Actor-director Basil Joseph is on a roll. Apart from being one of the most sought-after directors in the country—thanks to the mind-blowing Minnal Murali, released in 2021—he has also caught everyone's attention as one of the top-billed actors in Malayalam cinema, with back-to-back hits to his credit.

Now, in a moment of deep reflection, he opens up in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, sharing insights into his dual journey as both an actor and a director.

“Maybe, the frustration I feel today has come from the exhaustion of having acted in too many movies in too short a span. I want to get back to directing as soon as I can. If it takes any longer, I’ll forget to introduce myself as a filmmaker,” Basil told THRI.

I am a director ‘First’

Basil Joseph firmly identifies himself first and foremost as a filmmaker. Despite having acted in over 40 films, he feels most defined by the three movies he directed—Kunjiramayanam (2015), Godha (2017), and Minnal Murali (2021). However, by his own admission, Basil is currently going through a period of creative frustration, stemming from a four-year gap since he last directed a film. Although he came close to directing two projects recently, both were shelved due to factors beyond his control. This prolonged gap has apparently left him feeling creatively stifled.

In the interview, the dynamic film personality revealed that he has consciously slowed down, choosing not to sign any new roles since October. According to him, directing an ambitious film—one that requires a big star, substantial funding, and intense preparation—demands his full focus. Unlike acting, which leaves him dependent on others, direction offers him complete creative control—something he deeply misses.

For Basil, directing is not just a profession but a transformative experience. He longs for the obsessive passion and deep immersion that come with it—a sense of surrender where time and place blur in the pursuit of a story – the interview served as a walk into his mind.

Although he enjoys acting and has learned much from it, he notes that the level of engagement and intellectual stimulation he finds in direction is unmatched.

However, whether it be the actor Basil or the director Basil, the audience's love for this multifaceted film persona remains strong—and is bound to grow and flourish with his future creative endeavors.