Janardhanan’s 80-year story...From fearsome Villain to Comedy icon | Interview

The dialogue “Adichuodikkada avande kaalu (break his leg)…” still delights movie lovers. Even today, when we see someone walking with a plastered leg, the image of Aashan limping with a broken leg comes to mind. Garvasees Aasan from Mannar Mathai Speaking, along with his unique walk and dialogues, remains unforgettable for audiences. The film marked a turning point for Janardhanan, who moved from villain roles to comedy with ease.

Born in Vaikom to Paravoor K Gopalapillai and Gauriyamma, Janardhanan turns 80 on May 5. “My birthday is on Tuesday. There won’t be any grand celebrations—just close friends, a few acquaintances, and family. We’ll enjoy some good food. According to the Malayalam calendar, my birthday falls on Thiruvathira in the month of Medam. I usually visit the temple that day and keep it vegetarian—habits I’ve followed since childhood,” he shared.

Janardhanan first faced the camera in Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s family planning documentary Prathisandhi. Though he got an opportunity in a Meriland production, he was dismissed as “arrogant.” Early in his career, he was even criticised for his voice. But he pushed through adversity, and cinema eventually embraced him.

He made his big-screen debut through P Kesavadev’s Adhyathe Katha. Starting with minor roles, he rose to become a powerful villain in the 1980s, filling the space alongside actors like KP Ummer, Govindan Kutty, and Jose Prakash. His roles in films like Chinavalayam, Ellam Ninakku Vendi, and Kathodu Kathoram made a strong impact. In Oru CBI Diary Kurippu, he broke the stereotypical villain mold.

Through director Rajasenan’s films, Janardhanan transitioned into comedy. Movies like Friends, Punjabi House, and Mannar Mathai Speaking brought him immense popularity. Even at 80, he continues acting, with recent films like Hridayapoorvam and Sarvam Maya.

Interestingly, he had once set out to join the Air Force, traveling to Bengaluru-Dharwad as an 18-year-old, but fate led him to cinema.

Talking about his journey: “Being able to stay in cinema this long is the biggest joy. Standing in front of the camera even at 80 is no small thing. I see it all as a bonus life has given me.”

Though he continues acting, he now prefers roles that are less physically demanding. He has even declined a few offers recently due to distant shooting locations. However, he finds it hard to refuse familiar directors and enjoys working with close colleagues, where acting doesn’t feel like a job.

He was invited by Sathyan Anthikad for Hridayapoorvam, where he shares screen space with Mohanlal. He also acted in Sarvam Maya, directed by Sathyan’s son Akhil. Another upcoming film is Adoor’s Padayatra starring Mammootty. “At this age, filmmakers understand what I can and cannot do,” he says.

On his shift from villain to comedy, Janardhanan explains that acting has always been his livelihood. “I never had the luxury of choosing roles—I went wherever I was called. During my early days, when Govindan Kutty and Jose Prakash dominated villain roles, I naturally became part of that line-up. I’ve even acted in as many as six assault scenes in a single day. Women used to be afraid of me back then.”

It was the directors who found his flair for comedy. Rajasenan and Siddique-Lal helped him transition. His role in Meleparambil Aanveedu and especially Garvasees Aasan in Mannar Mathai Speaking became iconic. Siddique even mentioned that the dialogues were written imagining Janardhanan’s voice.

In Friends, his character made people laugh. Even as comedy roles gained popularity, he continued doing villain roles like in Crime File, where his character’s true identity was revealed only in the climax.

Recalling his early days, he remembers his first dialogue: “Evide aarumille (Is there no one here)? ” in Adoor’s documentary. He also recalls missing out on a Meriland film after being labeled arrogant for casually stepping out to smoke during a screen test.

On avoiding interviews, he says, “There’s too much noise from YouTube channels now. They keep asking the same questions. Even if they don’t get bored, won’t we and the audience feel tired? Today’s trend is to twist and highlight one small part of what you say to make it viral. At this age, why should I go viral? I have a lot to say, but if I do, it might create problems. So it’s better to stay silent for now.”

The ‘Ponnappan–Thangappan’ Moment

“Endha peru (What’s your name)?”

“Ponnappan.”

“Etneddakku angane oru sadanam erangiyo (Oh, is that a new thing that came out)?”

“Ponnappan ennu paranjathu ende perannu, ethinde peralla (Ponnappan is my name, not this thing).”

“Nee Ponnappan allada...Thangappan (You’re not Ponnappan, you’re Thangappan… Thangappan!)”

“Thangappan alla, Ponnappan...driver Ponnappan (Not Thangappan, I’m Ponnappan—the driver Ponnappan!)”

This iconic comedy sequence was actually born out of a mistake. During the shoot of Mannar Mathai Speaking, Janardhanan accidentally called Indrans’ character Ponnappan as “Thangappan.” Indrans corrected him on the spot, and director Siddique quickly turned the slip into a comedic exchange. The dialogue became a massive hit, later celebrated widely by mimicry artists.