# Shakeela Appeared in 30 of 97 Malayalam Films in 2001

2026-08-14T06:15:40+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

According to NDTV, Shakeela appeared in 30 of the 97 Malayalam films released in 2001, nearly one in three. This extraordinary run saw small theatres often choosing her films over those featuring superstars Mohanlal and Mammootty. The phenomenon, dubbed the 'Shakeela wave', highlighted the actor's massive popularity in rural and small-town Kerala. The article notes her dominance during that period, with theatres in district towns and villages frequently booking her films over those of established male stars.

## Coverage

- ndtv.com <https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/the-shakeela-wave-when-keralas-small-theatres-picked-one-actress-over-mohanlal-and-mammootty-11907879#publisher=newsstand>

Tags: 2001 films, female actor, Kerala box office, Malayalam cinema, Shakeela, small theatre
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