A look back at Mollywood’s timeless on-screen pairings

Actors and their on-screen pairings often make headlines due to the promising chemistry and visual appeal they share in films. Some of these pairings have taken a unique turn, with the actors eventually marrying and building a life together off-screen.

Several of these beloved on-screen duos still hold a special place in the hearts of audiences, who continue to hope for their reunion on the big screen.Mohanlal, in particular, has delivered numerous iconic performances where his on-screen chemistry with female co-stars left audiences wanting more. After a long gap of 15 years, Mohanlal and Shobana—one of the most cherished pairings in Mollywood—reunited for Tharun Moorthy’s Thudarum in 2025.

Their collaboration was one of the most awaited in recent memory. During an award show, Mohanlal asked Shobana, “Won’t you come to Malayalam to act with me once again?” to which she replied, “But no one is calling me. I will surely come if that happens.”Here’s a look at more iconic Mollywood pairings that left a lasting impression and why fans are eager to see them share screen space again:

Ranjini and Mohanlal

Mohanlal’s on-screen chemistry with actress Ranjini defined a golden era in Mollywood.

Fans continue to celebrate their collaboration in Chithram (1988). The duo also captivated audiences in Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu and Mukham. After a 20-year hiatus from the industry, Ranjini made a comeback to star alongside Mohanlal in Koothara (2014), directed by Srinath Rajendran—fulfilling a long-held wish of fans.

In an old interview with TOI, Ranjini said, “I feel lucky to make my comeback with a Mohanlal film.

The last movie we did together was Mukham in 1990. I believe we shared good on-screen chemistry.”Sreenivasan and Sangita Madhavan Nair

Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998) gifted audiences the iconic pair of Sreenivasan and Sangita Madhavan Nair. Sangita received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Shyamala. Interestingly, it was Mohanlal who recommended Sangita for the role. In 2014, the duo reunited for Nagara Varidhi Naduvil Njan, marking Sangita’s return to cinema after 14 years.

In an old interview with Kairali TV, Sangita shared that people across Kerala still recognise her as Shyamala.

However, she admitted that she couldn’t feel the same warmth during her comeback and added that she had no plans to return to acting—it simply happened naturally.Jayaram and Parvathy

Jayaram and Parvathy were among the most beloved on-screen couples of the late 1980s and 1990s. Their memorable films include Aparan, Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal, Shubhayathra, Swagatham, and Pavakkoothu.

The two married in September 1992 and have two children, Kalidas Jayaram and Malavika Jayaram. Kalidas made his debut in Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal (2000). In an interview with The New Indian Express, Parvathy spoke fondly of Jayaram: “He is frank, transparent, and a family man.

For any trip, be it domestic or foreign, he always wants the family to come along. And if, for some reason, we can’t go, he will cancel his trip.”Biju Menon and Samyuktha Varma

Mazha, Meghamalhar, and Madhuranombarakattu are some of Malayalam cinema’s classics, celebrated for the subtle, soothing on-screen chemistry between Biju Menon and Samyuktha Varma. Meghamalhar, in particular, holds a poetic resonance that continues to make this pairing one of Mollywood’s most revered. Audiences often hoped they would marry in real life—and they did, tying the knot in 2002. The couple welcomed their son, Daksh Dharmik, in 2006.

In an interview with The New Indian Express, Samyuktha shared, “Biju is a reserved person, a man of few words. In the end, it was a love-cum-arranged marriage.”Dileep and Kavya Madhavan

Dileep and Kavya Madhavan are undoubtedly one of Mollywood’s most successful on-screen duos. Their celebrated collaborations include Vellaripravinte Changathi, Runway, Inspector Garud, Pinneyum, Sadanandante Samayam, Darling Darling, Chandranudikkunna Dikkil, Thilakkam, Thenkasipattanam, Kochi Rajavu, and Meesa Madhavan.

Dileep was earlier appreciated for his chemistry with Manju Warrier, whom he married in 1998.

However, the couple parted ways in 2015. In 2016, Dileep and Kavya confirmed their long-rumoured relationship by getting married.Navya Nair and Prithviraj Sukumaran

Prithviraj and Navya Nair became household names with their debut film Nandanam (2002). Their youthful, innocent portrayals, combined with mature acting, won widespread admiration. They further solidified their fanbase with films like Vellithira, Ammakilikkoodu, and Calendar.

Navya later took a break from acting and returned with Oruthee in 2022. Her recent release was Janaki Jaane. Meanwhile, Prithviraj expanded his presence across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi cinema and gained acclaim as a director with Lucifer, starring Mohanlal.

He returned with a strong sequel, L2: Empuraan, this year.Kunchacko Boban and Shalini Ajithkumar

Niram, Aniyathipraavu, Prem Poojari, and Nakshatratharattu remain some of the most rewatched Malayalam films, especially for fans of Kunchacko Boban and Shalini. Their adorable on-screen chemistry sparked numerous queries about whether they were a couple off-screen. Though they never dated, they remained close friends. Shalini later fell in love with Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar and married him in 2000. They now have two children.

Kunchacko Boban married Priya Ann Samuel in 2005. After marrying Ajith, Shalini took a break from films and settled in Chennai, where she continues to support her husband and children in their pursuits.