'This unbeatable record' set by the Mohanlal film proves why he was the top Indian superstar of the 1990s!
Mohanlal is considered as one of those few South film stars with many all-India film records. While his 2016 blockbuster Pulimurugan emerged as the first Indian film to release in 6D, his upcoming action thriller Villain is the first Indian film to be shot in 8 K resolution.
What's more? The Malayalam superstar still holds the record of maximum hits in a single calendar year. In the year 1986, Lalettan had delivered 28 hits out of his 34 films released that year. Yes, you heard it right! 28 super hits in a calendar year. Mohanlal is also world’s first actor to achieve this feat.
However, not many are aware that Mohanlal has set a unique record in the 1996 with a film titled 'Kaalapani'.
The patriotic blockbuster was directed by the actor's friend and veteran director Priyadarshan. Kaala Paani holds the record for the biggest ever release for an Indian film in the 1990's decade. The film was released in 450 screens worldwide out of which India release itself had more than 375 screens. It's a remarkable feat considering that the top Bollywood hits of the 1990's decade like Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Raja Hindustani, Border and Mohra were released in less than 200 screens. Even the biggest hits of 2000's decade Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and Kaho Naa Pyar Hai's theatrical release was in less than 350 screens as well.
The epic historical drama, which was set in 1915, depicts the the lives of Indian freedom fighters detained in prison during the British rule. Kaalapani also marked the Malayalam debut of many non-Malayalam stars including Tamil actor Prabhu and Bollywood actors Tabu, late Amrish Puri, Tinnu Anand and Annu Kapoor.
Kaalapani went on to bag three National film awards for cinematography, art direction and special effects. The film also won the third Kerala state best award actor award for Mohanlal as well.