‘You only make films with Mohanlal, don’t you? ‘: Kamal reveals how Mammootty’s joke led to ‘Mazhayethum Munpe’ |

‘You only make films with Mohanlal, don’t you_ ‘_ Kamal reveals how Mammootty’s joke led to ‘Mazhaye.

Director Kamal has revealed how a light-hearted exchange with Mammootty eventually led to the making of the 1995 Malayalam film ‘Mazhayethum Munpe’. The filmmaker recalled that the actor would jokingly ask why he kept choosing Mohanlal for his movies instead of approaching him. Their long-awaited collaboration finally took shape when producer Madhavan Nair suggested a project and screenwriter Sreenivasan came on board.

Kamal recalls Mammootty’s playful complaint

In an interview with Ahalia FM, Kamal spoke about his unsuccessful attempts to make a film with Mammootty. Producer Madhavan Nair had previously expressed interest in bringing the actor and director together. However, their plans repeatedly fell apart for different reasons.

Kamal speaks about his bond with Mammootty

Kamal emphasised that his relationship with Mammootty went back to before he entered the film industry. He described their personal bond as close and said the actor’s remarks about working with Mohanlal were usually playful.Recalling their conversations, Kamal quoted Mammootty as saying, “You only make films with Mohanlal, don’t you? You never call me.” The actor would also ask Kamal to think of a suitable story so they could collaborate. Although those discussions did not immediately lead to a film, the eventual project became ‘Mazhayethum Munpe’.

Earlier attempts to work together did not succeed

Kamal revealed that his first planned film was supposed to feature Mammootty. That project did not happen, and subsequent efforts also failed to progress. He later received an offer to direct ‘Mizhineerppoovukal’, which led him to work with Mohanlal instead.The director subsequently made several films with Mohanlal and also collaborated with Jayaram. Despite these projects, his association with Mammootty remained unrealised for years.Sreenivasan’s involvement led to ‘Mazhayethum Munpe’The opportunity finally arrived when producer Madhavan Nair raised the possibility of a film with Mammootty. Sreenivasan, who was set to write the screenplay, also encouraged Kamal to proceed with the project.However, Mammootty had a practical question about the writer’s ability to meet deadlines. Kamal recalled the actor asking, “Is it Sreeni? Will he deliver the script on time?” The conversation eventually led to ‘Mazhayethum Munpe’, which was released in 1995. The film featured Mammootty alongside Shobana, Annie and Sreenivasan.

Mammootty and Adoor Gopalakrishnan reunite for ‘Padayaatra’

Mammootty is now set to reunite with filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan for the Malayalam film ‘Padayaatra’. The movie is scheduled to arrive in theatres on December 4, 2026. The makers announced the release date through a social media post featuring a new poster.The project marks the actor and director’s first collaboration in 32 years. ‘Padayaatra’ centres on a doctor who attempts to lead an ethical life, both in his profession and as an individual.