Manju Warrier
Manju Warrier is one of the most celebrated actresses associated with Malayalam cinema, known for a remarkable first phase in the 1990s, a long break from acting, and a widely recognised return to the screen in 2014.
Who is Manju Warrier?
Manju Warrier is an Indian actress, producer, classical dancer and playback singer who has worked predominantly in Malayalam cinema. Her career is notable for the extraordinary impact of her early films, her long absence from the screen and the strength of her return.
She began acting with Sakshyam in 1995 and quickly moved into leading roles. Films such as Thooval Kottaram, Sallapam, Ee Puzhayum Kadannu, Aaraam Thampuran, Kanmadam, Summer in Bethlehem and Pathram established her as one of the defining female stars of 1990s Malayalam cinema.
After stepping away from acting, Warrier returned with How Old Are You? in 2014. The comeback opened a new chapter in her career, leading to acclaimed performances in films including Udaharanam Sujatha, Aami, Lucifer, Prathi Poovankozhi and the Tamil film Asuran.
A career defined by talent, absence and a remarkable return
Sakshyam
Manju Warrier made her screen debut with Sakshyam, beginning a short but extraordinarily influential first phase in Malayalam cinema.
A breakthrough year
Thooval Kottaram, Sallapam and Ee Puzhayum Kadannu established her as a leading actress. Her performance in Ee Puzhayum Kadannu earned the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress.
Peak of the first era
Films such as Aaraam Thampuran, Kanmadam, Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu, Pranayavarnangal and Summer in Bethlehem strengthened her position as one of Malayalam cinema's most prominent stars.
Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu
Her performance in Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu brought a National Film Award Special Mention, marking a significant artistic high point of her first career phase.
A long break from acting
After her early run of films, Warrier stepped away from the screen for many years. Her absence became an unusual and enduring part of her public story.
How Old Are You?
Warrier returned to cinema with How Old Are You?, beginning the second major phase of her acting career and receiving renewed audience and industry recognition.
New-generation roles
Udaharanam Sujatha, Aami, Lucifer and Prathi Poovankozhi showed the range of her post-comeback career. She also entered Tamil cinema with Asuran.
Acting and production
She continued across Malayalam and Tamil cinema with projects including The Priest, Chathur Mukham, Marakkar, Lalitham Sundaram, Ayisha, Vellari Pattanam, Footage, Vettaiyan and Viduthalai Part 2.
Continuing across languages
Her recent work includes L2: Empuraan and the Tamil action thriller Mr. X. She has also been announced for Odiyan: The Age of Illusion, expanding her current slate further.
Films that define different sides of Manju Warrier
These selections trace the major chapters of her career, from her 1990s breakthrough to her post-comeback work.
Thooval Kottaram
A key early performance that helped establish Warrier as a major young star.
Ee Puzhayum Kadannu
An award-winning performance that brought her the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress.
Aaraam Thampuran
A major commercial film from the peak of her first career phase.
Kanmadam
A memorable collaboration with Mohanlal that remains part of her landmark 1990s filmography.
Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu
A critically recognised performance that earned a National Film Award Special Mention.
How Old Are You?
The comeback film that opened the second major chapter of her screen career.
Udaharanam Sujatha
A grounded role that earned major critical recognition during her post-comeback period.
Aami
Warrier portrayed writer Kamala Surayya in a biographical drama.
Lucifer
A major Malayalam commercial film in which she played Priyadarshini Ramdas.
Asuran
Her Tamil debut brought a major performance opposite Dhanush.
Ayisha
A Malayalam-Arabic bilingual film built around Warrier in the title role.
Mr. X
A Tamil action thriller featuring Warrier as Indira Varma.
Honours across her career
| Award / Recognition | Year | Work / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kerala State Film Award — Best Actress | 1996 | Ee Puzhayum Kadannu |
| National Film Award — Special Mention | 1999 | Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu |
| Filmfare Awards South — Best Actress | Multiple years | Recognition across her Malayalam film career |
| SIIMA — Best Actress in a Leading Role | 2015 & 2020 | How Old Are You? and Lucifer |
| Tamil Nadu State Film Award — Best Actress | 2019 | Asuran |
| Kerala Film Critics Association Awards | Multiple years | Recognition including Udaharanam Sujatha and Prathi Poovankozhi |
Producer, dancer and performer
Warrier's work extends beyond acting. She is also associated with classical dance and playback singing, and has taken on production responsibilities on selected films.
Her producer credits include projects such as Kayattam, Chathur Mukham and Lalitham Sundaram. This broader involvement reflects the expanding creative role she has taken during the second phase of her career.
Manju Warrier FAQ
Who is Manju Warrier?
Manju Warrier is an Indian actress, producer, classical dancer and playback singer known predominantly for Malayalam cinema.
When did Manju Warrier make her acting debut?
She made her acting debut with Sakshyam in 1995.
Which film won Manju Warrier the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress?
She won the award for her performance in Ee Puzhayum Kadannu.
Which film earned Manju Warrier a National Film Award Special Mention?
She received the Special Mention for Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu.
What was Manju Warrier's comeback film?
How Old Are You? marked her return to cinema in 2014 after a long break from acting.
What are some of Manju Warrier's recent films?
Recent work includes L2: Empuraan, Mr. X and the upcoming Odiyan: The Age of Illusion.