Latest news with #ThenmavinKombath
New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Binu Pappu Interview: There's no full stop while talking about Mohanlal
One of the most memorable scenes in Priyadarshan's Thenmavin Kombath (1994) features a completely sloshed Kuthiravattam Pappu engaging in a hilarious banter with Mohanlal while on a bullock cart. Pappu's hilarious drunkard act, coupled with Mohanlal's frustration, makes it an iconic scene that continues to trend in the Malayalam meme world. Call it a beautiful twist of fate, Thudarum, released 31 years later, also has a similar sequence where Mohanlal is still in the driver's seat, subject to a volley of abuse and harassment from a drunkard. The passenger this time is Pappu's son, Binu. Hurling abuses at a man you admire from childhood, even if you know it's part of a performance, isn't easy. But Binu credits Mohanlal for making it easier for him. "While shooting the car sequence, Tharun (Moorthy) and I used to joke how things haven't changed for Lalettan even after all these years from Thenmavin Kombath. Lalettan was such a sport and always tried to make me comfortable. It's not because I'm Kuthiravattam Pappu's son; he would do that for any actor. That's his legacy." Binu Pappu, who left his animation career for cinema, earned his place in the industry by assisting some major filmmakers while also playing brief but noteworthy characters. After a decade of being part of many important films, Thudarum and SI Benny Kurian have finally made him a household name among Malayalis. This success tastes extra special for Binu, who takes on the dual role of an actor and co-director in it. In this freewheeling chat, we discuss his involvement with the film, from planning to execution, and his experience playing Benny—his strongest character to date. Excerpts
Hindustan Times
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Thudarum director Tharun Moorthy reveals why Jyotika turned down Mohanlal's film: ‘She was excited but…'
Mohanlal is all set to entertain audiences with his upcoming, highly anticipated film Thudarum. The actor is set to share the screen with Shobana in the film. However, the film's director, Tharun Moorthy, revealed in a recent interview with Red FM that before casting Shobana, he had pitched the film to Jyotika, but she couldn't come on board. (Also Read: Interview | Mohanlal says even if superstar culture ends in Indian cinema, 'there will always be great actors') Tharun recalled that although Shobana was always their first choice for the film, they were unsure how to contact her. So, before approaching her, they considered a fresh pairing with Jyotika. He said, "When I told (scriptwriter) Sunil that there was no better option than Shobana madam, he asked me how we would contact her. Then we thought of a new pairing for Mohanlal and considered Jyotika." He further recalled narrating the script to the actor and added, "She was very excited. But at the time we planned the shoot, Jyotika and Suriya had scheduled a world tour. So then we called Shobana madam." For the unversed, Shobana and Mohanlal are one of the most beloved pairs in Malayalam cinema. The actors have reunited on screen after 20 years. They have featured opposite each other in several films, including Avidathepole Ivideyum, Thenmavin Kombath, Minnaram, Pavithram, and Mambazhakkalam, among others. Thudarum is an action-comedy drama film starring Mohanlal and Shobana in the lead roles, alongside Farhaan Faasil, Maniyanpilla Raju, Binu Pappu, Irshad Ali, and Aarsha Chandini Baiju in supporting roles. The film's storyline is written by K.R. Sunil, with music composed by Jakes Bejoy. It is jointly produced by Mohanlal's production house, Aashirvad Cinemas, and Rejaputhra Release. The film is scheduled to release in cinemas on April 25. Following the success of Dabba Cartel, Jyotika will next be seen in Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari's yet-untitled courtroom drama, which also stars Sonakshi Sinha. Produced by Excel Entertainment and Baweja Studios, the film will premiere on Amazon Prime Video.
