For three decades, the industry was a two-pillar empire: , the chameleon who disappears into roles (from a Mughal emperor in Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha to a blind lawyer in Mathilukal ), and Mohanlal , the actor of effortless, volcanic naturalism (the drunk messiah in Kireedam , the ruthless gangster in Rajavinte Makan ). Their rivalry is legendary, but it is a rivalry of craft, not just box office.