The film industry in Kerala, India, known as Malayalam cinema or Mollywood, is the fifth largest in the country. Its inaugural film, "Vigathakumaran," was released in 1930. This industry provides ample opportunities for newcomers, with many of them branching out to work in other Indian film industries, such as Tamil, Telugu, and even Bollywood. Below is a comprehensive list of 12 emerging actors from the Malayalam film industry, along with their detailed information.

New Malayalam Actors list

1. Nivin Pauly
2. Fahadh Faasil
3. Dulquer Salmaan
4. Prithviraj Sukumaran
5. Aju Varghese
6. Tovino Thomas
7. Kunchacko Boban
8. Neeraj Madhav
9. Asif Ali
10. Sreenath Bhasi

#1. Nivin Pauly

Born: 11 October 1984

Place: Aluva, Kerala, India

Years Active: 2010-present

Spouse(s): Rinna Joy ​(m. 2010)

Awards: Kerala State Film Awards, Filmfare Awards South, South Indian International Movie Awards

Nivin Pauly has become an iconic hero of Malayalam cinema, known for his natural charm and fitness that have endeared him to fans. His notable works include "Jacobinte Swargarajyam," "Tattathin Marayathu," and "Premam," but he is perhaps most remembered for his exceptional performance in "Oru Vadakkan Selfie." Throughout his career, Nivin Pauly has garnered three Filmfare State awards and two Kerala State Film Awards

#2. Fahadh Faasil

Born: 8 August 1982

Place: Alappuzha, Kerala, India

Years Active: 2002,2009-present

Spouse(s): Nazriya Nazim ​(m. 2014)

Awards: National Film Awards (2017), Kerala State Film Awards (2011, 2014, 2020)

Fahadh Faasil has emerged as one of the most gifted young actors in the Malayalam film industry, following his successful return with the film Chappa Kurishu. His portrayal of characters such as Arjun in Chappa Kurishu, Dr. Arun in Diamond Necklace, Jeevan in Immanuel, and Cyril in 22 Female Kottayam has received immense acclaim from audiences. He was honored with the Kerala State Best Actor award for his performance in Chappa Kurishu.

#3. Dulquer Salmaan

Born: 28 July 1986

Place: Cochin, Kerala, India

Years Active: 2012-present

Spouse(s): Amal Sufiya ​(m. 2011)

Awards: South Indian International Movie Awards, Asianet Film Awards, Kerala State Film Award

Dulquer Salmaan is a prominent addition to the list of emerging Malayalam actors. He made his debut with the movie Second Show which was well-received by the audience. He has already delivered 20 successful movies, showcasing his incredible talent. His roles such as Arjun in Bangalore Days, Faizal in Ustad Hotel, Adithya in OK Kanmani, and Johns in ABCD reflect the modern-day characters prevalent in society. In 2016, he was honored with the State Best Actor Award for his outstanding performance in the film Charlie, adding to his list of accolades.

#4. Prithviraj Sukumaran

Born: 16 October 1982

Place: Thiruvananthapuram, Tamil Nadu

Years Active: 2002-present

Spouse(s): Supriya Menon ​(m. 2011)

Awards: Kerala State Film Award, Asianet Film Award for Most Popular Film

Prithviraj Sukumaran has established himself as the latest romantic hero in the Malayalam film industry after delivering remarkable performances in movies like Alice, Ennu Ninte Moideen, and James. His roles in Amar Akbar Antony, Alice, and James have secured him a position among the new generation of heroes. His portrayal of Amar in Amar Akbar Antony exemplifies the quintessential personality of an Ernakulam native. This exceptional actor has already been awarded the Kerala Best Actor Award twice.

#5. Aju Varghese

Born: 11 January 1985

Place: Tiruvalla, Kerala, India

Years Active: 2010-present

Spouse(s): Augustina ​(m. 2014)

Awards: 3rd South Indian International Movie Awards, Asianet Comedy Awards

Aju Varghese has joined the ranks of the most gifted emerging Malayalam actors, owing to his recent release Thattathin Marayathu. He has played some exceptional characters that have left a lasting impression on the audience. His roles in Adi Kapyare Koottamani, Oru Vadakkan Selfie, and Om Shanthi Oshaana exemplify the range of diverse characters he has portrayed.

#6. Tovino Thomas

Born: 21 January 1989

Place: Irinjalakuda, Kerala, India

Years Active: 2012-present

Spouse(s): Lidiya Tovino ​(m. 2014)

Awards: South Indian International Movie Awards, Filmfare Awards South

Tovino Thomas is an Indian actor, director, and producer, primarily recognized for his work in Malayalam and Tamil films. His career began in 2012 with the Malayalam movie Prabhuvinte Makkal. However, his noteworthy achievements came through his exceptional performances in the films 7th Day (2014) and ABCD (2013). In addition, Tovino Thomas was honored with the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his incredible portrayal in the movie Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015). He has also received the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor and the Kerala Film Critics Association Award for his remarkable acting in the movie Mayanadi (2017).

#7. Kunchacko Boban

Born: 2 November 1976

Place: Alappuzha, Kerala, India

Years Active: 1981 (Child Artist), 1997-present

Spouse(s): Priya Ann Samuel ​(m. 2005)

Awards: Kerala State Film Award

Kunchacko Boban, widely known as Chackochan, has become an integral part of the Malayalam film industry for the past few years, having acted in over 90 Malayalam movies. Kunchacko began his career as a child artist in the movie Dhanya (1981). As an adult, he made his debut in the romantic drama Aniyathipraavu, which was the highest-grossing Malayalam movie at that time. He has been honored with numerous awards throughout his career, including the Kerala State Film Award. He is now a prominent member of the Kunchacko family and has earned a spot on the list of top emerging Malayalam actors.

#8. Neeraj Madhav

Born: 26 March 1990

Place: Kozhikode district, Kerala, India

Years Active: 2013-present

Spouse(s): Deepthi Janardhan ​(m. 2018)

Awards: North American Film Awards, Asianet Film Awards

Neeraj Madhav is a renowned actor, dancer, and rapper who has been consistently working in Malayalam cinema. He is best known for his role as Moosa Rehman in The Family Man web series. Some of his noteworthy performances include Oru Mexican Aparatha (2017), Sapthamashree Thaskaraha (2014), Adi Kapyare Kootamani (2015), and Oru Vadakkan Selfie (2015). He has been honored with several awards during his career. In 2015, he was bestowed with the New Sensation in Acting (Male) award for his outstanding performances across various movies. In 2018, he was recognized with the Best Star Pair Award for his excellent on-screen chemistry with Paippin Chuvattile Pranayam co-star.

#9. Asif Ali

Born: 4 February 1986

Place: Karikode, Thodupuzha,. idukki, Kerala, India

Years Active: 2009-present

Awards: Asianet Film Awards, Toronto international South Asian film awards, Vanitha Film Awards

Having debuted in the 2009 movie Ritu, the 35-year-old actor has starred in numerous blockbusters, including Ozhimuri, Anuraga Karikkin Vellam, and Sunday Holiday. Notably, his movie Honey Bee was a major hit in 2015 and even won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues.

#10. Sreenath Bhasi

Born: 29 May 1988

Place: Kochi, Kerala, India

Years Active: 2011-present

Spouse(s): Reethu Zachariah ​(m. 2016)

Awards: Yet to be Updated

Sreenath Bhasi, a former Radio Jockey for Red FM 93.5, has since become a prominent figure in the Malayalam film industry, earning a following among Kerala's youth. Thanks to his exceptional and distinctive acting abilities, he has appeared in numerous Malayalam films. Characters such as Arun in Pranayam, Kallumekkayas in Ustad Hotel, Sunny Jose Prakash in Da Thadiya, and Perumbavoor Anto in Masala Republic are forever etched in the memories of audiences. In addition to acting, he has also lent his voice to several songs, including Mathayichan, Oh, My Panchasara, Pakalin Vathil,Kanda Kanda, and so forth.