Mammootty and Mohanlal, the two stalwarts of Malayalam cinema, continue to command immense love and admiration from audiences across generations. In an interview with Galatta Plus, as part of promotions for his directorial debut Barroz, Mohanlal reflected on why these two legends resonate even with the new generation.
Timeless Characters and Storytelling
Mohanlal believes that the enduring love for him and Mammootty stems from the memorable characters they’ve portrayed over the years. He noted,
“The characters we have done are probably the reason we continue to receive this love. Today, there are so many ways to revisit old films—on phones, through reels, and on television. Moreover, classic films are being re-released in theaters. When the younger generation watches these films and compares them to the current ones, they find more comedy, sentiment, and passion in those older stories. This might be one of the reasons for their affection.”
Working with Iconic Directors
The actor also acknowledged the privilege of collaborating with some of the greatest filmmakers of the past. He said,
“We had the opportunity to work with brilliant directors like Bharathan, Mani Ratnam, Padmarajan, and Aravindan. The stories and films they crafted were exceptional. While the new generation has many talented filmmakers, they often don’t get strong scripts. I’ve done commercial films, action movies, and comedies, but I was fortunate to perform in a variety of stories created by remarkable directors.”
Upcoming Projects
Both Mammootty and Mohanlal have an exciting slate of films that fans are eagerly waiting for:
Mohanlal
• Barroz: Mohanlal’s directorial debut is set to release on December 25.
• Thudarum: A family drama directed by Tarun Murthy, awaiting release.
• Empuraan: The much-anticipated sequel to the blockbuster Lucifer, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, is set to hit theaters worldwide on March 27, 2025.
Mammootty
• Dominic and the Lady’s Purse: Directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, this is Mammootty’s next major project.
• Untitled Project: A film directed by Mahesh Narayanan, where Mohanlal also plays a pivotal role.
• Bazooka: Directed by Dino Dennis, expected to release in the second half of 2025.
• Jithin K Jos’s Untitled Film: Another highly awaited release for Mammootty.
Both actors continue to evolve while staying true to the legacy they’ve built over decades, ensuring their relevance and appeal across multiple generations. Their ability to adapt, combined with the timelessness of their earlier works, cements their place as legends in Indian cinema.
