KOCHI: Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal has opened up about his enduring friendship and professional bond with director Priyadarshan, revealing that he recently prodded the filmmaker about their much-anticipated 100th film collaboration.
In an exclusive interview with Times of India Assistant Editor Sai Kiran, the superstar shared private moments from his life, focusing on his relationships with key figures in the industry, including Priyadarshan, Sreenivasan, and Sathyan Anthikad.
The Unique 100th Film Record
Speaking about his plans with Priyadarshan, with whom he shares the rare distinction of having worked in the director’s debut film (Poochakkoru Mookkuthi, 1984), Mohanlal expressed his eagerness to be the lead in the landmark 100th venture.
”I hope to be part of his 100th film,” Mohanlal said. “I even asked him recently, ‘What about your 100th film? Aren’t we doing it?'”
He emphasized the historical significance of the potential collaboration, stating, “If it were to happen, it would be unique if the same actor-director duo did both the first and the 100th. It would be a record.”
Mohanlal also confirmed that he is making a small appearance in a Hindi film Priyadarshan is currently shooting. A shot from one of Mohanlal’s Malayalam films, Aryan, was even reused in an earlier Hindi film of Priyadarshan’s.
On Relationships and ‘Survival Mechanism’
The actor also provided insight into his approach to relationships in the industry, including past differences.
Priyadarshan: “With Priyadarshan too, we’ve had plenty of differences. But these become issues only if I allow them to. Why waste energy? It’s not escapism—it’s a survival mechanism.”
Sreenivasan: “Once Sreenivasan came and admitted he shouldn’t have spoken the way he did. I told him, ‘Let’s not talk about it.'”
Sathyan Anthikad: Regarding the veteran director, Mohanlal recalled, “I only learned about a misunderstanding he had about me 10 years later (laughs).”
Missing Co-Stars
Mohanlal became emotional when speaking about his beloved co-stars. “Very much. When I watch my old films, I miss them deeply,” he said.
He spoke about his recent meeting with Jagathy Sreekumar in Thiruvananthapuram. “I don’t know if he fully realizes, but he still smiles when I tell him our old private jokes.” He also fondly remembered the late Innocent, recalling, “He once made a funny song about me which we later used in No. 20 Madras Mail. Those were beautiful times.”
