made his acting debut in 1982 with the film Balloon. Later, that same year he landed his first leading role with the drama film Ithu Njangalude Katha, a remake of the Tamil-language film Palaivana Solai. The film was an average grosser, with the film's songs becoming chartbusters. In the mid-80's, he appeared in several comedy films directed by Priyadarshan, usually in supporting roles. His first film as solo hero came in 1985 with Mutharamkunnu P.O. Despite being an average grosser at the box office, the film has over the years attained a cult status. His first major commercial hit came with the 1985 film Boeing Boeing, directed by Priyadarshan. He appeared in a supporting role in the film to Mohanlal. This was his first collaboration with Mohanlal. They would go on to star in several films in the late 1980's, usually starring Mohanlal in the lead role. Examples include Ninnishtam Ennishtam (1986), Adiverukal (1986), Hello My Dear Wrong Number (1986) and Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu (1986). He also appeared in supporting roles to Mammootty in the late-80's with successful films like Thaniyavarthanam (1987), 1921 (1988) and Sangham (1988). In 1988, he appeared as Chacko in the cult investigative thriller Oru CBI Diary Kurippu. The character of Chacko has over the years attained a cult status. He reprised his role as Chacko in the CBI series sequels in 1989, 2004, 2005 and 2022. Then, in 1989, he starred in Ramji Rao Speaking, a blockbuster that ran for 200 days in theatres and went on to become the second highest grossing film of the year. The film gave Mukesh his major break. Ramji Rao Speaking is considered by audiences and critics to be one of the best comedy films made in Malayalam cinema. The film still has a huge cult following. The film has been subject to many memes, with Mukesh's dialogue in the film "Kambilipothappu" becoming a catchphrase. He also starred alongside Mohanlal in Vandanam (1989), which is considered a cult classic in Malayalam cinema. 1990–1999 In the beginning of the 1990, he made an extended guest role in Priyadarshan's Akkare Akkare Akkare, which was the sequal to Patanapravesham (1989). After the success of Ramji Rao Speaking, he was offered many leading roles. The film Cheriya Lokavum Valiya Manushyarum was then released, which was a commercial success. Following the success of Cheriya Lokavum Valiya Manushyarum he again collaborated with Siddique-Lal for