[2] In 1983, Rahman was attending his high school in Ooty, he was spotted by noted Malayalam director Padmarajan who offered him the lead role in his film Koodevide.

In 1984, he acted in Kaliyil Alpam Karyam directed by Sathyan Anthikad and Ithiri Poove Chuvannapoove by Bharathan.

Then he acted in another film of Sathyan Anthikad titled Aduthaduthu, and J. Sasikumar's Ivide Thudangunnu alongside Rohini.

In the first half of 1985, he acted in Kandu Kandarinju, I. V. Sasi's Angadikkappurathu, Upaharam and by that time Rahman had created a huge fan base and stardom in Malayalam film industry.

In the second half of 1985, he starred in romantic film Ivide Ee Theerathu, Ente Kaanakkuyil, Koodum Thedi and Katha Ithuvare.

In 1986, he acted in I. V. Sasi's super hit film Vartha along with Mammootty, Mohanlal and Seema and a cameo appearance in Aayiram Kannukal.

Then, he acted in Chilambu directed by Bharathan, which is a martial art movie and it went on to become big hit at the box office.

[5] In 1987, he starred in I. V. Sasi's family drama Ithrayum Kaalam and Sathyan Anthikad directorial Gaayathridevi Ente Amma along with Seema.

And, he acted in director Kamal's film Goal and Ranjith's Rock & Roll In 2008, he did a cameo role in Veruthe oru Bharya.

In 2009, he acted in Moss & Cat, directed by Fazil with Dileep as his co-star and Bharya Onnu Makkal Moonnu.

Rahman then appeared in the film Kerala Cafe, in the segment titled "Island Express", under the director Shankar RamaKrishnan.

[9] He was then seen in one of the lead roles along with Prithviraj Sukumaran and Jayasurya in 2013 film Mumbai Police penned by Bobby and Sanjay and directed by Rosshan Andrrews was a big success in Kerala.

[12][13] Then he starred in 2018 action thriller film Ranam along with Prithviraj Sukumaran and was appreciated for his performance as a drug don.

In 1989, after appearing in In 1999, he acted in the Tamil film Sangamam, directed by Suresh Krishna, which depicted the story of a feud between classical and folk dance.

He played the role Madhurantakan on the historic epic drama, Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022) directed by Mani Ratnam.

The public voted for Rahman for this award from the nominations including Kamal Haasan, Sreedevi, Manju Warrier and Nadhiya.