I do all my films happily, and I enjoy every moment of it.
— Mohanlal
Once the director calls for action, we act; we stop when he says 'Cut.' It is sort of like meditation - unknowingly, you are moving out of yourself, becoming someone else. That is why I consider acting a form of meditation.
All my films can't be like 'Narasimham.'
I was into movies before my graduation results got out. In fact, I was on location of a movie when they came.
I have learned to take things as they come.
Every actor or director has their ups and downs.
Films are not meant to be watched only by fans but by everyone. Fans are those who like what we do. When we do things that only they like, then we are becoming their fans.
Be it cinema or TV, I have always been interested in taking up challenging projects.
People want to see other's secrets and get a peek into their lives.
It's a great honour for me to be a part of a Kamal Haasan film.
It's not enough that you act in a movie - if it has to work, the audience should like it.
You feel hurt when you hear things which you are supposed to have said, which you wouldn't even have given a thought to.
Being an actor doesn't mean that I can't react to what's happening around me.
There was a time when not many people had access to Malayalam films. So those who did have access went on to copy the films, add a few bits, and present it like it was their own.
I liked the concept of 'Lucifer.'
Cinema is an art form, a result of dedication of a number of people.
Kunjali Marakkar is one of the first naval commanders of Kerala. He was an expert at his craft.
For me, every film is an interesting experience.
Life is a collage of events, really.
India has a law. The political parties or the religious heads have no right to control that law.
Destiny plays a very important role in my life.
If my co-stars perform better, I perform better.
Friendship is accepting a person with all their qualities - good and bad.
People know I am not blind or have super strength, yet they believed in my characters in 'Oppam' and 'Pulimurugan.' It's that belief of the audience that is also my greatest strength. Once that is gone, I might have to shut up shop and look for another job.
The entertainment industry is humungous, and people have so many choices right now - they can watch web series, movies, stand-up comedies, and plays.
I believe that football can inspire youngsters to find the path of success in life.
I studied, gained friends, became a father, faced the clipboard unexpectedly for the first time, earned some beautiful moments with family and buddies in Thiruvananthapuram.
The thing about movies is that till it goes on floors, it's just preparations for the film.
It's my right to write on what I feel about certain incidents, and it's your choice whether to read it or not.
When I was in school, I used to go to the Pangode army camp, a stone's throw away from where I was staying in Mudavanmugal in Poojapura, just to watch the army parade.
We tend to have so many more close shots, which compels an artist to actually put in more effort than it is required otherwise. So, it is the expressions on the face, and how an actor presents his or her character, that really makes a scene. In such ways, Mollywood is a fabulous training ground for actors and actresses from other industries.
I know it's a craze in Bollywood to have six-pack abs, but here, it's not the abs or the biceps that make us feel or look macho. Down south, the moustache still works for us!
Just like films, food is also a passion for me.
There is no big problem in the Malayalam industry. You shouldn't think of the #MeToo as a movement, actually. It is a fad, and it is turning into something of a fashion. Anything like that will have a lifespan for a bit.
I have seen 'A Wednesday,' and it is a wonderful film.
Sometimes, you fall into a ditch without knowing it is there, without seeing it, but you try to come out of it. If you fall again, you will jump out again.
Morality depends on individual freedom, and it requires some sense to know where to draw the line.
I work, or spend much of my time with the same friends who were with me right from my first movie.
In the Indian system of filmmaking, you don't plan well in advance, stick to a storyboard, or deliver only the scripted lines.
If you ask me whether I can direct, I can. In fact, I have shot several songs, scenes and stunts. When certain directors of my movies were not able to be there for some reason and had asked me to help out, I have directed. But to helm an entire movie is a different art altogether.
I love to take some holidays. In fact, I am a guy who wants to take a break for at least 10 days after each movie.
TV has the most reach among the audience. Movies are watched only by those who like cinema.
Cinema has given me everything in life, and I will continue acting till the end.
Many talented actors have come into this industry and, in spite of their best efforts, haven't been able to win over the audience.
I have a shot a lot of movies in Dubai.
I have been writing my blog for several years. Whenever I have written about pertinent subjects, no one has supported them. For instance, the stray dog menace. I cycle in the morning every day, and I am still scared of stray dog attacks.
In developed countries, strong rules are in place to restrict sound pollution and curb its deadly effects. As law-abiding citizens with social responsibility, we should all come together against this unhealthy trend.
'Oppam' is more of a director's movie, especially because I play a visually-challenged hero in it. The character doesn't have a perspective, and so cameras aren't placed like how they are usually done in other movies. The angles and the way the scenes are captured are different.
All my success belongs to those who have contributed in my pursuit of art, ranging from writers and directors to makeup artists, lighting crew, etc.
I own a couple of restaurants in places like Dubai and Sharjah.
