From Aniyathipraavu to Nna Thaan Case Kodu: Kunchacko Boban picks 7 favourite films from his career

While in M Shankar’s Nakshathrathaarattu (1998), the industry once again leveraged his brilliant on-screen chemistry with actor Shalini, which had proven successful in Aniyathipraavu, Anil-Babu’s romance-mystery Mayilpeelikkavu (1998) showcased that Chackochan can create captivating chemistry with any co-star, as demonstrated by his performance alongside Jomol (Gauri).

In 1999, he starred in four films — Prem Poojari, Chandamama, Mazhavillu and Niram — all blending elements of romance and comedy, captivating audiences and establishing him as a symbol of romance in Malayalam cinema.

Kunchacko Boban with Jomol aka Gauri in Mayilpeelikkavu. (Express archive photo)

Despite facing challenges in his career during the 2000s, leading to a hiatus, Kunchacko Boban made a successful comeback in the latter part of that decade and reclaimed his throne. This time, however, he chose not to remain within his comfort zone and instead began embracing more demanding roles, dedicating himself to delivering exceptional performances, which all played a key role in making him what he is today.

During a conversation with The Indian Express, Chackochan mentioned that he is currently in a ‘never let them know your next move’ phase. “I thoroughly enjoy taking on new challenges, exploring different roles, and keeping people guessing about what lies ahead in my career.”

Although Chackochan cherishes many of his movies, when The Indian Express asked him to name a few films from his career that hold a special place in his heart, he paused briefly and listed seven titles, before humorously asking us not to put him in a challenging situation. Now, here are the seven movies (listed chronologically by their release years and not by any other criteria) that immediately came to his mind.

Kunchacko Boban with Preeti Jhangiani in Mazhavillu. (Express archive photo)

Aniyathipraavu (1997)

This Fazil film, which also marked the debut of Shalini as a leading actor, not only served as a stepping stone for both lead actors but also helped them swiftly secure a place in the hearts of all Malayalees. Depicting the tale of two young lovers from different religious backgrounds and their triumph over various familial objections, Aniyathipraavu shattered box-office records despite being headlined by a group of newcomers. The movie’s impact was so profound that the bike, Hero Honda Splendor, used by Chackochan’s character Sudhi, became a trend in the state, with many youngsters purchasing the same, a reference to which can be found in Jude Anthany Joseph’s Ohm Shanthi Oshaana (2014). From its songs to fashion, all of it became iconic, though the film did not age well over time. Aniyathipraavu was remade in Telugu as Nenu Premisthunnanu (1997), Tamil as Kadhalukku Mariyadhai (1997), Hindi as Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (1998) and Kannada as Preethigagi (2007).

Kasthooriman (2003)

For Kunchacko Boban, who had been predominantly playing ‘chocolate hero’ roles up to that point, AK Lohithadas’ Kasthooriman proved to be a liberating moment as it delved into the various facets of his acting abilities. Belonging to a once-prosperous but now financially struggling Christian family, Sajan Joseph Alukka’s (Kunchacko Boban) only aim in life is to crack the civil services exam and become an IAS officer. Amidst a modest life, a woman, initially appearing wealthy and spoiled, enters Sajan’s heart, until he discovers her own struggles with financial hardship. Unlike typical romance movies, Kasthooriman beautifully illustrated the true essence of companionship and the dynamics of mature relationships, emphasising the significance of togetherness in navigating through life’s challenges.

Elsamma Enna Aankutty (2010)

One of Chackochan’s most robust roles after his return to cinema following a hiatus, Unnikrishnan (Palunni) in Lal Jose’s Elsamma Enna Aankutty was a type of character that he had not previously explored in his career. Set in a high-range area in Kerala, the film revolves around Elsamma (Ann Augustine), who single-handedly supports her family through odd jobs and is admired by the locals for her courage and ability to tackle any challenges that come her way. Palunni, a local milk vendor, is Elsamma’s friend who also has a crush on her. Prior to this movie, most of Chackochan’s films were set in urban or affluent backgrounds and he played characters who were either well-off or college students. In Elsamma Enna Aankutty, however, Chackochan stepped into a different realm, portraying a self-reliant working-class man radiating a strong sense of rootedness.

Kunchacko Boban in Prem Poojari. (Express archive photo)

Traffic (2011)

One of the most groundbreaking and exceptional films of the last decade, Rajesh Pillai’s Traffic paved the way for a new wave in Malayalam cinema. Employing a hyperlink format, the film tells the story of a group of capeless heroes striving to transport a still-beating heart, extracted from a brain-dead person, to save a girl with a severe cardiac condition. While many refuse the task, traffic constable Sudevan (Sreenivasan), cardiac surgeon Dr Abel (Kunchacko Boban), and Rajeev (Asif Ali), a friend of the deceased whose heart has been donated, shoulder the responsibility, fully aware of the risks involved in covering 150 km in just two hours. A pure edge-of-the-seat thriller, Chackochan’s portrayal of Abel, one of the movie’s most compelling characters, grappling with the weight of an undisclosed secret that could potentially lead to his imprisonment, was truly remarkable. Despite this being one of his initial forays into the thriller genre, Chackochan adeptly handled the role, contributing significantly to the overall brilliance of this landmark film.

Anjaam Pathiraa (2020)

Despite emerging during a period when most major film industries in the country were flooding theatres with movies centred around serial killers, Midhun Manuel Thomas’ Anjaam Pathiraa captured audiences’ hearts by focusing more on the investigation and mystery elements. Anjaam Pathiraa’s unique feature was its choice of a psychologist-cum-criminologist, rather than a cop, as the protagonist and Chackochan’s portrayal of the reserved yet astute Dr Anwar Hussain garnered him much acclaim. Although several subsequent films attempted to emulate Anjaam Pathiraa’s approach, none were as successful but solidified the Midhun Manuel Thomas movie’s status. Currently, a sequel to the movie, titled Aaraam Pathiraa, is in the works.

Kunchacko Boban with (L-R) Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Sreenath Bhasi, Jinu Joseph and Unnimaya Prasad in Anjaam Pathiraa. (Image: Kunchacko Boban/Facebook)

Pada (2022)

Based on a true incident that occurred in 1996, Kamal KM’s Pada follows four members of the Ayyankali Pada outfit who stormed the Palakkad collectorate, holding the then collector hostage for nearly nine hours, demanding the withdrawal of the revised tribal bill passed by the Left government under EK Nayanar. A brilliant film that sheds light on the struggles of tribals and other marginalised communities who are consistently deprived of the opportunity to live with dignity, Pada also exposes how governments often overlook people from lowered castes. While the movie sparked numerous discussions, drawing parallels between the experiences of marginalised communities then and now, Chackochan’s remarkable portrayal of the character Rakesh Kanhangad, by giving special emphasis on his fire and nuances in a deeply authentic manner, also received much recognition.

Kunchacko Boban with (L-R) Dileesh Pothan, Vinayakan and Joju George in Pada. (Image: Kunchacko Boban/Facebook)

Nna Thaan Case Kodu (2022)

One of Kunchacko Boban’s most celebrated movies and performances of recent times, Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval’s Nna Thaan Case Kodu is the film equivalent of Shah Rukh Khan’s dialogue “Don’t underestimate the power of a common man” in Chennai Express (2013).

Revolving around a reformed thief Kozhummal Rajeevan and his attempts to prove before the judiciary that he did not commit a theft that he has been accused of, Nna Thaan Case Kodu highlights how the determination of ordinary citizens, even without holding significant societal positions, can dismantle the strongholds of power. Mostly unfolding within a courtroom, the film won praise for its realistic narrative and making style, incorporating humour. The film earned Chackochan a Special Jury Award for Acting at the 53rd Kerala State Film Awards.