Sathyan - Actor Profile

Sathyan

Acting
Updated: May 09, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Nov 9, 1912
Birth Place: Nagercoil, Travancore

About Sathyan

Manuel Sathyaneshan Nadar commonly known by his stage name Sathyan, was an Indian film actor known for his work in Malayalam cinema.Widely considered as one of the greatest actors in India,He is also regarded as the toughest actor in the Malayalam film industry personally and professionally, and respectfully called as 'Sathyan Master' by everyone. Sathyan was born to a Roman Catholic family in Thrikkannapuram , Nagercoil in Southern Travancore on 9 November 1912 as the second child of Cheruvilakathu Veettil Manuel and Emily. He has five siblings named Late Kunjamma, Chellayya, Neshan, Devadas and Jacob.Sathyan passed the Vidwan exam, equivalent to Master of Arts before joining Saint Joseph's School, Trivandrum as a teacher. After some time, he got job as a clerk in the Kerala Secretariat and worked there for about a year. He joined the army in 1941 and got posted as a Commissioned Officer of the Viceroy of India. He served the British army in Manipur, Burma (now Myanmar) and British Malaya (now Malaysia) during theWorld War II period. After finishing his term in the army, he returned home and joined the then Travancore State Police as a police inspector. During the communist riots in 1947–1948, Sathyan was the inspector at Alappuzha North Police Station.

Sathyan Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Sathyan reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Sathyan's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 80% of Sathyan's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Thriveni, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Sathyan Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Sathyan's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Sathyan has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1972 Lakshyam - Super Hit Similar →
1972 Akkarapacha Vasudevan Super Hit Similar →
1971 Agnimrigam Mukundan Super Hit Similar →
1971 Inquilab Zindabad Venugopalan Hit Similar →
1971 Karakanakadal Thoma Hit Similar →
1971 Anubhavangal Palichakal Chellappan/Prabhakaran Flop Similar →
1971 Sarasayya Dr Thomas Flop Similar →
1971 Kuttyedathi Appunni Super Hit Similar →
1970 Aranazhika Neram Mathukutty Hit Similar →
1970 Thara Balakrishna Pilla Super Hit Similar →
1970 Thriveni Damodaran Muthalali Super Hit Similar →
1970 Cross Belt Rajasekharan Nair Hit Similar →
1970 Vazhve Mayam Sudhi Super Hit Similar →
1970 You Made Me a Communist Paramu Pilla Super Hit Similar →
1970 Othenante makan Othenan Kurup Super Hit Similar →
1970 Bheekara Nimishangal Mancheri Raghavan Hit Similar →
1970 Vivahitha - Super Hit Similar →
1969 Mooladhanam Ravi Flop Similar →
1969 Kadalpalam Narayana Kaimal and Raghu Flop Similar →
1969 Adimakal Appukkuttan Super Hit Similar →
1968 Yakshi Professor Sreenivasan Hit Similar →
1968 Thokkukal Kadha Parayunnu - Flop Similar →
1967 Ashwamedham Dr Thomas Super Hit Similar →
1967 Ollathu Mathi - Flop Similar →
1967 Anweshichu Kandethiyilla - Super Hit Similar →
1966 Anarkali King Akbar Super Hit Similar →
1966 Kayamkulam Kochunni Kochunni Super Hit Similar →
1966 Rowdy - Super Hit Similar →
1966 Pakalkkinavu - Super Hit Similar →
1965 Odayil Ninnu Pappu Hit Similar →
1965 Shakunthala - Hit Similar →
1965 Chemmeen Palani Hit Similar →
1965 Kadathukaran - Hit Similar →
1964 Omanakkuttan - Flop Similar →
1964 Pazhassi Raja Baber Super Hit Similar →
1964 Manavatty - Flop Similar →
1964 Anna - Flop Similar →
1964 Thacholi Othenan Thacholi Othenan Super Hit Similar →
1963 Nithyakanyaka - Flop Similar →
1962 Bharya Benny Super Hit Similar →
1962 Kannum Karalum - Super Hit Similar →
1962 Puthiya Akasam Puthiya Bhoomi - Super Hit Similar →
1962 Laila Majnu Baqthum Hit Similar →
1961 Mudiyanaya Puthran Rajan Super Hit Similar →
1961 Ara Pavan Vettukaaran Ramu Super Hit Similar →
1961 Unniyarcha Aromal Chekavar Super Hit Similar →
1959 Chathurangam - Hit Similar →
1958 Nairu Pidicha Pulivalu Chandran Super Hit Similar →
1957 Achanum Makanum Raghu Super Hit Similar →
1954 Neelakuyil Sreedharan Nair Super Hit Similar →

Sathyan - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Sathyan?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Sathyan is "Thriveni" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Sathyan acted in?

Sathyan has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Sathyan?

Other notable films include "Vazhve Mayam", "Othenante makan", and "Kannum Karalum".

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