‘Kariyilakkattu Pole one of the most underrated films; younger generation continues to celebrate legacy of Padmarajan’: Mohanlal
Thiruvananthapuram: Veteran actor Mohanlal has said that films like Thoovanathumbikal are being celebrated with greater nostalgia by today’s generation than when they were first released, which he described as the reward that time has reserved for a genius like Padmarajan.
He was speaking at the Padmarajan Film and Literary Awards ceremony, where he also presented the awards.
“It fills me with pride to have had the opportunity to collaborate with a talent like Padmarajan,” said Mohanlal. “When I see characters like Clara and elements like rain being celebrated with such affection even by my own children, I realise the emotional connection his works continue to inspire. It is creations with such visionaries that have made Mammootty and me what we are today.”
Mohanlal further reflected on the strength he gained as an actor by being able to perform simultaneously in films directed by mainstream filmmakers like I. V. Sasi and more poetic storytellers like Padmarajan.
“All five roles that Padmarajan gave me were challenging in their own unique ways,” he said. “Kariyilakkattu Pole is arguably one of the most underrated films ever released in Malayalam cinema. The police officer role I played in it remains one of the finest in my career.”
Mohanlal also shared memories of first encountering Padmarajan’s voice through All India Radio, describing it as filled with imagination and wonder. “Just like anyone who grew up in Thiruvananthapuram, I was introduced to Padmarajan through the rich, imaginative voice I heard on Akashvani. Later, I watched films like Itha Ivide Vare and was left in awe. Never even in my dreams did I think I would one day act in one of his films. I feel blessed to be part of this event today, it is my tribute to the legend.”
Awards Presented
Mohanlal presented this year’s Padmarajan Film Award, instituted by the P. Padmarajan Trust, to Fasil Muhammed, director of Feminichi Fathima.
The Best Novel Award was conferred upon Hareesh S., while the Best Story Award went to P. S. Rafeeque.
The Air India Express Award for Best Debut Novelist was awarded to Aishwarya Kamala.
Film critic Vijayakrishnan presided over the function.
Radhalakshmi Padmarajan, T. K. Rajeev Kumar, G. R. Indugopan, S. Kumar, and several trust members also spoke on the occasion.