It's time for the three 'ageing superstars' of Malayalam cinema to make way for fresh faces. With an influx of youngsters, growing popularity of Tamil films and the expansion of digital platforms, the heydays of the trio of Mammootty, Mohanlal and Suresh Gopi seem to be over.
The three, among themselves, have won more than 800 film awards and six National Awards for best actor. At 62, Mammootty is the eldest among the three. Gopi, once the angry young man of Malayalam cinema, is 55, while Mohanlal, popularly called Lal, is the youngest at 54.
Ace comedian and character artiste Jagadish, who rubbed shoulders with them in several films, feels that it is time to see things in the right perspective.(Also Read: Fahadh- Nazriya's Wedding Report)
"Also, there are numerous options for entertainment available in the form of cell phones, social media and what not," he added.
In fact, the trio were seen as a perfect replacement for macho Jayan, who was killed while attempting a dare devil stunt on board a helicopter.
Every rise has its fall. Starting 2010, the trio too faced disappointments when their films started bombing.
The failures indicate that their names do not have the power to pull the crowd into the theatres any more.
He takes inspiration from Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who is still going strong despite being 71. He said that he has survived this long because "he reinvented himself and takes roles that suit his age."
Another film personality, who wants to be anonymous, admits that the trio are "gifted actors", but added: "As the saying goes, 'There is a time and place for everything' and one should be wise enough to understand it."
Award winning filmmaker Majid Gulistan says stardom is like an illusion.
"Films are in itself an illusion and the stars ride on that. Even in Hollywood, the concept of star system has changed and nowhere except in the Malayalam film industry could these superstars have had such a long run. They should consider themselves hugely fortunate. When the concept of star system goes, new ideas and thoughts gain significance and it would be based on the theory of survival of the fittest in all respects," said Majid.
"Dream Come True, Incredibly Grateful": Bihar's First Transwoman Cop BJP MP Suresh Gopi Clarifies "Mother Of India" Comment About Indira Gandhi Priyanka Chopra's Aww-Dorable Birthday Post For Mom Madhu Chopra: "Thank You For Sharing Your Grace With Us" Abhishek Likes Post On "Divorces" Amid Rumours Of Separation From Aishwarya "Usse Jab Dulhan...": Shraddha Kapoor On Rahul Mody Wedding Rumours Viral: Virat With Baby Boy Akaay Spotted In Pic With Anushka In London Ice-Cream Shop Owner Hospitalised After Being Shot At In Pune: Cops PM Modi Meets Party Staffers At BJP Headquarters NMC Approves 50 MBBS Seats For New Medical College In Odisha Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.