In a career spanning four decades and 340-plus films, Mohanlal has given us so many memorable characters and cinematic moments. And yet, it still surprises us every time. While hundreds of essays agree with his acting style, it seems that the man himself does not have a definitive answer to how long and engaging he is in films. “I call it a blessing. I think some unknown energy is helping me, ”he told indianexpress.com.
“I trust my directors, screenwriters and colleagues and fans. It is a blessing to be in this magic for the past 43 years. I think the kind of films I make and the kind of directors I work with should be the secret of my success, ”said the actor.
Mohanlal could not have delivered such miraculous performances without staying in the mind of the various characters he has brought to life so far. But, for the first time, he says he couldn’t understand Georgekutty’s character in Drishyam. And that too despite playing the part for the second time in the upcoming sequel.
“Because it’s hard to say what’s going on in his mind (Georgekutty). It shows no emotions. He is taking them over, ”Mohanlal explained.
The only draw of Georgekutty that Mohanlal could relate to and perhaps fulfill in the film is that the character is willing to go to great lengths to protect his family. “Everyone has the right to it,” he said.
In the first film, Georgekutty succeeded in weaving a web of controversial lies and manipulating public opinion in favor of getting away with the murder. “However, a perpetrator will always be intimidated. Georgekutty and his family also have that fear and that’s why we made Drishyam 2, ”he said.
The superstar also noted that Drishyam has changed the way Malayalam listeners view criminals. And one of the main reasons it became such a hit was because “the film had a love and family connection. ”
Director Jeethu Joseph recalled that he was confident that Drishyam would be a success. However, he never imagined size so successful. “I was in a panic. We never expected Drishyam to go to this point. After its release, it took us about a month to realize that this film went beyond our imagination. And it was relegated to other languages and everywhere the film once again made the same success. The real panic came from China, of course. We never expected that. We were all happy and it was a proud time for the Malayalam cinema, ”said the filmmaker.
Drishyam encouraged re-enactment in all major Indian languages and was re-enacted in Chinese as Sheep Without a Shepherd, which was a commercial and critical scene.
Following the film’s huge success in 2013, Mohanlal and producer Antony Perumbavoor wanted to expand Drishyam’s world. They wanted to explore the depths of hidden mysteries in Georgekutty’s mind. Even though director Jeethu Joseph was initially skeptical about the idea of a hide, it was too good an opportunity to let slip.
“We had been planning to do Drishyam 2 (for a long time). It was the mind, the mind of Antony Perumbavoor, and the mind of Jeethu. And suddenly it happened. When Drishyam 2 started rolling, we were all ready. We weren’t sure when this movie would happen. However, it had to happen. The audience should remember Georgekutty and his family. Because it was a cult movie. Thanks to Jeethu for producing such an insightful film, ”Mohanlal concluded.
Drishyam 2 will start streaming on Amazon Prime Video from February 19th.