In a heartfelt revelation, actor Vinayakan has reignited discussions around the modern cult classic Malayalam film 'Kammatti Paadam', singling out co-star Dulquer Salmaan's performance as the pinnacle of his career. Vinayakan emotionally asserted that Salmaan's transformative role was award-worthy and arguably the hardest-working effort in the acclaimed Rajeev Ravi directorial.
Vinayakan's Emotional Tribute to Dulquer's Transformation
Speaking candidly in an interview with Club FM, Vinayakan delved into the making of the gritty film. He highlighted the stark contrast between Dulquer Salmaan's real-life persona and the character he portrayed. Vinayakan and Manikandan Achari were inherently familiar with the film's milieu, having lived through similar realities. Dulquer, however, hailed from a completely different background.
"Among everything I’ve seen, Dulquer’s best performance is in 'Kammatti Paadam,'" Vinayakan stated. He emphasized that Salmaan didn't just act but wholly surrendered to the character, immersing himself in a world foreign to him. Vinayakan firmly believes Dulquer was the one who should have won the major acting award that year, crediting him for working the hardest on the project.
Co-Star Shaun Romy's Unforgettable Acting Lesson
Vinayakan's sentiments find an echo in past comments from actress Shaun Romy, who played the female lead. In an earlier exclusive with ETimes, Romy shared a valuable acting tip she received from Dulquer Salmaan on set. She recalled him advising her to trace the character's journey before a scene begins.
Instead of switching on at the director's call, Dulquer suggested understanding what the character might have experienced just before the take. Romy described Salmaan as a natural and charming actor and adopted this method religiously in her subsequent work, calling it an unforgettable lesson.
The Legacy of a Modern Cult Classic
'Kammatti Paadam', featuring Dulquer Salmaan and Vinayakan in lead roles, is firmly entrenched as a modern cult classic in Mollywood. The film boasts a powerful ensemble cast including Manikandan Achari, Vinay Forrt, Anil Nedumangad, and Shine Tom Chacko. The screenplay was crafted by P. Balachandran with cinematography by Madhu Neelakandan.
The film's critical acclaim was formally recognized during the award season. It triumphed at the 47th Kerala State Film Awards, securing wins in several prestigious categories. The awards included Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Production Design, and Best Editing, cementing its place as a landmark cinematic achievement.
Vinayakan's recent reflections not only celebrate a peer's exceptional work but also reinforce the enduring impact of 'Kammatti Paadam'. They remind audiences of the dedication behind a performance that, in the eyes of his colleagues, defined a career and deserved the highest accolades.
