Adoor Gopalakrishnan has noted that Malayalam film icon Mammootty is the only actor he has consistently collaborated with, leading to their fourth joint project, ‘Padayaatra’. This film also marks Gopalakrishnan’s return to feature filmmaking after a hiatus of ten years. The filmmaker made this statement while attending the India Today Conclave South held in Kochi on Wednesday.

At the event, Gopalakrishnan led a discussion titled ‘Master’s touch: The Transforming Power of Cinema’. During the session, Gopalakrishnan spoke about the significance of ‘Padayaatra’ and how Mammootty’s collaboration is unique within his career. He emphasised the rarity of repeating actors, making Mammootty stand out as an exception.

Mammootty As An Exception

Adoor Gopalakrishnan has directed only 13 films, including ‘Padayaatra’, and he typically does not cast the same actor more than once. Mammootty, however, is the sole actor he has repeatedly chosen for his projects, indicating a special rapport between the two. Gopalakrishnan remarked, “I have made few films, only 13, including ‘Padayaatra’. I don’t usually repeat actors in my films. Mammootty is the only exception – this is our fourth one. He’s an exception in every way.”

Gopalakrishnan added that Mammootty expressed interest in producing ‘Padayaatra’ as soon as he learned about it. “When he found out I was making a film, he said he’d like to produce it. I was very happy. He told me, ‘whatever you want, you ask me, it’ll be given’. He has a role that’s perfect for him. I cannot think of anyone else,” he stated, highlighting the mutual respect they share.

The filmmaker also reflected on how Mammootty’s attitude towards remuneration has changed as he evolved into a superstar. In their earlier collaborations, Gopalakrishnan mentioned that Mammootty was aware of the financial limitations tied to the projects.

Mammootty’s Financial Considerations

Gopalakrishnan explained that despite Mammootty’s rise to fame, he remained considerate of the budgetary constraints of the films. He stated, “Mammootty is not the same actor I worked with in the first film. At that time, he was a bigger star but never quoted a big price. He knew he’d be paid, but according to the budget only.”

The initial collaboration between the two was ‘Anantaram’ in 1987, followed by ‘Mathilukal’ in 1990 and ‘Vidheyan’ in 1994. These films have played pivotal roles in shaping Mammootty’s illustrious career, with ‘Mathilukal’ earning him his first National Award and ‘Vidheyan’ securing him his second Best Actor National Award.

The recently released trailer for ‘Padayaatra’, lasting one minute and fourteen seconds, portrays Mammootty as a doctor whose peaceful existence is disrupted by a suspected Maoist attack, leading him to face scrutiny from law enforcement. The trailer suggests a narrative centred around themes of power and suspicion, emphasizing the compromises characters may face in the face of changing circumstances.

‘Padayaatra’ appears to promise an intricate character study rather than a spectacle, where the rising tension stems from underlying doubts surrounding its protagonist. With the notable reunion of Gopalakrishnan and Mammootty after 32 years, the anticipation surrounding this collaboration warrants considerable attention from film enthusiasts.

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