Mohanlal's Quick Action Saved Karthika from Danger on Film Set
Veteran screenwriter Kaloor Dennis recently revealed a startling incident from the sets of the classic Malayalam film January Oru Orma. He described how superstar Mohanlal once saved actress Karthika's life during filming. The event occurred in Kodaikanal back in 1986.
Karthika's Brief but Brilliant Film Career
Karthika worked actively as an actress for only two years, yet she delivered numerous classics and blockbusters. She made her official debut in Oru Painkilikatha in 1984. Her career breakthrough came with Manicheppu Thurannappol in 1985.
The years 1986 and 1987 saw her at the peak of her powers. She starred in several celebrated films that left a lasting impression on audiences. Her performances in movies like Deshadanakkili Karayarilla, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, and Thalavattam earned widespread acclaim.
She also appeared in Tamil classics including Mani Ratnam's Nayakan and Fazil's Poovizhi Vasalile. Karthika frequently acted opposite Mohanlal, and their on-screen chemistry quickly made them fan favorites. Most of their collaborations achieved both commercial success and critical praise.
Despite her short career span, Karthika's impact remains strong. Audiences still remember her face clearly even after three decades. She left the film industry after marrying Dr. Sunil Kumar, with her last appearance in Aavanikunnile Kinnaripookkal in 1991.
The Fateful Day at Suicide Point
Kaloor Dennis, who wrote the screenplay for January Oru Orma, shared this intriguing story. He recalled traveling to Kodaikanal with director Joshiy two days before shooting began. Dennis needed to complete the script, having only a basic scene order at that time.
The first scene filmed featured Mohanlal and Karthika at the famous Suicide Point, also known as Green Valley viewpoint. In the scene, Mohanlal's character Raju, an unauthorized guide, takes Karthika's character Nimmi to see the location.
Raju explains how the spot got its name, mentioning a recent suicide by a college student. Nimmi responds with playful sarcasm. She jokes about the place being famous for love failures and says, "Well then, let me try jumping too!"
As Nimmi makes a mischievous move to jump, Raju suddenly grabs her wrist and pulls her back. The script called for this action, but Dennis observed something unsettling.
A Chilling Realization
When the director called "cut," the entire unit applauded the beautifully captured scene. However, Dennis felt a chill shoot down his spine. He couldn't join the celebration.
Dennis kept thinking about what might have happened if Mohanlal hadn't reacted quickly. He wondered if Karthika's foot had accidentally slipped during the take. The screenwriter questioned whether a massive tragedy could have occurred right then.
He noted that nobody else seemed to notice anything unusual, not even Karthika herself. Dennis admitted it might have been just his imagination, but the thought haunted him.
Legacy of a Classic Film
January Oru Orma released on January 25, 1987, and became a blockbuster hit. The film featured Suresh Gopi, MG Soman, and Jayabharathi in key roles. It further cemented the stardom of both Mohanlal and Karthika in Malayalam cinema.
Today, Karthika lives with her family in her hometown of Thiruvananthapuram. She remains away from the film industry but continues to be remembered for her memorable performances during her brief but impactful career.
This revelation from Kaloor Dennis adds another fascinating layer to the history of Malayalam cinema. It highlights the unexpected dangers that can occur during filmmaking and the quick thinking that sometimes prevents disasters.
