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.
Thilakan Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Thilakan 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 Thilakan's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 100% of Thilakan'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 Chantha, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Thilakan Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Thilakan's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Thilakan has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | God For Sale | Varghese | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Ingane Oru Nilapakshi | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Mazha | Dr. | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Saaphalyam | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Elavamkodu Desam | Mooss | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Nagarapuranam | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Gangothri | Adv.Ramaiyyer | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Five Star Hospital | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Kulam | Kudaman Pillai | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Vaachalam | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Mangamma | Karuppan Mooppar | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Kaathil Oru Kinnaram | Dr. Unnithan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Naalamkettile Nalla Thambimar | Rasheed Khan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Chantha | Minister Kesavan Nair | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Njanum | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Karma | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Achan Kombath Amma Varambath | Mahendran Thampi | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Chukkan | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Ilayum Mullum | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Gamanam | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Kudumba Visesham | Madhavan Nair | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | O' Faby | Commissioner Nair | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Ente Sreekuttikku | Balakrishnan Nair | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Samagamam | Pallivathukkal Kariyachan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Sopanam | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Mukhamudra | Achuthan Pilla / Ananthan Pilla | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Grihaprevesam | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Kattukuthira | Kochuvava | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Rajavazhcha | Madhava Panikkar | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Ashokante Aswathikuttikku 1989 | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Dhwani | Vettukuzhy | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Manja Mantharangal | Mathew Paul | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Rareeram | Dr. Tharakan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Nakhakshathangal | Uncle | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Ice Cream | Omanakuttan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Abhayam Thedi | Appooppan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Mizhineerppoovukal | Kumara Varma | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Ennennum Kannettante | Parameswara Kuruppu | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Ithile Iniyum Varu | Kaimal | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Vannu Kandu Keezhadakki | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Ayanam | Priest | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Vasantha Sena | Unnithan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Katha Ithuvare | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Oduvil Kittiya Vartha | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Enganeyundashaane | Viswanathan Nair | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Aduthaduthu | Thankappan Pillai | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Thirakil Alppam Samayam | Sankaran Nair | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Oru Kochukatha Aarum Parayatha Katha | Mammukka | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Aattuvanchi Ulanjappol | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Prasnam Gurutharam | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
Thilakan - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Thilakan?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Thilakan is "Chantha" 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 "Mukhamudra", "Nagarapuranam", and "Enganeyundashaane".