In a heartfelt recollection, director Lal Jose shared his admiration for the late actor Kalabhavan Mani, who mesmerized him with his extraordinary skills during the shooting of the 1996 film Kireedamillatha Rajakkanmar. Other than Mani, the movie directed by Ansar Kalabhavan featured an ensemble cast including Jagadish, Prem Kumar, Innocent, Annie and Jagathy Sreekumar.

Lal Jose, who was part of the film's crew, spoke about Mani on his YouTube channel. Highlighting Mani’s multifaceted talent, Lal Jose revealed how the actor impressed him not only with his mimicry of people but also his uncanny ability to imitate animals.

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"Mani was a remarkably gifted individual," Lal Jose remarked. "During the shooting, he amazed me with his imitations—not just of people but also animals. He could mimic an elephant walking or standing still, and he even imitated a hen with great precision!"

Lal Jose recounted how Mani had high hopes pinned on the film Sallapam for which he had finished shooting just before joining the sets of Ansar Kalabhavan’s movie. Despite their close bond during the production, Mani initially hesitated to discuss his role with Lal Jose. "At first, when I asked him about his character in Sallapam, he said he wasn't supposed to disclose it. But eventually, he confided in me that he played a toddy tapper. He even described scenes involving Manju Warrier, a new actress at the time, where he would sing from atop a palm tree while she went about her daily routine."

The director fondly remembered the camaraderie they shared on set, stating that those days remain vivid in his memory. He also emphasized how Mani’s energy and enthusiasm enriched the film’s atmosphere. 

The friendship between Lal Jose and Kalabhavan Mani endured as they continued to collaborate on several other projects.

Kalabhavan Mani is revered as one of the finest talents ever to grace the Malayalam film industry. (With inputs from Agencies)