Top 20 Malayalam Actresses Who Have Redefined Malayalam Cinema
From legendary actors like Shobhana and Manju Warrier to rising stars like Anna Ben and Nimisha Sajayan, explore the top 20 Malayalam actresses who have redefined excellence in the industry.

Malayalam cinema has witnessed the rise of many talented actresses who have left audiences in awe with their exceptional performances. Here’s a look at some of the finest actresses who have made a mark in the industry.
1. Parvathy Thiruvothu
Parvathy is a critically acclaimed actress in Malayalam and Tamil cinema. She has earned multiple recognitions, including a National Film Award, two Kerala State Film Awards, and five Filmfare Awards South, making her one of the most versatile actors in the industry. Some of her acclaimed movies are Uyare, Take off, Ennu Nintendo Moideen, Ullozhukku
2. Shobhana
The accomplished dancer and versatile actress, Shobana holds legendary status in the Malayalam industry. Her achievements include two National Film Awards, a Kerala State Film Award and two Filmfare Awards South in her distinguished career. These are some of the cult favourites: Manichitrathazhu, Nadodikkattu, Thalapathi, ThenmavinKombathu
3. Aishwarya Lekshmi
Aishwarya Lekshmi demonstrates mastery as an actress and producer throughout her work in Malayalam films as well as Telugu and Tamil productions. The distinctive skill of her performances has earned her a Filmfare Award South and a Kerala Film Critics Association award with three SIIMA Awards. Some of her notable works are Mayaanadhi, King of Kotha, PS 1, and Varathan.
4. Anupama Parameswaran
Anupama Parameswaran debuted in the cult favourite movie Premam. Some of her notable movies are Jomonte Suvisheshangal, Rowdy Boys, Karthikeya 2 and Tillu Square.
5. Manju Warrier
Manju Warrier is also known as the lady superstar of Malayalam cinema. She has won a National Film Award, Kerala State Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards South. These are some of her fan favourite movies: How Old Are You, lucifer, Asuran, Aami
6. Meera Jasmine
Jasmine Mary Joseph, widely known as Meera Jasmine, is a prominent actor in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films. Her career began in 2001 when debuted in Soothradharan. These are some of her notable works: Run, Bhadla, Swapnakoodu.
7. Urvashi
Kavitha Manoranjini, known professionally as Urvashi, is a multitalented artist excelling as an actress, dubbing artist, television host, screenwriter, and film producer. She has made significant contributions to Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada and Telugu cinema. These are some of her fan favourite movies are Mithunam, Spadikam, Bharatham, and Lal Salam.
8. Navya Nair
Navya Nair is a well-established actress in Malayalam films and has also worked in Tamil and Kannada cinema. She is known for her diverse roles and powerful screen presence. Some of her critically acclaimed movies are Nandanam, Kalyanaraman, Ishtam, Kunjikoonan and Pandippada.
9. Rajisha Vijayan
Rajisha Vijayan started her career as a television presenter before transitioning into films. She has starred in several notable Malayalam movies and also appears in Tamil films. Here are some of her must-watch movies: June, Karnan, Sardar, Keedam, and Kho-Kho.
10. Anna Ben
Anna Ben, daughter of renowned screenwriter Benny P. Nayarambalam, debuted in Kumbalangi Nights (2019). Her performances in Helen and Kappela earned her two Kerala State Film Awards, solidifying her place among the best actresses of her generation.
11. Darshana Rajendran
Darshana Rajendran is a gifted actress and playback singer primarily working in Malayalam films, with a few notable appearances in Tamil and Telugu cinema. Some of her notable works are Hridhayam, Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey, Paradise, Irul, Rifle Club
12. Aparna Balamurali
Aparna Balamurali is an actress and playback singer known for her work in Malayalam and Tamil movies. She has been honoured with a National Film Award and a Filmfare Award South. Her most acclaimed performances include Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Soorarai Pottru and Kishkindha Kaandam.
13. Nazriya Nazim
Nazriya Nazim is an actress, producer, and singer who has left a significant impact on Malayalam and Tamil cinema. Known for her spectacular screen presence, she has won two Kerala State Film Awards, a Tamil Nadu State Film Award, and a Filmfare Award South. Here are some of the cult favourite movies: Ohm Shanti Oshana, Neram, Bangalore Days, and Koode.
14. Samyuktha Menon
Samyuktha Menon made her Malayalam debut with Popcorn and has since worked in several notable Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil films, earning widespread recognition. Here are some of her notable works: Theevandi, Kaduva, Aanu Pennum, Vellam
15. Kalyani Priyadarshan
Kalyani Priyadarshan is an actress predominantly seen in Malayalam films, alongside roles in Tamil and Telugu cinema. She has won a Filmfare Award South and three South Indian International Movie Awards for her exceptional performances. Some of her fan favourite movies are Thaliumala, Hridhaya, Varanasi Avishyamund, Bro Daddy
16. Madonna Sebastian
Madonna Sebastian entered the industry with the Malayalam hit Premam (2015). She later starred in Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum (Tamil), Premam (Telugu), and Kotigobba 3 (Kannada), expanding her reach across multiple industries.
17. Amala Paul
Amala Paul is a well-known actress and producer in Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu films. Her talent has been recognised with a Tamil Nadu State Film Award, a Filmfare Award South, and two South Indian International Movie Awards. Some of her must-watch movies are The Goat Life, Run Baby Run, Oru Indian Pranayakadha
18. Namitha Pramod
Namitha Pramod debuted at a young age. She showcased her versatility by playing diverse roles. Some of her notable performances are Sound Thoma, Adi Kapyare Kootaamani, Nimit, Role Model
19. Nimisha Sajayan
Nimisha Sajayan is a talented young actress in Malayalam cinema, known for her charismatic screen presence. She made her debut in Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (2017) alongside Fahadh Faasil and Suraj Venjaramoodu. She has won several awards, including the Kerala State Film Award and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. Some of her other must-watch movies are Maalik, The Great Indian Kitchen, Chithha, and Nayattu.
20. Anusree
Anusree is a Malayalam actress known for her performances in Red Wine, Naku Penda Naku Taka, and My Life Partner. She made her debut in 2012 with the film Diamond Necklace.
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