Veteran actor Mohanlal recently revealed that acclaimed director Sibi Malayil once gave him just two out of a hundred marks during his first audition. The revelation came during the 40th anniversary celebration of Sibi Malayil’s debut film Mutharamkunnu P.O., where both icons reminisced about their long-standing association in Malayalam cinema.

“I have known Sibi Malayil for over 45 years,” Mohanlal said. “During my very first audition, Sibi was part of the panel. Later, I came to know that he was the one who gave me the lowest marks—just two out of 100. But that number two later turned out to be a big reason. I went on to win two National Awards through his films”, Mohanlal said.

Reflecting on their collaboration, Mohanlal mentioned that he has worked with Sibi Malayil on around thirteen films over his 47-year-long career. Sibi has given Mohanlal some of the most meaningful roles in his career, ones he remains proud of. He credited the director with giving him some of his most memorable roles. “The characters in Sibi’s films always carry a certain brilliance,” he added.

He cited His Highness Abdullah, Bharatham, and Kamaladalam as examples of films that redefined the role of music in Malayalam cinema. “We were making His Highness Abdullah when Malayalam film songs were losing their prominence. These films brought that magic back.”

Speaking about Kamaladalam, in which he played a dance teacher, Mohanlal shared that he initially doubted his ability to take on the role. “I kept asking Sibi how I would manage the role. I told him I could only do what I was told. He just said, ‘Lal, you can do this.’”

Mohanlal even tried to get out of the film by citing his beard, which he had grown for another film, Rajashilpi. “I told Sibi that I couldn’t shave. He replied, saying he needed a dance teacher with a beard—he had seen such people where he came from.”

Mohanlal also spoke about Devadoothan, another film by Sibi Malayil. “He made Devadoothan at a time when nobody else would’ve dared to.”

Responding to Mohanlal’s recollection, Sibi Malayil admitted that he once thought the actor wasn’t cut out for cinema. “I gave him two marks, hoping to get him out”, he said. “But life gave me the chance to direct the most important films of his career. I now consider that my destiny,” he said.