One of the greatest campus films in Malayalam cinema Classmates, continues to be a fan favorite even after 18 years. Characters like Sukumaran, Thara, Pious, Rasiya, and Murali are still remembered fondly. Directed by Lal Jose and written by James Albert, the film was a massive success, inspiring a wave of college reunions across Kerala.
While the film starred Prithviraj, Jayasurya, Indrajith, Kavya Madhavan, and Narain in prominent roles, an interesting behind-the-scenes story has recently resurfaced. Kunchacko Boban was initially cast in the film but withdrew at the last minute. This led to rumors of a rift between Lal Jose and Kunchacko Boban, which even the actor himself believed for a while.
In a recent interview, Lal Jose shared the details:
“Kunchacko Boban was supposed to act in Classmates. However, he backed out at the last moment. This gave rise to rumors that there was a fallout between us. In fact, the entire industry believed it, and even Chackochan and his wife Priya thought I was upset with them. But the truth is, I never had any grudge against him.”
He elaborated:
“I asked him about the role, and he said he couldn’t do it. So, we cast someone else, and the film went on to become a hit. Much later, Benny P. Nayarambalam invited me on a trip to Velankanni with his family, which also included Chackochan and Priya. During the trip, Priya, who is very straightforward, asked me directly: ‘Do you hold a grudge against Chackochan for not acting in Classmates?’ I told her I didn’t. After all, the role was done by another capable actor, and the film was successful. Why would I hold a grudge?”
This honest conversation marked the beginning of a renewed friendship between Lal Jose and Kunchacko Boban.Currently, Lal Jose is selective about his projects, with his recent films like Meow and Solomon’s Bees delivering average performances. He has also shifted focus to acting, appearing in films like Oru Sarkar Ulpannam, Imbam, and Mandakini.Meanwhile, Kunchacko Boban continues to shine not just as an actor but also as a producer. His recent film Bhoomika received widespread acclaim, especially for his performance in a negative-shaded role.The behind-the-scenes story of Classmates has sparked fresh interest among fans, highlighting the dynamics between these two prominent figures in Malayalam cinema.
