Prithviraj and Nivin Pauly stole the show this year.
The 'superstar' tag may not be enough to bring audiences into the theatres anymore, if current trends in the Malayalam cinema are any indication.
In 2015, the big stars found the going tough and had to bank on their satellite value.
Instead, these five heroes took giant steps ahead, and brought a stupendous rise in revenue with their films raking in big moolah!
Prithviraj
Prithviraj seems to have got the Midas touch, with his films -- Ennu Ninte Moideen, Amar Akbar Anthony, Anarkali and Picket 43 -- becoming major money-spinners.
He was even appreciated in failures like Double Barrel and Ivide.
Nivin Pauly
After the remarkable record-breaking show of Premam, Nivin Pauly is easily the next big thing in Malayalam industry.
Oru Vadakkan Selfie gave him enough reason to smile as well.
The year was also special for him, when he won the Kerala State award for Best Actor for last year’s spectacular film, 1983.
His next release, Action Hero Biju, releasing in January, is one of the most eagerly awaited films of 2016.
Mammootty
Gone are the days when the posters of the superstars were enough to usher in crowds.
In a year when Mohanlal faced terrible setbacks, the other big M, Mammootty, could heave a sigh of relief with the critical acclaim for Pathemaari and good collections for Bhaskar the Rascal.
But even his fans could not save duds like Utopia yile Rajavu and Achcha Din from biting the dust.
Dileep
Chandrettan Evideya came as a saving grace for Dileep, who is regarded as the darling of the box office.
The dismal show of Ivan Maryadaraman came as a setback for the hero.
But the good response to his Christmas release Two Countries has proved that he has not lost his popularity yet.
Dulquer Salmaan
Dulquer Salmaan is a superstar in the making. Just watch his latest release Charlie.
If he prompted Malayalis of all ages to get back on their motorcycles with Neelakasham Pachakkadal Chuvanna Bhoomi, his printed shirts and bearded look in Charlie has become a rage.
No wonder, he has been anointed as the style icon of Malayalam cinema.
Charlie is quite a comeback of sorts after a forgettable 100 Days of Love.
