Lal (M.P. Michael) - Biography, Films, and Directorial Works

Quick Info

Born December 2, 1958

Birth Place Kochi, Kerala, India

Height 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)

Fan Score 75

Popularity 75

Roles Actor, Producer, Writer

Photos

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Known For

Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (...

Malayamaan

★ 7.5

Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two...

Malayamaan

★ 7.3

Filmography

Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two (2023)

7.3 2023

Malayamaan

Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (2022)

7.5 2022

Malayamaan

Videos

Actor Lal Speech | Ponniyin Selvan : 2

Lal with Rekha Menon

Personal Details

Alternative Names Lal, M.P. Michael

Official Sites www.instagram.com

Relatives Jean Paul Lal (son, director), Balu Varghese (nephew, actor), Alex Paul (brother, music composer)

Did You Know

Trivia

National Award Win: Received a National Film Award – Special Mention for Ozhimuri (2012), a film tackling domestic violence, and two Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actor (2008, 2013).
Mani Ratnam Dream: Actively sought a role in Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan: I & II (2022–2023) through Suhasini, fulfilling a lifelong ambition to work with the director.
Family Talent: His son Jean Paul Lal is a director (Honey Bee), his nephew Balu Varghese is an actor, and his brother Alex Paul is a music composer, making cinema a family affair.

Quotes

“In my entire acting career, Mani Ratnam sir is the only person to whom I have asked for an opportunity. As I knew Suhasini, I asked for a chance to act in Mani Ratnam sir’s movie.”

Trademarks

Complex Antagonists, Comedic Directorial Style, Malayalam-Tamil Versatility.

Nicknames

Lal,M.P. Michael.

Salaries

Malayalam Films: For lead or key supporting roles in films like Thalappavu (2008) or Ozhimuri (2012), he likely earned ₹20–50 lakh per film.
Tamil Big-Budget Films: For roles in high-profile projects like Ponniyin Selvan: I & II (2022–2023) or Karnan (2021), supporting actors of his caliber typically earn ₹50 lakh–₹2 crore per film.
Web Series: For roles in OTT projects like Kerala Crime Files (2023) or Suzhal Season 2, he likely earned ₹10–30 lakh per season, based on platform budgets.
Directing/Producing: For films like Thommanum Makkalum (2005) or Thenkasipattanam (2000), his earnings as director or producer could range from ₹1–3 crore per project, including profit shares.

Frequently Asked Questions

01

What is Lal best known for?

Lal is best known for directing Malayalam blockbusters like Ramji Rao Speaking (1989) and In Harihar Nagar (1990) as part of Siddique-Lal, and for acting roles in Ponniyin Selvan: I & II (2022–2023) and Karnan (2021).

02

How did Lal start his career?

He began as a mimicry artist at Kalabhavan, then worked as an assistant director under Fazil before forming the Siddique-Lal duo and later debuting as an actor in Kaliyattam (1997).

03

What awards has Lal won?

He won a National Film Award – Special Mention for Ozhimuri (2012) and Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actor for Thalappavu (2008) and Ayal/Zachariayude Garbhinikal (2013).

04

What are Lal’s recent projects?

Recent projects include Kerala Crime Files (2023, web series), Azadi (2025, Malayalam/Tamil action-crime-thriller), Kadhalikka Neramillai (2025, Tamil comedy-drama), and Checkmate (2025, Malayalam drama-thriller).

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