languages, particularly his Hindi comedies drawing from Malayalam originals. The lists below are organized by language and presented chronologically, highlighting key lead actors and notable notes such as remakes or sequels.[70][25]Malayalam Films
| Year | Title | Key Lead Actors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Poochakkoru Mookkuthi | Mohanlal, Menaka, Soman | |
| 1984 | Oodarathuammava Aalariyam | Mohanlal, Sukumari, Lalu Alex | |
| 1985 | Onnanam Kunnil Oradi Kunnil | Mohanlal, Shobhana, Sreenivasan | |
| 1985 | Parayanumvayya Parayathirikkanumvayya | Mammootty, Mohanlal, Shobhana | |
| 1985 | Boeing Boeing | Mohanlal, Mukesh, Menaka | Remake of 1965 American film |
| 1985 | Punnaram Cholli Cholli | Mohanlal, Shobhana, Jagathy Sreekumar | |
| 1986 | Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu | Mohanlal, Shobhana, Sreenivasan | |
| 1986 | Dheem Tharikida Thom | Mohanlal, Sreenivasan, Maniyanpilla Raju | |
| 1986 | Hello My Dear Wrong Number | Mohanlal, Maniyanpilla Raju, Jagathy Sreekumar | |
| 1986 | Thalavattam | Mohanlal, M. G. Soman, Karthika | Remake of 1975 American film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest |
| 1986 | Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi | Mohanlal, Sreenivasan, Menaka | |
| 1987 | Cheppu | Mohanlal, Sreenivasan, Monisha | |
| 1988 | Vellanakalude Naadu | Mohanlal, Shobhana, Sreenivasan | |
| 1988 | Chithram | Mohanlal, Ranjini, Nedumudi Venu | |
| 1988 | Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu | Mohanlal, Sreenivasan, Ranjini | |
| 1988 | Aryan | Mohanlal, Ramya Krishnan, Sharat Saxena | |
| 1990 | Kadathanadan Ambadi | Mohanlal, Prem Nazir, Swapna | |
| 1991 | Kilukkam | Mohanlal, Revathi, Jagathy Sreekumar | |
| 1991 | Abhimanyu | Mohanlal, Mallika Sarabhai, Ranjini | |
| 1993 | Mithunam | Mohanlal, Urvashi, Sreenivasan | |
| 1994 | Thenmavin Kombath | Mohanlal, Shobhana, Nedumudi Venu | |
| 1994 | Minnaram | Mohanlal, Shobhana, Thilakan | |
| 1996 | Kaalapani | Mohanlal, Tabu, Amrish Puri | |
| 1997 | Chandralekha | Mohanlal, Sukanya, Nedumudi Venu | |
| 1998 | Megham | Mammootty, Priya Gill, Dileep | |
| 2001 | Kakkakuyil | Mohanlal, Mukesh, Jagathy Sreekumar | |
| 2003 | Kilichundan Mampazham | Mohanlal, Soundarya, Sreenivasan | |
| 2004 | Vettam | Dileep, Bhavana, Kalabhavan Mani | Remake of 1986 French film Trois Hommes et un Couffin |
| 2011 | Oru Marubhoomi Katha | Mohanlal, Meena, Jagathy Sreekumar | |
| 2013 | Geethanjali | Mohanlal, Keerthy Suresh, Nishan | |
| 2014 | Aamayum Muyalum | Mohanlal, Kavya Madhavan, Innocent | |
| 2016 | Oppam | Mohanlal, Samuthirakani, Anusree | |
| 2021 | Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea | Mohanlal, Suniel Shetty, Arjun | |
| 2023 | Corona Papers | Shane Nigam, Soubin Shahir, Dileesh Pothan | |
| 2024 | Manorathangal (segment: Shilalikhitham) | Biju Menon, Nila Bharathy | Anthology series based on M. T. Vasudevan Nair stories |
Hindi Films
| Year | Title | Key Lead Actors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Muskurahat | Anupam Kher, Annu Kapoor, Kirron Kher | Remake of 1991 Malayalam film Kilukkam |
| 1993 | Gardish | Jackie Shroff, Dimple Kapadia, Aishwarya | Remake of 1989 Malayalam film Kireedam |
| 1997 | Virasat | Anil Kapoor, Tabu, Amrish Puri | Remake of 1992 Tamil film Thevar Magan |
| 1998 | Doli Saja Ke Rakhna | Akshaye Khanna, Jyothika, Anupam Kher | |
| 1998 | Saat Rang Ke Sapne | Arvind Swamy, Juhi Chawla, Madhuri Dixit | Remake of 1995 Malayalam film Sallapam |
| 1998 | Kabhi Na Kabhi | Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Pooja Bhatt | |
| 2000 | Hera Pheri | Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal | Remake of 1989 Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking |
| 2001 | Yeh Teraa Ghar Yeh Meraa Ghar | Suniel Shetty, Mahima Chaudhry, Paresh Rawal | Remake of 1986 Malayalam film Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam |
| 2003 | Hungama | Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Rimi Sen | Remake of 1984 Malayalam film Poochakkoru Mookkuthi |
| 2004 | Hulchul | Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Paresh Rawal | Remake of 2003 Telugu film Gudumba Shankar |
| 2005 | Garam Masala | Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Paresh Rawal | Remake of 1986 Malayalam film Boeing Boeing |
| 2005 | Kyon Ki | Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Suniel Shetty | Remake of 1999 Tamil film Rhythm |
| 2006 | Phir Hera Pheri | Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal | Sequel to Hera Pheri |
| 2006 | Malamaal Weekly | Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Ritesh Deshmukh | Remake of 2003 British film Waking Ned |
| 2006 | Chup Chup Ke | Kareena Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Suniel Shetty | Remake of 2000 Telugu film Hello Brother |
| 2006 | Bhagam Bhag | Akshay Kumar, Govinda, Paresh Rawal | |
| 2007 | Dhol | Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Sharman Joshi | |
| 2007 | Bhool Bhulaiyaa | Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Shiney Ahuja | Remake of 1993 Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu |
| 2008 | Mere Baap Pehle Aap | Akshay Kumar, Genelia D'Souza, Om Puri | Remake of 2006 Marathi film All the Best |
| 2009 | Billu | Irrfan Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Lara Dutta | |
| 2009 | De Dana Dan | Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Paresh Rawal | Remake of 2006 Greek film The Brothers Bloom |
| 2010 | Bumm Bumm Bole | Darsheel Safary, Atul Kulkarni, Rituparna Sengupta | Remake of 2007 Iranian film Children of Heaven |
| 2010 | Khatta Meetha | Akshay Kumar, Trisha, Rajpal Yadav | Remake of 1987 Marathi film Samsar |
| 2010 | Aakrosh | Ajay Devgn, Akshay Khanna, Bipasha Basu | |
| 2012 | Tezz | Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut | |
| 2012 | Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal | Nana Patekar, Paresh Rawal, Madhuri Dixit | Remake of 2003 Malayalam film Thilakkam |
| 2013 | Rangrezz | Jackky Bhagnani, Priya Anand, Kajal Aggarwal | Remake of 2011 Marathi film Mulgi |
| 2021 | Hungama 2 | Paresh Rawal, Shilpa Shetty, Meezaan Jafri | Sequel to Hungama |
| 2025 | Haiwaan | Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan | Remake of 2016 Malayalam film Oppam |
Tamil Films
| Year | Title | Key Lead Actors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Gopura Vasalile | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Bhanumathi | |
| 2000 | Snegithiye | Jyothika, Tabu, Vineeth | |
| 2003 | Lesa Lesa | Madhavan, Trisha, Vivek | Remake of 1998 Malayalam film Sappatham |
| 2008 | Kanchivaram | Prakash Raj, Shriya Reddy, Shreya | |
| 2016 | Sila Samayangalil | Sriya Reddy, Nassar, Rohini | |
| 2018 | Nimir | Udhayanidhi Stalin, Namitha Pramod | Remake of 2013 Malayalam film Maaya & Loch |
| 2023 | Appatha | S. J. Suryah, Aishwarya Lekshmi |
Telugu Films
| Year | Title | Key Lead Actors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Nirnayam | Nagarjuna, Murali Mohan, Rajendra Prasad | |
| 2017 | Kanupapa | Sai Kumar, Pradeep Rawat, Posani Krishna Murali |
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