Advertisement
Asif Ali has been a part of the Malayalam film industry for over 15 years and has already acted in 86 remarkable films. While a majority of these haven’t done well at the box office, there’s no denying that when he gets it right, he truly delivers. He has, at times, impressed audiences with powerful performances, though inconsistent scripts and other challenges have often held his films back. Lately, however, his career seems to be on an upswing. This listicle explores five recent films in which he played a leading role and tasted commercial success.
Honey Bee (2013)
Available On: Jio Hotstar
Advertisement
Honey Bee, also the name of a popular liquor, is a film centered on drunken misadventures and spontaneous decisions. It follows a close-knit group of friends, one of whom is a girl about to get married. She belongs to a prominent business family in Kochi, which has ties to the underworld. On the night before her wedding, in a drunken haze, Asif’s character confesses his feelings for her, and they run away together. However, by the next morning, he has a change of heart, but by then, her family is out for blood over what they see as a betrayal. While this premise might sound serious, the film is actually laced with humor and comedy, making it an entertaining watch.
Kooman (2022)
Available On: Prime Video
Kooman is directed by Jeethu Joseph, who is best known for helming the acclaimed Drishyam franchise. Kooman was released during a dull phase in Asif Ali’s career. However, the film turned out to be a commercial success. Asif Ali delivered a commendable performance, portraying a vindictive cop with sharp deductive and investigative skills. In a bid to tarnish the reputation of his superior officer, his character turns to theft. But things take a darker turn when he finds himself being blackmailed by someone far more dangerous.
Thalavan (2024)
Available On: Sonyliv
Thalavan features Asif Ali once again in the role of a police officer, this time starring alongside Biju Menon. Both play cops, Asif, as a sub-inspector and Biju Menon as his superior, a circle inspector. Asif’s character is a by-the-book officer, which leads to ego clashes between the two. However, things take a serious turn when a murder occurs, and Biju Menon’s character becomes the primary suspect. The film is thrilling and engaging, though Asif doesn’t get much opportunity to showcase his talent fully.
