The friendship between filmmaker Priyadarshan and superstar Mohanlal has given Malayalam cinema several iconic films over the decades. However, beyond their successful collaborations, there was a difficult phase in Priyadarshan's life when Mohanlal stood firmly beside him and helped him rediscover his confidence. Here is a look back at the emotional chapter that changed the filmmaker's journey.
Priyadarshan's Difficult Phase After His Divorce
A few years ago, Priyadarshan opened up about the emotional breakdown he experienced following his separation from actress Lissy. The filmmaker admitted that the personal setback deeply affected him and even pushed him away from cinema for a while. He revealed that he had begun doubting himself and believed he had lost the ability to make films altogether. It was during this emotionally exhausting period that Mohanlal stepped in as a pillar of support.
Mohanlal Encouraged Priyadarshan to Return to Filmmaking
According to Priyadarshan, Mohanlal refused to let him give up. Instead of asking him to make another familiar comedy, the actor motivated him to attempt something entirely different. Recalling their conversation, Priyadarshan shared with Deccan Chronicle, 'He (Mohanlal) told me I had to get back to work, and not with another comedy. Mohanlal and I have done nearly 40 films together, many of them comedies. I could have easily done another comedy with him. But he insisted we do something we haven't done before.' The conversation eventually led to the making of the thriller 'Oppam', which marked a major comeback for the filmmaker.
'Oppam' Became a Turning Point in His Career
Released in 2016, 'Oppam' went on to become both a commercial and critical success. The film showcased Mohanlal in a refreshing role and reminded audiences of the magic the actor-director duo could create together. For Priyadarshan, however, the film meant much more than box office numbers. It restored his self-belief during one of the darkest periods of his life.
Mohanlal and Priyadarshan's Friendship That Goes Beyond Cinema
Over the years, Priyadarshan and Mohanlal have collaborated on several memorable films, creating one of Malayalam cinema's most successful actor-director partnerships. But stories like these reveal that their bond extends far beyond professional success. At a time when Priyadarshan felt completely broken, it was Mohanlal's faith in him that helped him return to the director's chair with renewed strength.
Mohanlal Recently Returned with 'Patriot'
On the professional front, Mohanlal was recently seen in 'Patriot', a Malayalam spy thriller directed by Mahesh Narayanan. The film reunited Mohanlal with Mammootty in a much-talked-about collaboration. The story revolves around a surveillance conspiracy involving spyware, with Mammootty portraying a whistleblower attempting to expose the operation from London. While 'Patriot' received mixed reactions for its familiar narrative style, the performances of the lead actors earned appreciation from audiences and critics alike.
