- 7/7/2025
Mohanlal interview about Kannappa | 'ഇങ്ങനെത്തെ സിനിമകൾ ഇനിയും ചെയ്യണം'
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00:00Kannapa is getting such a large release is only because of Mohanlalji.
00:05Hi, hello, welcome to the promotions of the Pan-India film Kannapa and before us we are having
00:12the thespian actor, the highly accrued and applaused Indian superstar Mohanlalji. Namaste and welcome,
00:18sir. And the title roller, Kannapa title roller and the film maker Vishnugaru Mansu Vishnugaru is with us.
00:26Now let's start, let me start with Mohanlalji. Your character in this film particularly, you are
00:33accepting a film, a role in a film means it means a lot. What is that particularly trigger to you to
00:39accept this character? I am thanking them to invite me for this film. It's a big film, like to be a part
00:49of this film is a great blessing as an actor. We shot the film in New Zealand, it's one of the greatest
00:55country and scenic wise. And some of the major films were shot in Therese. So I had the chance to
01:02portray Lord Shiva. Okay, let's see the film. Yeah. It's a very well-known story. So to be a part of
01:10in that story, the blessing from Shiva, I believe. And whatever I saw, I see some actual sequence,
01:19some solve sequence and some scene. It has come out brilliantly and they have taken that kind of
01:24care to bring out the film. It's a big film. And once again, thank you for calling me.
01:33Sir, as far as the length of the character and the prominence of the character is also very important
01:37for your fans and for everybody. And how much you are satisfied with the remaining part of the
01:43character? How is it designed to be in that film? Even if it is for a few seconds, it's fine.
01:51To associate with a big film like this. Now it has become a pan-Indian. Now
01:59we have actors from Findhi, Tamil. So it's a very big film. And to be a part of that film,
02:05as an actor, I am so honoured. And it is not the length. To be in that film, sir.
02:11Tell us more about the look and the look design and makeover for this film.
02:15Not Shiva is coming in a camouflage. It's a disguise. Why he is coming and what he is doing,
02:21you have to watch the film. But it's a known story, giving a very special astra. It's an arrow.
02:29So his character will be a shocker in the movie. It will be a huge shock.
02:36Right, in the movie. It's like a tribal guy. He is coming as a tribal chief take.
02:43Tell us more about the director. You worked with many directors across the globe and many directors
02:48in India. It's a very big film. To direct that film, he needs skin. And he has proven it
02:55with his Mahabharada. He is a great. He is a very soft-spoken, very… He looks more pious than
03:04what he is. He is a very lushing guy. And he has taken that kind of care to bring out this look.
03:10Very… Sir, Vishnu said that when he showed you the rushes, like very initially, after looking at…
03:18Not the rushes, the making. The making. Yeah, just looking at the making, you told him that
03:23this looks like Braveheart. The film was shot in New Zealand. The scene, the scenic, the location
03:31they shot and it has come out. It's not looking like an Indian film. That kind of care, the bicker,
03:40the artist, everything is different. Sir, first of all, congratulations for the
03:44Totaram, Chotam Mumbai and Empurans. Sir, my question is, before this project comes to you,
03:52have you heard the Kannapa story? Yes. The Kannapa story is a bhakti, a negotiator. Even with that,
04:01the kind of offering, the tribal guy and the kind of offering is a sacrifice for bhakti and is the
04:08reward. Even if it is a story, the moral, it has got a… content-wise, it has got a message.
04:16When Vishnuji comes to you and narrated the subject, what was the first reaction to you?
04:20Yes, I will. Okay. He comes and… you cannot delay. You cannot say no.
04:27Sir, you have a long association with this family. Yeah, is it the reason or is it the…
04:33Yeah, I know Bhakti has done so many films of my… A couple of films were remade in Telugu.
04:42He played the road. I know him from any age. We launched a film also, like Preston Malliano,
04:49you know, Telugu film in Kerala. But definitely, it is a big project. And when he comes and asks for
04:55that, how can you say no? There is nothing wrong because it is a great film.
05:00You do Kalaasti plan visit, sir?
05:02Kalaasti. I think I have caught it.
05:06This is… he is from Dakil, sir. Kalaasti.
05:08Sir, you have a journey of almost 40 to 45 years. So, how do you define your journey and how do you see
05:17the growth of Indian cinema, sir? This is a beautiful journey, 47 years.
05:21I have surveyed… Yeah, because the industry has changed. The concept of the film changed. The
05:29platform has been changed. So, everywhere has saved the… Like in the film also. That's why such
05:35films are coming. Like films. So, nobody has… I think the entire film has been shot in New Zealand.
05:41How many months they stayed there. And I think a couple of times you have…
05:46Kalaasti.
05:46Kalaasti.
05:46Kalaasti.
05:47It's a commitment. The commitment to the film has been changed. And now people are taking it in a very
05:53serious manner, right? Finally, the concept has come. And we can show this film abroad.
05:59You can compete with the Hollywood film also. Sir, there is one aspect in your filmography
06:05that I find very fascinating, which is that if you take… You do something like a Lucifer in 2019,
06:11which becomes this massive, massive hit, biggest of all time. And your next film is
06:16Itiamani made in China, which is a very small comedy film. Same thing with L2, Lucifer to Empuran.
06:23Which is also the biggest film of your career. And your follow-up is a very normal, rooted
06:30family drama, which becomes an action film. So, anyone, any actor, when they have like a big
06:36film coming up, they only try to scale up that the next film is like bigger. But in your filmography,
06:43it is never the case. It is… The choices are never driven by the fact that you want to do bigger
06:47films after bigger films. So, what explains that choice? It started from the beginning.
06:52Yeah. I had a chance of doing such films. Very big films. And apparently, with that,
06:57I can do something called bigger, small. Very good films. But it's also a big film.
07:03Yeah, yeah, yeah. The action-wise, the emotional-wise…
07:05No, even Lucifer is like larger than life. And in the very next film, you are playing a very common…
07:10Neera came out. It's a Neera's blessing. It's a blessing. Neera is coming. Now,
07:16I am doing a film. It's a very family drama called Krideyapura. It's a simple film.
07:21And you also have Vrishabha, which is again going to be in an action zone.
07:24I am doing Karna parts. Yeah. So, it's a blessing. You get good roles to an actor. It's a blessing.
07:31I came from now that Vishnu offered remuneration to you. You scold him like anything.
07:35No, it's all different. He'll give me.
07:40Playing a multi-star, it's not new for you. You already started with Dabbala Krishna and Akina Naishra.
07:46No, I am sure. Yeah, yeah. The first you played the Pallit Belfin called Kalapani.
07:51Okay. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Now, you are doing Kanappa with many stars like Akshay Kumar,
07:58Prabhas and all. What was the special experience you got from the Kanappa?
08:03Yes. Kanappa, I have only combination with him. Okay.
08:07And let us watch the film to see the… I want to ask one question because you mentioned Kalapani.
08:13As a child, when I watched it, you know, there are a few scenes which are still enshrined in my mind.
08:21If you have seen it, you know, Amrish Purji would say,
08:24Sheenmash. Yeah, Amrish Purji would say, Sheenmash.
08:29How does he even accept to do a shot like that? You know, for me, even after being an active actor,
08:34someone asks you, by that time, you go as a superstar.
08:36I think I will tell. It is a character. Yes, he doesn't have any other choice.
08:40Right. And Amrish Purji would say,
08:42Come on in the way. That is a friend asked me. I said,
08:47No, what is this? It is a character. He has to do certain things when the character demands.
08:53You should not have any Hibish when you go after. And that is one of the…
08:56That is why you are talking to me like this. You are asking Hibish Purji.
09:00And that is the situation of the character. He has to do. And it shows the
09:05cruelty towards an Indian. From that same, he is also an Indian fact.
09:10So… By the time that the character, the situation, if it demands, you have to…
09:15Now, when I think of the scene, it is like, wow. See, I saw it as a kid. I still remember that very, very busy.
09:22Sir, as you said, the screen time is not very important. But in the short time of your combination,
09:29how do you rate and how do you certify? Or how do you complement this movie?
09:34But ask him…
09:35You see, it should be one of his greatest films. And he does not have to prove he is a good actor.
09:41He has done films. But this is a totally different… It is an attempt to create something different from the usual film.
09:48And I think he has taken the… He chosen the character… Character and fillery. But I think he would
09:56accept it. Pray for that.
09:58Any memorable moments on Kannapa Onset?
10:00It is really day was memorable. Like in New Slayla, like in New Slayla, especially with Mr. Mohan Babu.
10:07Every moment is splendid.
10:09Sir, it is not a multi-star or it is not a pan-end. It is like looking like a national integration in this.
10:17So, how do you feel, sir?
10:18Let it come out. Because now it is like a gatecrash. People have to do films like this.
10:25You have to choose a film. You have to incorporate our great actors together.
10:29Then you should make a film. Then only… Then only I will get a chance to work with the great actors.
10:35Sir, you are the one star who accepted so many multi-star films. When a multi-star film is taken,
10:42so many things will come into consideration. The length of the film, the length of the character,
10:48the preference of the character, the priority. So many things will come into consideration.
10:52How would that you have accepted?
10:54If you are happy and if you are convinced, definitely.
10:57I can say no to the film also if I don't like the character. Definitely.
11:00I don't mind saying no. But this definitely, this film and the relationship by the family
11:06and the person who is acting in that and the concept and the place. So, it is an exciting thing for me as well.
11:13Sir, forget your association with Mr. Mohan Babu, with Vishnu.
11:19No. Keep that apart and some filmmaker comes to you with the same script and the same character.
11:27Would you have still found it as exciting? I mean, do you find the character…
11:33I don't know. The character is very good.
11:34Yeah.
11:35Definitely.
11:35Sir, I have small doubts. So, almost all Malayalam good actors are in other languages,
11:43South, Kannada, especially in Telugu. Why Malayalam people are not
11:49offering such characters to Telugu actors in their duties.
11:52Completely. A lot of people are working in Malayalam. A lot of Telugu.
11:56Muge Sushi, Pratsha, Mardyapurang, Hindi, Telugu. A lot of people are working.
12:02They should accept that we are very interested. Maybe a major problem is the language.
12:08A lot of people, they say no, no, sir.
12:10You are saying movements are there. Nobody is acting in Telugu.
12:12Yeah, in Telugu.
12:13All our careers are ready.
12:15But not very… Major problem is the language. A lot of people, they say is the language.
12:22You should ask them why you are not acting in Malayalam.
12:26Definitely, it is open. We are open to that.
12:29Sir, fans point of view, less small budget movies and small roles, that will be a problem for the stars.
12:40Maybe one shot, like crossing the road. I have found some films with Priya. Just getting
12:46around there, like a radio station and cruising. That's all. I have found some couple films. One shot.
12:52How do you deal to satisfy the fans?
12:55Not satisfying. It's something nice to associate with the director. He lasts. It's only a one shot.
13:01Can you do it?
13:01Sir, one couple of them.
13:04Do you first consider your satisfaction or the fans' satisfaction when you accept the director?
13:09What's on the stage?
13:13But to add on to that, Vishnu was saying how the fact that you, that shoe-licking scene in Kalapani is such a huge shock.
13:20There is one moment in Thudarum where after learning the tragic news, you fall down in the toilet and you break down completely.
13:28I don't think any star of your stature will be able to expose that level of vulnerability.
13:36It's not the star. It is the situation. It is the character.
13:39Nothing. Don't put the star of Mohan Laj there. That is the situation.
13:43It's a magic gift. How will you react in that particular situation? That is how we act.
13:48So, you have no reservations as an actor?
13:51Seven years? No reservation. No, I don't know.
13:56Sir, is there any particular character you didn't play till now and you want to be eager to play that character?
14:01I admit it.
14:02What is that particular?
14:04Like how it is.
14:05What is the best film recently you watched in Telugu?
14:07Sorry?
14:08What is the best film recently you watched in Telugu?
14:12I'm doing a Masha.
14:13You know, when we went to the location and all the stuff, it takes for the get up for serve to put, it takes minimum an hour.
14:28You know, because even if you look at, you know, the legs of the hair, the braids, the dress and everything, we had to go to a location which is two mountains we had to go and we had to be there.
14:39Eight o'clock was the first shot. Because the eight o'clock, we had to climb up the mountain. That's when they were allowing us.
14:46So, we were all ready. We were like, okay, we'll be there by 745, the unit will take.
14:50Halfway down there, I got a call. You know, I was going to the 730.
14:55Lal sir was already there on set.
14:57Oh.
14:58You know, so it was impossible for us to go there. It's freezing cold.
15:03And there are a few things which I would, of course, like to tell on stage about him.
15:06And how much ever you talk about, you know, about Lal sir, it will be always this.
15:15And today, for my film, you know, Kannapa, you know, to get this kind of notice in India.
15:23Okay, yes, Prabhas is there because he's a terrible superstar. He's also one of pan-India stars.
15:27But for the respectability and the attention for the movie is one of the main reason is Lal sir.
15:36Wherever I go, the first question, we finished in Bombay. You were also there in Bombay.
15:40First question they asked me. So, we're able to pull off a multi-star.
15:44How did you get more Lal sir?
15:46You know, and they, and one of the most happiest thing from me was when I was doing that.
15:51They never referred to you as a south star or from Kerala. For them, they were like,
15:56how did you get one of you guys get a superstar to answer me?
15:59Listen, I'm not asking you, how did you get him, Mohalal sir?
16:03But how do you got the idea, how you got it triggered that you should take him for this character?
16:09When I first wrote the character when the character was done,
16:11the first question father asked, who would play this cat? I said, my first wish list and only list
16:19is Mohalal uncle. And I said, I don't know if he'd do it today. And I don't know.
16:28What is he going to say? No, right? Oh, give me the phone. Immediately call.
16:33You know, Vishnu wants to come meet you. No, no, ask him to talk on the phone.
16:36I'll say, no, no, he'll come and be, I'm in Matras. I spoke to, we're doing a movie here,
16:46Kannapa. You know, there's this character, which comes over there. Because this is the character,
16:51this is the thing. Before 568. But we're trying to shoot it in New Zealand. But if you don't want,
16:57I'll shoot it in a Hyderabad in the blue mat. Yeah. Just, I need you to come be a great.
17:05We'll do it in New Zealand. He says, but you're going to do it. He said, yes.
17:09I meant it. The infant touched his feet. For me, he's one of the greatest actor. As an actor, for me,
17:14there are legends. And, you know, after my father, you know, the only person I look up to as a
17:21actor, right? You know, at that point, as an actor, it was only Moun Lala. You know, I, since a kid,
17:30I grew up watching his book. After working with him so close, and after, you know, associating with
17:36it, after my father, the only person I look up to is Lala. You know, I changed my way, the way I
17:45approached my life, changed with a few incidents I spent time with. So, you know, those are memories
17:52which are in my heart, which I don't want to tell of. And, you know, when I mature as a human being,
17:58I want to be like, wow. Sir, do you know that the other stars like Akshay Kumar and Prabhas and
18:05Sarat Skoji, Mohan Babuji, they're all playing career roles that you know. Yeah.
18:10You know that you are going to work for a very big multi-star. Yeah. And working with all of them,
18:19you don't have any combination. I don't have any combination with any of them. Only with
18:24Beat, Kannapar, any other film, what is the motivation and how do you prepare yourself for
18:29any characters? It's a process. So, what is the process? I don't know. I can't. Seriously. It's a
18:37process. It is happening, knowingly or unknowingly. Right. I am not able to explain it properly.
18:43Right. We'll sit on day and talk about that. Your contribution as far as the release is also
18:49concerned in Kerala. How is the applause in Kerala and all over? Have you made any observation?
18:55The only reason Karnapa is getting such a large release is only because of
19:00Monalga. Otherwise, you know, it's possible for me to get... Right Philip, they did be a quick
19:07success. We know it before.