Who is Mamukkoya and what does his contribution mean to Malayalam cinema?

Far from what it demands to be an actor or a star, Mamukkoya, who hailed from the Kozhikode district of Kerala, spoke the language that its residents are well-versed with, the language of love and amity.

The actor rose to star in over 450 films having begun his career with Nilambur Balan's 'Anyarude Bhoomi' (1979) and was associated with several theatre and film ventures till he breathed his last on April 26, 2023.

He was never one to shy away from new trends or methods and was hugely popular amongst all the actors belonging to the former and current generation of Malayalam cinema.

EARLY DAYS AND HIS CAREER

Born on July 5, 1946 in Kozhikode, Mamukkoya completed schooling at the Kozhikode MM school and began work at a timber yard In Kallai to support his livelihood. Prior to joining films, he acted in amateur plays, following his day job during the day. He debuted in Balan's 'Anyarude Bhoomi', where he played the role of a rebel.

While his debut film did not take off at the box-office, he landed bit roles in 'Surumayitta Kannukal' and 'Doore Doore Oru Koodu Koottam', both on the recommendation of acclaimed Malayalam writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. Following his minute appearances in these films, he got discovered through his work in ''Gandhinagar

Second Street', 'Sanmanasullawark Samadhanam' and 'Rareeram'.

He cemented his position in Malayalam films with noted performances in films such as 'Nototikkattu, 'Varavelpu' and 'Mazhavilkavadi', 'Ramjirao Speaking', 'Thalayana Manthram', 'Shubhayatra', 'Irupatham Noottandu', 'Sreedharante Onnam Thirumurivu', 'Ponmuttayidunna Thaaravu', 'Pattanapravesham' and 'Dhwani'.

He further acted in four Tamil films and a French film titled 'Flammen In Paradies' in 1997.

For his role in 'Perumazhakalam', he received a special jury recognition at the State Film Awards in 2004. In one of his last appearances in films, he wowed the younger audiences with her performance in 'Kuruthi' as Musa Khader.

THE LEGACY

Mamukkoya was possibly the most stereotyped actor in Malayalam cinema, but this is something, he took into his stride. His style of acting was considered effortless, simple and rooted. He would always say that acting is his job and not something that defines him. He'd believe "A dramatist's acting ends only when he dies. He continues to act till his death. Either in drama or in life."

Truly, Malayalam cinema might not be the same without the respectable gentleman.