‘Mohanlal is a wonder; I was unsure about ‘only FaFa’ scene in Hridayapoorvam,’ says Sathyan Anthikad | Watch Trailer

Veteran filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad has described Mohanlal as “a wonder” and one of the most effortless performers in Indian cinema.

Recalling his long association with the actor, Anthikad said, “When you watch Mohanlal act, it feels as if acting is the easiest job in the world; that’s how effortlessly he does it. One of the luckiest things in my career was being able to direct him.”

His remark came while speaking to Mathrubhumi ahead of the release of his upcoming film Hridayapoorvam, whose trailer was launched on Tuesday. The slice-of-life drama stars Mohanlal in the lead, alongside Malavika Mohanan, Sangeeth Prathap, and Sangeetha.

“Mohanlal is a wonder, an actor you never get tired of watching or casting. His performances must be seen and experienced with one’s own eyes. I have often said that when you watch Mohanlal act, it feels as if acting is the easiest job in the world; that’s how effortlessly he does it. Even if he is joking and enjoying himself before the shoot, the moment the director says ‘action,’ he instantly transforms into the character. The magic of his performance can be seen on screen. I have said this before; one of the luckiest things in my career was being able to direct Mohanlal,” recalled Sathyan Anthikad.

The trailer, running close to two minutes, teases a man caught in a complex personal crisis while trying to make sense of the world around him. Without giving away much of the story, it hints at a family entertainer rooted in Anthikad’s trademark style.

Sathyan Anthikad also recalled a light-hearted moment from the film’s teaser that features a reference to Fahadh Faasil. The teaser opens with a brief exchange between Mohanlal’s character and a young college student, who says he is a fan of Malayalam cinema and particularly admires Fahadh. Citing Kumbalangi Nights and Aavesham, the student declares Faasil as his favourite. Mohanlal’s character responds by reminding him that the industry also has senior actors worth appreciating, but the student insists, “No, no, only FaFa.”

Speaking about this, veteran director said, “I was unsure about including a line like that, having a character say ‘only FaFa’ in front of a senior actor,” Anthikad admitted. “But Lal enjoyed it. When I showed him the teaser, he laughed and said, ‘This is it.’ He had no issues at all. Fahadh is a great actor, and even he is a fan of Mohanlal.”

The film also features Siddique, Lalu Alex, Nishan, Janardanan, and Baburaj in supporting roles. Written by Akhil Sathyan with screenplay and dialogues by Sonu TP, the movie has cinematography by Anu Moothedath and music by Justin Prabhakaran.

Produced by Antony Perumbavoor under the Aashirvad Cinemas banner, Hridayapoorvam marks yet another collaboration between Mohanlal and Sathyan Anthikad, a duo that has delivered several evergreen Malayalam hits in the past. The film is slated for a grand Onam release on August 28.