Playing MT's characters helped me more as an actor than practicing in front of a mirror: Mammootty

MT Vasudevan Nair is hailed as an irreplaceable figure in Malayalam literature, captivating readers through his novels and short stories. His literary prowess has earned him acclaim not only as a writer but also as a screenwriter and director, with the ‘Jnanpith Award’ recognizing his contributions to Indian literature.

Actor Mammootty, who has portrayed numerous memorable characters created by MT, expressed his admiration for the writer. In a recent conversation with ‘Star and Style’ magazine, Mammootty shared that he considers MT to be a great influence in his life, stating, “I am a fervent admirer of MT and see him as a great mentor.”

Mammootty revealed that the character Chandu (from Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha) had a profound impact on his speaking style for many years. He remarked, “If MT were to request a film, I would have no conditions—only an unconditional acceptance.” He emphasised the importance of MT’s novels and stories in shaping his acting skills, claiming he learned more from them than from practising in front of a mirror before entering the film industry.

The actor reflected on how characters from MT’s works influenced his dialogues and performance style, particularly noting that his struggles in life helped him portray characters like Chandu. He acknowledged that even though he had not formally trained in martial arts, the essence of such disciplines permeated his performances.

Mammootty also mentioned that he absorbed the nuances of acting by observing various movements and interactions, saying, “Understanding the rhythm and rules of martial arts helped me incorporate them into my acting.” He added that there was martial arts training on the sets of ‘Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha’; there were stunt masters and others to enhance the visual quality of performances.

MT Vasudevan Nair’s legacy continues to inspire actors like Mammootty, cementing his status as a pillar of Malayalam literature and cinema. (With inputs from Agencies)