Lal (M.P. Michael), born December 2, 1958, is a versatile Indian actor, director, and producer, primarily known for his work in Malayalam and Tamil cinema. Starting as a mimicry artist, he rose to fame as part of the Siddique-Lal duo, directing hits like Ramji Rao Speaking (1989). As an actor, he debuted in Kaliyattam (1997) and has starred in over 111 films, including Ponniyin Selvan (2022–2023) and Karnan (2021). He won a National Film Award – Special Mention (2012) and two Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actor (2008, 2013).
Lal (M.P. Michael), born December 2, 1958, is a versatile Indian actor, director, and producer, primarily known for his work in Malayalam and Tamil cinema. Starting as a mimicry artist, he rose to fame as part of the Siddique-Lal duo, directing hits like Ramji Rao Speaking (1989). As an actor, he debuted in Kaliyattam (1997) and has starred in over 111 films, including Ponniyin Selvan (2022–2023) and Karnan (2021). He won a National Film Award – Special Mention (2012) and two Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actor (2008, 2013).
Lal, born M.P. Michael on December 2, 1958, in Kochi, Kerala, is a multifaceted talent in Indian cinema, excelling as an actor, director, screenwriter, and producer. Hailing from a family of artists—his father was a violinist and his brother Alex Paul is a music composer—Lal began as a mimicry artist at Kalabhavan alongside friend Siddique. The Siddique-Lal duo directed iconic Malayalam comedies like Ramji Rao Speaking (1989) and In Harihar Nagar (1990) before parting ways. Lal debuted as an actor in Kaliyattam (1997), playing the villainous Paniyan, and went on to act in over 111 films, including Tamil hits like Ponniyin Selvan: I & II (2022–2023) and Karnan (2021). 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). Lal also runs Lal Media Arts, a post-production studio, and has ventured into web series like Kerala Crime Files (2023). Married with a son, Jean Paul Lal (a director), he continues to contribute to cinema with upcoming projects like Azadi and Kadhalikka Neramillai (2025).Photos
Lal - Filmography
Total Movies: 2
videos
Personal details
- Alternative names Lal, M.P. Michael
- Height 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- Born December 02, 1958 · Kochi, Kerala, India
- Relatives Jean Paul Lal (son, director), Balu Varghese (nephew, actor), Alex Paul (brother, music composer)
- Other works
- Producer,Writer
instagram
FAQ
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).
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).
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).
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).
Jean Paul Lal is his son, a film director, and Balu Varghese is his nephew, a Malayalam actor.
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.
Related news
No related news available.
More to explore
Movies you may like
