I didn't expect Mammootty to cry in that scene, he was horrifying |Interview

There are some characters, the ones who hide a pile of secrets, unable to speak out; their inner burdens burning them from within, they continue to live a life of helpless concealment. 'Chachan' in 'Kaathal' directed by Jeo Baby is such a character which is portrayed by R.S. Panicker, former Assistant Registrar, University of Calicut.

It is interesting that they approached Panicker, who is 74, to play the role of 'Chachan', the father of the protagonist of the movie, Mathew Devassy, played by Mammootty. Panicker is also a member of the PAC Calicut Syndicate and currently present in the Chair for Gandhian Studies and Research at the University of Calicut. He shares his experience of working on 'Kaathal' with mathrbhumi.com

Professional background of Theatre drama

Since my school days, I've held a keen interest in acting in plays and have occasionally participated in amateur dramas. Even after retirement, I never stopped acting in plays. I continue to write and perform plays, especially for anniversaries of organizations such as the Pensioners Forum.

How I met Jeo Baby

I happened to meet Jeo Baby by chance. Actor and director Mustafa is my dear friend and neighbour whom I've known since he was young. We even acted together in a play once. Whenever we met, I used to always ask him about his new movies and commitments.

One day, Mustafa mentioned that some filmmakers would come to meet me. Later, Jeo Baby and the screenwriters, Adarsh and Paulson, arrived at my house along with Mustafa. They pitched the idea of me playing the role of Mammootty's father in an upcoming film produced by Mammootty's company. It would be an absolute pleasure for me to even get an opportunity to click a photo with Mammootty, so receiving a chance to act alongside him was truly a blessing. I left the decision of whether I would fit the role, up to them. They took my photo and said they would let me know later. After two days, they called and said, "Mammooka has accepted" and mentioned that the shoot would start on October 26, 2022.

The first scene was with Mammootty

In the film, I play the role of Mammootty's father. In my first scene, initially, it was mentioned that there would be some emotional scenes. Rest of the instructions were given by the director before the shot at the location, and I followed them accordingly. That was it.

As I walked back home, when the girl arrives and calls me "Devassy chetta", there's a subtle reaction from my character. No further dialogues at that moment. Upon seeing me, Mammootty sets aside the newspaper he was reading and gets up. This was my first scene.

Immediately after this scene, I approached Mammootty for feedback on my performance. He said "Let it continue like this." His words of encouragement boosted my confidence significantly. When I expressed my delight to Mammootty about the opportunity to act alongside him, his reply, stating that they also gained a valuable addition to the crew, held considerable meaning for me.

Devassy, a lonely father

Devassy is a very lonely person. He does’nt hold much of a relationship with his son. During dinner at home, all he has are small conversations with his daughter-in-law, his grand daughter is also out of place.

Certain scenes doesn't even require you to act. There was one scene with Jyothika that was really haunting that I was moved to the point of breaking down. Don't know how much of it will be in the film, but it wasn't acting; it was completely natural.

Hugging Mammootty, it was horrifying

There wasn't much preparation going into filming the scene in which I hug Mammootty. Instead of amazing me, it left me horrified. All I was briefed on was that it was an emotional scene. I had to call him "Mone," get close, and place my hand on his shoulder.

In that scene where Mammootty is crying, my face isn't in the camera frame. I was taken aback; I didn't expect Mammootty breaking into tears so intensely. It was quite haunting; it felt as if he transcended acting and was truly living that moment.

Sudhi is an exceptional actor

Sudhi Kozhikode who played the character of 'Thankan' is an exceptional actor. Thankan's face reflects his love for Mathew and his fondness for the shared memories. Thankan stands as a remarkable character, marking it a significant turning point in Sudhi's career.

A film that resonates with the modern era

"Kaathal" undoubtedly resonates with the modern era. The film mentions that homosexuality was considered a criminal offense in our country until 2018, despite its existence. The Supreme Court's 2018 decision to decriminalize it stands as a pivotal recognition for the LGBTQ+ community

However, societal acceptance of such individuals remains a challenge. This perspective urgently needs to evolve and I strongly believe that change is imminent. In this regard, I think "Kaathal" will serve as an inspiration to foster greater acceptance within the society.

The film tactfully and cleanly presented a potentially controversial topic. Mammootty, a significant and influential star, boldly undertook this role, taking a risk that challenges societal norms. He considers every character he portrays as a test for him, and he's open to more such roles if they arise.

Jeo Baby as a director

Can any other director, besides Jeo Baby, handle this topic with such ease? Does anyone else have the courage? Can it be done so cleanly? He addressed this theme masterfully, without any bedroom scenes or applause scenes. His movie 'The Great Indian Kitchen' is appreciated by my children and all my female friends. I anticipate that the film 'Kaathal' will attract more female viewers.

The backdrop of the film revolves around a by-election. Why choose by-election? Kaathal delves into the by-election within Mathew's life, symbolizing the choices that unfold in the life of the character.