‘I didn’t do films with him as I was upset, but he never knew’: Sathyan Anthikad reflects on 12-year rift with Mohanlal

As their latest film Hridayapoorvam wins hearts in theatres, veteran Malayalam filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad has opened up about his decades-long friendship with actor Mohanlal—and a silent rift that kept them apart for years.

“I was upset with Mohanlal. That’s why I didn’t do films with him for a long time. But he didn’t even know,” Sathyan revealed.

The director recalled feeling disappointed in 1995 when Mohanlal was not available for a project he deeply wanted to cast him in. “It wasn’t anger—just a quiet resentment. I couldn’t get Lal when I needed him most. That’s all,” he said.

The two did not collaborate for nearly 12 years until ‘Rasathanthram’ brought them back together. “But when we started working again, it felt like Lal had just left my set yesterday. That’s the kind of comfort he brings,” Sathyan added.

Reflecting on their bond, he said, “Mohanlal is a friend you never want to distance yourself from. He’s someone we admire and love deeply. For me, there’s no difference between Lal on screen and Lal off screen. We’re fellow travellers on the same path.”