Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, now commanding crores, began his acting journey with a modest Rs 2,000 for his debut film ‘Manjil Virinja Pookkal’. Instead of personal gain, the young actor generously donated his entire first pay check to a local orphanage, showcasing his remarkable compassion from the very start of his illustrious career.

Today, every filmmaker and brand clamors for Mohanlal to star in their projects. His remuneration soars into crores, his luxury residences include a Burj Khalifa apartment, and his assets are worth hundreds of crores. But there was a time when his fee was just three digits in INR, and he chose to invest it in a way that reflected his golden heart! How much did Mohanlal charge for his first film? Most importantly, how did he spend his first paycheck?

Malayalam cinema’s Lalettan

Born in 1960 in Kerala’s Elanthoor, Mohanlal Viswanathan perhaps never imagined that one day he would be adored by people of all generations. His entry into films wasn’t exactly intentional. In fact, his friends encouraged him to apply for an audition. He made his debut in 1978 with ‘Thiranottam’ at the age of 18, but the film was never released. Two years later, he debuted with ‘Manjil Virinja Pookkal’ (1980), directed by Fazil. He played the villain Narendran. His line, “Good evening, Mrs. Prabha Narendran,” is still etched in the hearts of Keralites. The film featured Shankar and Poornima Bhagyaraj in the lead roles. Mohanlal’s portrayal was so chillingly real that audiences couldn’t look away. The film became a massive hit, and the character of Narendran was seared into the audience’s memory. The film was reportedly made on a Rs 7 lakh budget and went on to earn Rs 98 lakh. Mohanlal undoubtedly became the breakout star. The newcomer who didn’t shy away from playing the villain surely grabbed eyeballs.

Mohanlal’s first paycheck and what he did with it

‘Manjil Virinja Pookkal’ was Mohanlal’s first release, and as a debutant, the pay wasn’t wholesome but still decent. Mohanlal received Rs 2,000 for acting in the film! Yes, that’s right. Accountant Mallika C. Devi earlier told The New Indian Express about the interesting incident. She vividly recalls her first meeting with Mohanlal. “I saw an ugly young man with a face full of pimples and a hippy hairstyle sitting far away from affable superhero Shankar. I asked Jijo Punoos, son of Appachan, who the new entrant was,” she told the outlet.In the world of glamour, she also remembers how Mohanlal received his first paycheck. Despite being a beginner, his gesture was heartwarming. Mohanlal, then a college student, had no grand expectations. He was given Rs 2,000. But what he did with the money was even more fascinating. He chose to donate the money for goodwill. No, he didn’t set anything aside for himself. He believed in doing something far more important than his own needs. “I gave him his first remuneration of Rs 2,000. He donated it to the nearby St. Antony’s orphanage,” she recalled.Mohanlal didn’t stop there. Generosity and compassion are part of his identity. Today, the actor has a non-profit organization named after his parents, which helps the underprivileged in areas of healthcare, education, and more. He believes in giving back to society. What began as a meaningful gesture during his early days continues to be the same.Meanwhile, on the professional front, Mohanlal is currently filming for ‘L366’ with Tharun Moorthy. The shoot is progressing in Thodupuzha. Meera Jasmine is also part of the cast. The superstar also has ‘Drishyam 3’, helmed by Jeethu Joseph, in the pipeline. The third installment of the beloved thriller franchise is gearing up for release on April 2, 2026. The upcoming film focuses on what happens in Georgekutty’s life after four-and-a-half years.