Veteran actor Mohanlal and director Priyadarshan share a strong bond of friendship both on and off the screen. Their collaborations have resulted in several blockbuster hits, with Priyadarshan playing a key role in shaping Mohanlal’s career.

Since they are close friends, they often indulge in playful pranks and humorous moments on film sets. Director Alleppey Ashraf recently recalled one such amusing incident through his YouTube segment Alleppey Ashraf Kandathum Kettathum.

“During the filming of ‘Kadathanadan Ambadi,’ a funny incident happened in the set involving Mohanlal. After wrapping up a shoot at Udaya Studio, the cast and crew, including artists and technicians, were staying at a hotel in Alappuzha. One evening, after finishing work, Mohanlal and Priyadarshan, along with others, had a drink together. While preparing to leave for the hotel, an inebriated Mohanlal suddenly expressed a peculiar desire—he wanted to travel in the trunk of Priyadarshan’s car,” Ashraf said.

“Priyadarshan strongly opposed the idea and insisted that Mohanlal sit inside the car. However, a stubborn Mohanlal refused, insisting he would only go if he could lie down inside the trunk. Since Priyadarshan was also slightly intoxicated, he eventually agreed. Mohanlal curled up inside, and Priyadarshan shut the trunk before driving to the hotel,” he added.

“Upon reaching the hotel, Priyadarshan called the security guard and told him there was an item in the trunk that needed to be taken out. When the guard opened it, he was startled to see Mohanlal’s head suddenly pop out. Shocked and terrified, the guard screamed at the sight of Mohanlal in the trunk and burst into tears,” Ashraf said.

‘Kadathanadan Ambadi,’ directed by Priyadarshan, starred Mohanlal in the lead role. The late actor Cochin Haneefa wrote the story, which was intended as a sequel to the 1964 film ‘Thacholi Othenan.’ The film also featured Prem Nazir, Swapna and Raadhu.