Mohanlal was a champion wrestler during his college days. An IPS officer's advice helped him win first prize

When it comes to Malayalam cinema, one name effortlessly stands above the rest—Mohanlal. A man of unmatched skill, immense versatility, and incredible charisma, he has captivated audiences for decades. But what many don’t know is that before he became a cinematic legend, Mohanlal was making waves in an entirely different arena—the wrestling mat.

A surprising chapter of the actor’s youth was recently brought to light by retired IPS officer KM Antony, who shared a fascinating memory with Kerala Kaumudi. During their college years, both men were active in competitive wrestling. Antony, reminiscing about those intense days, revealed how he once faced Mohanlal in a match—and won.

“I hail from the small village of Chenappadi in Kanjirappally, Kottayam district,” Antony began, tracing his journey. “My early education was rooted in that community. Later, I pursued my pre-degree at St. Dominic’s College in Kanjirappally and went on to complete my graduation at St. Thomas College, Pala.” As a student, Antony actively participated in athletic competitions, particularly wrestling. “Back then, St. Thomas College was renowned for producing top-level university wrestlers,” he noted.


Antony soon joined the wrestling squad, receiving rigorous training and clinching victories in several tournaments. By 1980, he had risen to become the captain of the University of Kerala’s wrestling team. That year, during a prominent inter-university championship held in Banaras, a young Mohanlal—then a commerce student at MG College, Thiruvananthapuram—also entered the competition.

“We were in the same weight class,” Antony recalled. “During our bout, I managed to pin Mohanlal in just 36 seconds.” However, that wasn’t the last time their paths would cross. At another event in Kannur, the two met again. This time, Mohanlal approached Antony with a strategic question. “He asked which weight category I would compete in and whether he could avoid facing me again,” Antony laughed.

Antony suggested Mohanlal try the higher weight division, since wrestling rules allow participants to move up but not down in category. Determined, Mohanlal increased his food intake, bulked up, and entered the heavier division. The result? He won first place in the heavyweight category, while Antony clinched the top spot in the lightweight class. Two champions—each triumphant in their own bracket.

The Legend We Know Today

Today, Mohanlal stands as one of the two towering figures in the Malayalam film industry, alongside Mammootty. With a filmography spanning over 400 movies, he has earned a reputation as one of India’s finest actors. His immense contributions to cinema earned him the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2019—India’s fourth and third highest civilian honors, respectively.

He has bagged five National Film Awards, multiple Kerala State Film Awards, and several Filmfare South Awards. In 2009, Mohanlal achieved a rare feat—becoming the first Indian actor to receive an honorary rank of lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army. From wrestler to warrior on screen, Mohanlal’s journey remains as legendary as the man himself.

On the work front, Lalettan was recently seen in the crime thriller 'Thudarum.' The movie, which hit the theatres last month, became a major commercial and critical success. He will next headline four' films—'Hridayapoorvam,' 'Vrushabha', 'AJFC MMMN' and 'Ram'.