Mammootty to Prithviraj: 5 Malayalam Actors Who Embodied Queer Roles On The Big Screen

Mammootty's depiction of a gay character in 'Kaathal -the core' was an unexpected revelation for many. The way Mammootty saw through the character's inner conflict and the difficulties he faces is inspiring. His performance in the movie established him as a talented actor in the industry, breaking stereotypes with the characters he portrays on screen. Directed by Jeo Baby of The Great Indian Kitchen fame, Kaathal: The Core marks Mammootty and Jyotika's first film together. It was the fourth production of Mammootty Kampany, after Rorschach, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam and Kannur Squad.

Nivin Pauly played a gay character in Geethu Mohandas''Moothon' alongside Roshan Mathew. Moothon" stands as a trailblazing portrayal of same-sex love, reaching beyond this narrative to explore intricate themes that intricately navigate the spectrum of queerness. Over all, Moothoan is a  thriller about human relationships and their underlying politics.

Njan Marykutty was an emotional watch for many in the trans communities of Kerala, who have often been ridiculed in movies of the past. Directed by Ranjith Shankar, it tells about a trans woman played by actor Jayasurya. His performance in the movie was outstanding.
Released in 2018, the film made a great impact at the box office.

Dileep played Radha aka Radhakrishnan in the movie 'Chandhupottu' is favourite for many moviegoers among us.  The film revolves around a boy raised by his grandmother longing for a granddaughter. He grows up adopting feminine mannerisms due to being dressed as a girl. Directed by Lal Jose, the movie starred Dileep and Gopika in the lead roles.

Prithviraj's portrayal of a gay character stands out as a significant highlight of the movie 'Mumbai Police'. Talking about his character ' Antony Mose',  who is depicted as flamboyant, stands in stark contrast to the traditional alpha male hero persona. This portrayal sheds light on the spectrum of masculinity, showcasing its diverse facets. The masculinity of Antony's gay lover, possibly influenced by his profession as a flight attendant, contrasts with Antony's hyper-masculine role as a police officer, reflecting their respective professions. The movie follows a police officer investigating a crime he had previously solved, but due to amnesia from an accident, he must retrace his steps. It's a narrative rich in flashbacks, psychological twists, and gripping elements.