Ratheesh: The Malayalam superstar whose reign lasted only a few years; but made a comeback as one of the most iconic villains

Jayan’s sudden and tragic death in 1980, caused by an accident during the filming of Kolilakkam (1981), left a notable void in Malayalam cinema. The first action hero in the industry, Jayan revolutionised the portrayal of movie heroes in Malayalam films and inspired makers to utilise the visual medium to captivate audiences with thrilling stunt sequences. His passing left an empty seat in the trio of superstars at the time — the others being Sukumaran and Soman — while also leaving several of his committed projects in uncertainty. Just like others, acclaimed director-writer duo IV Sasi and T Damodaran too were forced to find a new lead for their film Thushaaram (1981) and they selected a relatively new actor, who had gained significant recognition for his role in ace filmmaker KG George’s Ulkadal (1979) and had also appeared alongside Jayan and Sukumaran in director Sreekumaran Thampi’s Idi Muzhakkam (1980). As part of the film’s promotional strategy, the makers introduced the actor, Ratheesh Rajagopal, as the answer to, “Who will be Jayan’s successor?” The 27-year-old actor, known for his striking looks and impressive dialogue delivery, won over audiences with his portrayal of Army Captain P Raveendran in Thushaaram and the movie’s success cemented his place as a rising star.

It’s doubtful if there has ever been another superstar — not just a star, but a superstar — like Ratheesh in Malayalam cinema, whose reign lasted only a few short years before declining. When his life was cut short by a fatal heart attack in 2002, Ratheesh was just 48 years old and grappling with serious financial difficulties, despite having left an indelible mark on the industry.

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‘Jayan’s successor’

Much like his contemporary superstars, the most potent arrow in Ratheesh’s arsenal too was his spectacular dialogue delivery, especially in fiery scenes. His good looks, accentuated by his striking light eyes, further enhanced his presence in romantic and emotional moments.

While Thrishna brought Mammootty much acclaim, it also garnered significant recognition for Ratheesh, whose 70th birth anniversary was earlier this month, due to his strong performance. From Munnettam (1981), Karimpoocha (1981), Ammakkorumma (1981), Ahimsa (1981) and Ee Nadu (1982) to John Jaffer Janardhanan (1982), Theeram Thedunna Thira (1983), Nathi Muthal Nathi Vare (1983) and Iniyenkilum (1983), Ratheesh excelled in nearly every film he appeared in and his chemistry with both female leads and male co-stars — especially Mammootty — won the audience’s hearts. During this period, while Ratheesh was at the peak of his career as a superstar, the relatively new Mammootty and Mohanlal mostly played supporting roles in films where he was the lead.

Ratheesh in Ahimsa. (Image: Scube Films/YT)

The superstar

Meanwhile, he tied the knot with Diana, daughter of former Kerala minister MK Hemachandran, on September 11, 1983. Diana later remarked that though Ratheesh appeared rough and tough from the outside, he had a heart full of love. In a 2012 article she wrote for Mangalam Varika in his memory, Diana recalled how, after their children were born, he would rush home whenever he had time off from shooting to spend it with his family. Ratheesh and Diana, who passed away in December 2014, are survived by their four children — Parvathy, Padmaraj, Padma and Pranav.

Although Ratheesh was direct in expressing his emotions — whether love or anger — he never let ego or jealousy cloud his relationships, according to his wife. She added that he was always willing to help anyone in need. Ratheesh’s generous and affectionate nature, despite his superstar status, earned him a wide circle of friends. By 1984-85, he had become a defining figure in Malayalam cinema, commanding a substantial fan following. His appeal was further enhanced by his openness to take on meaty roles, steering clear of being confined to the typical hero mould. In films like Muhurtham Pathnonnu Muppathinu (1985), Guruji Oru Vakku (1985) and Snehicha Kuttathinu (1985), he took on supporting roles, often receiving as much, if not more, acclaim than the leads in those movies.

Ratheesh in Rajavinte Makan. (Image: Empire Video/YT)

Ratheesh with Mohanlal in Rajavinte Makan. (Image: Empire Video/YT)

Mammootty and Mohanlal’s lucky charm

Ratheesh also played a crucial role in Mammootty’s career, offering fierce on-screen competition while also recommending Mammootty for supporting roles in films where Ratheesh was the lead. He proved to be a lucky charm for Mohanlal too. As Mohanlal gradually ascended to stardom with remarkable performances across various genres, he landed the role of the notorious gangster Vincent Gomes in director Thambi Kannanthanam’s Rajavinte Makan (1986). In line with the cinematic convention that a powerful hero requires an equally formidable villain, Ratheesh was cast as Gomes’ rival. However, Rajavinte Makan broke away from the traditional formula, as both Gomes and Ratheesh’s character Krishnadas were antiheroes with many shades of grey. While Mohanlal delivered an outstanding performance as the cold, ruthless and stylish Gomes, Ratheesh’s portrayal of Krishnadas was also equally compelling. Together, their dynamic on-screen created cinematic history, turning the film into a massive blockbuster that established Mohanlal as the next superstar.

Rajavinte Makan held another deeper significance for Ratheesh, as it was during this film that he first met a young, emerging actor,Suresh Gopi. Their bond grew into a profound friendship, which later became a source of support for Ratheesh’s family after his untimely passing, with Gopi stepping in as a trusted figure in their lives.

Ratheesh with Suresh Gopi in Commissioner. (Image: Saina Movies/YT)

Ratheesh continued to shine, much like his striking light eyes. During this period, he also ventured into production, bankrolling movies such as Revenge (1985), Black Mail (1985) and Ente Shabdham (1986), though none of these made a significant impact at the box office. Gradually, like many of his peers, Ratheesh’s popularity too began to wane as a new generation of actors emerged. While Sukumaran had already switched to supporting and antagonist roles, Ratheesh chose to limit his film appearances and focus on his farming business in Cumbum, Tamil Nadu. In 1989, he appeared in just four films. The following year, he produced and starred in the Mammootty film Iyer the Great and took on a key role in the Tamil film Salem Vishnu (1990). In 1991, he acted in one Malayalam and one Tamil film. After that, he stepped away from cinema for two years, almost as if in exile.

The return as ‘Mohan Thomas’

Many thought this marked the end of Ratheesh’s career, but he made an unprecedented comeback by portraying the formidable, undefeatable political kingmaker Mohan Thomas — one of the most iconic villains in Malayalam cinema — in director Shaji Kailas’ Commissioner (1994), starring Suresh Gopi. The chemistry between Ratheesh and Gopi, like brothers from different mothers, stole the hearts of audiences across Kerala. While Gopi’s Bharathchandran IPS had more massy lines, outburst moments and action sequences, Rajya Sabha MP Mohan Thomas was the embodiment of commanding power, with a calm demeanour that signified the calm before the storm, wearing a smile, but having no remorse in eliminating anyone in his path. The success of the film propelled Gopi to join the ranks of Mohanlal and Mammootty, and in gratitude, Gopi ensured Ratheesh continued to receive substantial roles in his projects such as Kashmeeram (1994) and The City (1994). Ratheesh’s shift in strategy, including his willingness to take on smaller parts, worked well as he ensured to leave a lasting impression on audiences. He delivered strong performances in films such as Paalayam (1994), Nirnayam (1995), Agnidevan (1995), Yuvathurki (1996), The Godman (1999) and James Bond (1999).

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The new millennium brought a significant resurgence for Ratheesh as he returned to the silver screen in one of his most iconic roles, Maniyampra Purushothaman, in director Ranjith’s Mohanlal-starrer Ravanaprabhu (2001). Though he was one of several villains, his character — a cunning, money-hungry monster — evoked strong disdain from the audience, highlighting the effectiveness of his performance. He also earned acclaim for his roles in Dany (2001) and Shivam (2002). At the same time, he also explored television serials, winning over viewers there as well. Though he had, meanwhile, faced a major setback in his farming venture in Cumbum, leading to financial difficulties, his efforts in film began to yield positive results. Tragically, Ratheesh’s untimely death in 2002 left his family in debt, but they were soon saved by Suresh Gopi and producer Suresh Kumar, whom Ratheesh’s children consider their godfathers and maintain close ties with even today.

Although Ratheesh’s superstardom lasted only seven to eight years, his legacy endures even now due to his powerful performances and commanding screen presence. Even 22 years after his passing, Ratheesh’s name remains integral to the history of Malayalam cinema.

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