A post Mohanlal - Mammootty scene in Malayalam cinema is slowly emerging with clear indications of heroes and heroines that will hold the masses for some time to come now. Malayalam cinema has always been multi hero oriented.

In sixties it was Satyan-Premnazir-Madhu trio followed by Jayan-Soman- Sukumaran trio. Then came Mammootty-Mohanlal- Suresh Gopi as super stars. There was always a second and a third row of leading men. There has been a trend that a lone hero never dominated the silver screen for long time in Malayalam films. There was always an equally important or a second hero.

The last lap of 2002 projected Dileep as the super star and the only leading man who is capable of attracting the masses. Dileep had established as the youngest super star in Malayalam with his 'MEESA MADHAVAN' and subsequent box office pulls like 'KUNHIKKOONAN', and 'KALYANARAMAN'. He has half a dozen films ready for the release. A definite pattern in hero-heroine selection from the viewpoint of box office pull is also emerged now.

Dileep alternates his heroines in all his films. While Samyuktha Varma retired after marriage Kavya Madhavan became a strong choice for the heroine roles. Dileep and Kavya together made 'MEESA MADHAVAN' a hit. Meanwhile Navya Nair entered the scene.

The directors of 'KUNHIKKOONAN' and 'KALAYANARAMAN' chose Navya Nair as the heroine for Dileep. While director Jayaraj casts Dileep and Kavya Madhavan as the leading pair in his 'THILAKKAM', the forthcoming film 'GRAMAPHONE' by Kamal has Navya Nair opposite Dileep. This seems the winning formula now.

But this formula cannot last long. An automatic correction has taken place with a new set of youngsters and one actor is quickly approaching as the second most wanted hero of the Malayalam film scene. Prithviraj with his 'NANDANAM' has won the hearts of the Malayalam film audience especially that of women viewers. Prithviraj with his pleasing presence and artistic capabilities has become the most wanted second hero. Navya Nair as a heroine made a perfect pair to Prithviraj. The romantic equation attracted the directors immediately and director Bhadran chose Prithviraj and Navya Nair as the leading pair in 'VELLITHIRA'.

The latest news is that director Vinayan has chosen Prithviraj and Navya Nair as the leading pair in his forth-coming film 'MEERAYUDE DUKHAVUM MUTHUVINTE SWAPNAVUM'. The picture is clear now and with a balance created. It will be Dileep- Kavya, Dileep-Navya, Pritviraj-Kavya and Prithviraj-Navya, formula for some time in Malayalam with additions of new heroines.