Meet the top five show stealers of 2012

If last year was all about Mollywood scriptwriters and directors having the courage to experiment with new themes and ushering in the so-called new generation movies, this year was about stars stepping up and wisely choosing subjects that appealed to a larger audience.

We take a look at the top five actors this year who reaped success at the box office and what made them click.

Dileep Gross collection from hits at BO: `32.7 crore
It was a bad start for actor Dileep with a flop movie (Spanish Masala). However, he scored his biggest solo hit this year with Mayamohini, which alone raked in close to `20 crore in gross collections. While Arike was a dud at the box office, My Boss became a hit and Mr Marumakan, despite the negative reviews, recovered its investment.

What clicked: Dileep stuck to his guns this year. Commercial potboilers are his forte and the offbeat flick Arike showed his acting range.

Dileep had told us earlier, "Despite all the hue and cry about only new-generation films being accepted by the audience, an all-out commercial film like Mayamohini doing well at the box office means that the audience wants to be entertained. It's big-budget superstar movies that are the lifeline of the industry."

Mohanlal Gross collection from hits: `29 crore
What started out as a disastrous year with Casanovva has turned out to be one of the better years in recent times as far as the megastar's box office earnings are concerned. Run Babby Run, that reunited him with Joshiy, turned out to be a staggering hit raking in close to `15 crore.

What clicked: With a wise selection of movies that didn't incline towards the larger-than-life image at a time when rooted-to-reality was favoured, Mohanlal proved he's still got tricks up his sleeve.

Kunchacko Boban Gross collection from hits: `23.5 crore
Kunchacko continued his winning streak this year, delivering two superhits, with Ordinary raking in close to `16 crore at the BO. Though, his last two films, Poppins and 101 Weddings, did not appeal to the audience.

What clicked: Post last year's success, the actor could have gone on a signing spree. However, Kunchacko made it clear he would choose only five films a year. The actor had told us, "Every time I hear a script, the first thing I look out for is if there are commercial elements in the movie that would entertain the audience."

Dulquer Salmaan Gross collection from hits: `13 crore
Dulquer's dream debut spell had him scoring three consecutive hits with Usthad Hotel taking in close to `9 crore in gross. With sleeper hits Second Show and Theevram also breaking even, the star kid is soon establishing a strong fan base and has proved he's a charming actor with amazing screen presence.
What clicked: Usthad Hotel wiped all the doubts about Dulquer's acting chops and announced the arrival of a young hero. His down-to-earth persona has also got people raving about him.

Fahadh Faasil Gross collection from hits: `11 crore
He is the rising star of Mollywood this year with the success of two films, 22 Female Kottayam and Diamond Necklace, crossing 100 days at the BO and the actor firmly expanding his fan base. His ability to juggle both urban and traditional roles makes him a favourite with the directors and the multiplex crowd.
What clicked: In his career so far, Fahadh's stayed away from being stereotyped. His roles in Friday, Diamond Necklace and 22FK all have completely different shades that established him not as a star but an actor with immense potential.