Actor-editor Sangeeth Prathap is currently on cloud nine. It’s not just that his career has taken off since the blockbuster success of Premalu (2024), with back-to-back film offers and a Kerala State Film Award for Best Editor for his work in Little Miss Rawther (2023). He’s also, since then, had the chance to share the screen with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal; not just once, but twice. Although his role in director Tharun Moorthy’s revenge thriller Thudarum was small, it was crucial to the narrative, and in most of his scenes, he shared the screen with Mohanlal himself. In addition to Thudarum, Sangeeth also worked alongside the legendary actor in Sathyan Anthikad’s upcoming film Hridayapoorvam.
Dubbing the experience of working with him as “great”, Sangeeth said during an exclusive chat with SCREEN, “Recently, when we went to watch Thudarum, an assistant director from our team posted a video showing Lalettan (Mohanlal) holding my hand and helping me go up the stairs. So, that was the same day the shoot for Thudarum had started. Such coincidences happen often in my life. It turns out that it was exactly a year ago, on that very day, that I saw Mohanlal for the first time. It was my wife who reminded me of it.”
Watch SCREEN’s exclusive interview with Sangeeth Prathap here:
He continued, “I was telling someone recently that over the past year, it’s with Lalettan that I’ve been spending my time, from morning till evening. For a while now, I have been right next to Lalettan, shoulder to shoulder. It’s something I never imagined would happen in my life.”
Recalling how he landed a role in Thudarum, Sangeeth Prathap said: “A year ago, when I agreed to do a cameo in Thudarum, my only goal was to see Lalettan up close. That was the only reason I committed to that film; along with my affection for director Tharun Moorthy. When I saw the announcement for the Mohanlal–Shobana movie, I messaged Tharun myself, asking him to let me know if there was any character in it for me. He called me that day or the next, saying there’s a small cameo role. His movies, including the previous two — Operation Java (2021) and Saudi Vellakka (2022) — also pique excitement in us. So, it was certain, whether it’s one scene or two, I had to do it.”
Sangeeth Prathap with Mohanlal, Shobana and others on the sets of Thudarum. (Credit: Instagram/@tharun_moorthy) Sangeeth Prathap with Mohanlal and director Sathyan Anthikad on the sets of Hridayapoorvam. (Credit: Facebook/@bibin.kumar.3192) Sangeeth Prathap with Mohanlal, filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad and screenwriter-director Sreenivasan. (Credit: Instagram/@sangeeth.prathap)
“He only narrated that particular event (in the story) to me. Usually, we hear many scripts, sort them, filter them, etc, right? But in this case, it was simply their names (Mohanlal, Tharum Moorthy and Shobana) that prompted me to take it up. It’s the time I get to spend with them that I value above everything else,” he added.
Sangeeth Prathap continued, “I think I had combination scenes with Lalettan for only three days. Initially, he was somewhere far away; just being able to see him was enough. But now, he’s very close, both emotionally and in terms of presence; it’s as if he’s right beside me. He shows so much affection to all of us. He has treated me both like a son and like a friend, always talking and joking. Those moments are emotionally very special.”
Anandu Suresh is a distinguished Deputy Copy Editor at The Indian Express Online, where he serves as a leading voice in cinematic critique and industry analysis. With over six years of rigorous experience in the media landscape, he has established a reputation for incisive, long-form commentary that bridges the gap between commercial cinema and art-house narratives.
Experience & Career
Anandu’s professional journey is rooted in a deep academic and practical foundation in the humanities and communication. He holds a Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature and a PG Diploma in Journalism and Communication. Before ascending to his current editorial leadership role at The Indian Express, he honed his skills on the news desk of The New Indian Express in Hyderabad. His career is marked by a transition from core news operations to specialized cultural journalism, allowing him to bring a structured, news-oriented rigor to the entertainment beat.
Expertise & Focus Areas
While Anandu’s portfolio spans the global cinematic landscape, he is widely regarded as an expert in Malayalam Cinema. His unique approach to film criticism is defined by:
Cinema Anatomy: A dedicated column where he deconstructs the structural layers of films to uncover deeper sociopolitical meanings.
Marginalized Narratives: A commitment on-ground and analytical reporting on how cinema represents or fails marginalized communities.
Critiquing "Performative Wokeness": Rigorous analysis of modern filmmaking trends, identifying the difference between authentic representation and superficial social commentary.
Multimedia Discourse: Actively fostering continuous public dialogue on cinema through digital platforms and archival research.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anandu Suresh is a trusted authority in the film journalism circuit, frequently providing exclusive coverage from major international festivals like the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). His work goes beyond standard reviews; he is known for holding the industry accountable, as seen in his extensive reporting on sensitive issues like the 2017 Kerala actress assault case and the legal complexities surrounding film credits. By prioritizing "Journalism of Courage," Anandu ensures his readers receive commentary that is not only intellectually stimulating but also ethically grounded and factually robust. ... Read More