Mohanlal overwhelmed by birthday love as Drishyam 3 hits screens
Synopsis
Mohanlal's birthday doubled as a cinematic event — Drishyam 3 hit screens on 21 May, the same day the Malayalam superstar was flooded with wishes from Mammootty, Vishnu Manchu, Nivin Pauly, and director Jeethu Joseph. His Instagram thank-you note, describing 'an ocean of love,' captured a rare convergence of personal milestone and professional triumph.
Key Takeaways
Mohanlal shared a gratitude note on Instagram on 22 May 2025 , saying birthday wishes left him 'deeply moved.' Drishyam 3 , the third instalment of the franchise, released in cinemas on 21 May , coinciding with his birthday.
The film's release was originally scheduled for 2 April 2025 but was postponed due to tensions in the Gulf region.
Mammootty , Vishnu Manchu , Nivin Pauly , and director Jeethu Joseph were among those who publicly wished the actor.
Director Tharun Moorthy , helming Mohanlal's next film Athi Manoharam , called him 'My Idol, My Inspiration, My Hero.'
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal took to Instagram on 22 May 2025 to express heartfelt gratitude after being flooded with birthday wishes, calls, and messages from fans, colleagues, and fellow stars across industries. The actor, who turned a year older on Thursday, described the outpouring of affection as an experience that left him 'deeply moved.'
Mohanlal's Gratitude Note
In a personal message shared on his Instagram page, Mohanlal wrote, 'Waking up to an ocean of love today has left me deeply moved. Every wish, every prayer, and every heartfelt message has filled my heart with immense gratitude. It is moments like these that remind me how blessed I am to have such warmth and kindness around me.'
He added, 'Thank you for being such a beautiful part of my journey and for making today so special. Grateful for each and every one of you.'
Drishyam 3 Releases on His Birthday
Adding to the celebratory mood, Drishyam 3 — the third instalment of the blockbuster franchise — released in cinemas on 21 May, coinciding with the actor's birthday. The film's original release, scheduled for 2 April this year, had been postponed due to the tense situation in the Gulf region. Director Jeethu Joseph marked the occasion by sharing a photo of himself planting a kiss on Mohanlal's cheek, captioning it, 'Happy birthday dear Lalettan.'
Industry Stars Pour In Wishes
Malayalam icon Mammootty, a close friend of Mohanlal, posted a warm message on his social media timelines: 'Heartfelt birthday wishes to dear Lalin.' Director Tharun Moorthy, who is currently helming Mohanlal's upcoming film Athi Manoharam, called the star 'My Idol, My Inspiration, My Hero.'
Telugu actor Vishnu Manchu offered an especially effusive tribute, writing, 'Happy Birthday, Lalettan. Some people become stars. Very few become emotions. You've inspired generations with your art, but what I admire most is the incredible human being behind the legend. Your warmth, simplicity, and grace make people love you even more beyond cinema.' He concluded by wishing Mohanlal 'good health, happiness, peace, and many more years of magic.'
Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly, posting on his X timeline, wrote, 'Wishing the one and only Lalettan, a very happy birthday. And what a perfect day to celebrate cinema, wishing the entire team of #Drishyam3 a grand release today.'
What's Next for Mohanlal
Beyond Drishyam 3, Mohanlal is set to appear in Athi Manoharam, directed by Tharun Moorthy. The dual celebration of a milestone birthday and a marquee release underscores the actor's enduring hold on Malayalam cinema and his cross-industry appeal. With Drishyam 3 now in theatres, audience and box-office response will be closely watched over the coming days.
Point of View
Now on its third instalment, has become a reliable cultural anchor in Malayalam cinema, and releasing on the lead actor's birthday maximises both media attention and audience sentiment. What the wave of cross-industry wishes also signals is Mohanlal's rare standing as a figure who commands genuine affection beyond competitive industry politics — something few stars of his generation have sustained this long.
NationPress
1 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Mohanlal say on his birthday 2025?
Mohanlal posted a gratitude note on Instagram on 22 May 2025, writing that 'waking up to an ocean of love' had left him deeply moved. He thanked fans and well-wishers for their messages, prayers, and heartfelt greetings.
When did Drishyam 3 release?
Drishyam 3 released in cinemas on 21 May 2025, coinciding with Mohanlal's birthday. The film had originally been scheduled for 2 April 2025 but was postponed due to the tense situation in the Gulf region.
Who wished Mohanlal on his birthday?
Among those who publicly wished Mohanlal were Malayalam star Mammootty, Telugu actor Vishnu Manchu, Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly, Drishyam 3 director Jeethu Joseph, and director Tharun Moorthy, who is helming his upcoming film Athi Manoharam.
What is Mohanlal's next film after Drishyam 3?
Mohanlal's next film is Athi Manoharam, directed by Tharun Moorthy. The director wished Mohanlal on his birthday, calling him 'My Idol, My Inspiration, My Hero.'
Why was Drishyam 3 postponed from its original release date?
Drishyam 3 was originally scheduled for release on 2 April 2025 but was postponed due to the tense situation persisting in the Gulf region. It eventually released on 21 May 2025.
