Hridayapoorvam is Sathyan Anthikad’s Onam gift to me after 25 years, says Lalu Alex
Actor Lalu Alex is overjoyed as Hridayapoorvam continues to win the hearts of audiences. In the Sathyan Anthikad–Mohanlal collaboration, he plays the role of Pune Jacob. After memorable characters such as Commissioner Mathew in ‘Kalikkalam’, Dr Ravindranath in ‘Irattakuttikalude Achan’, SI Mathew Varghese in ‘Oraal Mathram’ and Ashok in ‘Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal’, ‘Hridayapoorvam’ marks yet another Sathyan Anthikad project for Lalu Alex. The actor shared his excitement about receiving ‘Hridayapoorvam’ as a special Onam gift.
“This year’s Onam feels extra joyful. Hridayapoorvam and my character Pune Jacob have been warmly embraced by the audience. Having the film celebrated during the festival has brought me immense happiness. I hold this film close to my heart for many reasons. After ‘Bro Daddy’, this is my reunion with Mohanlal on screen. Acting alongside Lalettan always carries its own joy. There’s a comfort in working together—we share affection, recall old times and can casually call each other ‘eda’. Isn’t that a beautiful thing?” he said.
“Working with a genius like Sathyan Anthikad again is another reason for double happiness. The last time we collaborated was 25 years ago in ‘Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal’. Who can forget my role as Ashok in that film? I also acted as Manuel in Anoop Sathyan’s ‘Varane Avashyamund’. Now, after so many years, to act again in a Sathyan Anthikad film is a delight for both of us,” the actor added.
“It was producer Antony who first called me, and soon after, Sathyan himself. When Sathyan Anthikad calls, I don’t even need to ask about the role. I can step in with confidence, because every character he has entrusted to me in the past has been memorable and deeply loved by audiences. I was sure Pune Jacob would be received in the same way. Sathyan is a ‘cool cat’. To borrow a line from Pune Jacob, working on Sathyan’s set is never stressful. Everything unfolded in a very ‘organic’ way,” he quipped.
“The film addresses a theme that is very relevant today. It encourages organ donation, showing how the death of one person can give another a chance to live. Isn’t that a profound message? The film directs us towards goodness, and that is its strength. I’m grateful that this Onam arrived hand in hand with a Sathyan Anthikad–Mohanlal film,” Lalu Alex observed.
“I have nothing but gratitude for my Malayali audience, who have supported me for more than four and a half decades. This Onam belongs to all of us. In my family, there’s a tradition, followed since my mother’s time, that everyone eats vegetarian on Thiruvonam day. We have the grand sadya, and of all the dishes, I love payasam the most. Every Onam has gifted me with beautiful memories, and once again, I feel blessed to celebrate another. I pray for many more Onams to come. On a personal note, I wish to live simply and organically, just like Pune Jacob. That is how I view life—simple and unpretentious,” he concluded.