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‘Every Malayali is either a fan of Mammootty or Mohanlal,’ says L2: Empuraan director Prithviraj Sukumaran: ‘We wanted to talk and walk like them’

Actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran, who has helmed Empuraan, opened up about the impact of Mammootty and Mohanlal on Malayalam cinema, and the psyche of the Kerala audience.

Prithviraj on the impact of Mammootty and Mohanlal on Malayali audience.

Mammootty made his maiden credited screen appearance in the 1980 film, Vilkanundu Swapnangal in a minor role. Mohanlal made his acting debut with Manjil Virinja Pookal in the same year. Call it coincidence or destiny, both became synonymous with Malayalam cinema, and even in their 45th year as actors, they show no signs of slowing down. On March 27, Mohanlal is coming up with the much-awaited film L2: Empuraan, and a couple of weeks later, on April 10, Mammootty has a big-budget actioner, Bazooka, hitting the screens.

Actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran, who has helmed Empuraan, opened up in a promotional event about the impact of Mammootty and Mohanlal on Malayalam cinema, and the psyche of the Kerala audience. “There’s isn’t a Malayali who’s not a Mohanlal or Mammootty fan. They’re not just actors or stars anymore. They’re so ingrained in our systemic culture,” said Prithviraj, who believed that comparisons between the two legends are par for the course. “We can argue over who’s better, who does comedy better, but no Malayali can say they’re not a fan of either Mohanlal or Mammootty.”

ALSO READ: Amid swirling rumours about his health, Empuraan star Mohanlal performs special offering for Mammootty at Sabarimala

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Prithviraj is the son of late actor Sukumaran, who has shared screen space with both Mammootty and Mohanlal in multiple films. Talking about the personal impact these actors have had on his life, Prithviraj said, “The reason we’re in cinema is because of Mohanlal and Mammootty. I wanted to talk and walk like them. My father was an actor, but from a previous generation. They were ruling the roost like they’re today.” The Empuraan director also spoke about interacting with another Indian superstar, who also made his debut a few years before Mammootty and Mohanlal.

“I had the privilege of meeting Rajinikanth sir a few days ago. I wanted to make a film with him, but I couldn’t pull it off then. But the way he praised Lucifer… I don’t remember the number of awards I won, but I remember all these,” said Prithviraj, who reminisced the time when he was just starting out as an actor, and someone asked him about his directorial ambitions. “20 years ago, when someone asked me if I’d ever direct a film, and who would be the star cast, I said Mohanlal and Manju Warrier. And here we are.”

Empuraan, the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Lucifer, features Mohanlal and Manju Warrier in the lead alongside a galaxy of stars including Tovino Thomas, Baiju Santhosh, Nikhat Khan, Saikumar, Fazil, Nyla Usha, Abhimanyu Singh, and Sukant Goel.

ALSO READ: Prithviraj Sukumaran on casting Aamir Khan’s sister Nikhat Khan in L2 Empuraan: ‘I didn’t know they were related’

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One of the highlights of the Empuraan trailer launch in Mumbai was Mohanlal talking about Prithviraj with equal amounts of respect and love. “He is one of the greatest directors of India. He’s going to be a force to look out for. This is just the tip of the iceberg. He lives and breathes cinema. Otherwise he’s a naughty guy.”

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