I’m Not Afraid of Losing Relevance: Mohanlal

Mohanlal a legend in Malayalam cinema with over four decades of unparalleled contributions, recently opened up about his career, his mindset, and the fears—or lack thereof—associated with being sidelined in the industry. Known for seamlessly blending his star persona and acting prowess, Mohanlal’s latest venture as a director, Barroz, has been met with mixed reactions.

Reflecting on his decision to direct a 3D film, Mohanlal remarked, “I could have opted for an action movie, but there’s a unique thrill in doing something no one else has attempted. After My Dear Kuttichathan, no significant 3D film was made in India for decades. Most of the team working on Barroz, except T.K. Rajeev Kumar, had no prior experience with 3D filmmaking. It was a fresh experience for all of us. This is not just a film for children but for the child in everyone.”

However, it’s his response to a question about the fear of losing relevance in the industry that has captured attention. Mohanlal said, “I’ve never been concerned about such a situation. And I say this not out of arrogance. I’ve never made promises to anyone about how long I’ll stay in cinema, nor have I vowed to do a certain number of films. The way I entered this industry has shaped my outlook. There’s a force that has always kept me tied to cinema, and I believe it will continue to guide me. Worrying serves no purpose. Everything in this universe has its time. Once it’s over, you move on. Even at 100, if I’m healthy, I’ll continue to act.”

Mohanlal emphasized that fears of fading away often plague those who live calculated lives. “This is not a business where calculations work. Life itself has a time limit, doesn’t it? When the whistle blows, you have to leave the field, be it life or cinema,” he added.

As Mohanlal looks ahead, he has an impressive lineup of films set to release in 2025, including Empuraan, the highly anticipated sequel to Lucifer, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran. Other projects include Thudharam, directed by Tarun Moorthy, a new film with Mahesh Narayanan, and a collaboration with Satyan Anthikad titled Hridayapoorvam. These projects promise to showcase Mohanlal’s enduring versatility and commitment to his craft.