Famous India ad maker Prakash Varma says 'lalettan' is a masterclass in effortless acting
Dubai: “You have to take risks in life, or you’ll never understand yourself,” says acclaimed ad filmmaker Prakash Varma, who made a spectacular acting debut at 52 as the deceptively benign but quietly menacing CI George in the Malayalam blockbuster Thudarum, starring Mohanlal.
Known for crafting iconic commercials with stars such as Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan, and Anushka Sharma, Varma steps in front of the camera for the first time—and lands a role that’s already being hailed as one of the most sinister villains in recent Malayalam cinema.
A kind-faced, cherubic cop with deeply twisted intentions, CI George is a masterclass in psychological manipulation, and Varma plays him with unnerving restraint. Thudarum, directed by Tharun Moorthy and co-written along with K. R. Sunil, isn’t just a successful debut—it’s a career-altering blockbuster that has thrust the debutant actor into the limelight.
In this exclusive interview, Varma reflects on taking the plunge, being directed for a change, the subtle genius of Mohanlal, and why improvisation was key to unlocking his performance.
You’ve spent years behind the camera. How did it feel facing the camera for the first time—especially opposite someone like Mohanlal?
It’s not easy to be in front of the camera after so many years behind it—especially when you're sharing screen space with a legend and a brilliant actor like Lalettan. The space and confidence he gave me were incredible. He has a way of saying things that really lift your confidence. And more than that, the way the character arc was written by Sunil and Tarun was absolutely brilliant. That foundation helped me. When you perform opposite someone with Lalettan’s aura, it gives the scene power. It would’ve been a completely different experience playing the same role opposite a junior actor. I thoroughly enjoyed the process. I love Tarun’s way of directing.
Your character CI George is quietly menacing. He’s not a typical villain—it’s more psychological warfare. Was that part of the appeal?
Absolutely. The character is written that way. When Tarun came to my office, he was very clear he wanted me for George. Sunil had shown him my picture, and he said, “I found my George.” I asked for more clarity, and Tarun gave one of the best narrations I’ve heard in recent times—three and a half hours of incredible detail. I spoke to my wife Sneha, and she said, “What a brilliant director.” So I took the leap. It was risky because George’s character was as important as Lalettan’s. But I believe you must take risks in life to understand yourself and stay focused. You’re walking a very thin line—either it works or it doesn’t.
Many fear taking creative gambles, especially later in life. What made you take this leap?
Exactly. Even in advertising, I’ve always looked for the unfamiliar. I get bored doing the same kind of emotion. So I search for things that are risky, where I don’t have references. This was a similar situation—just on a bigger scale. M Renjith is a brilliant producer, and then you have legends like Mohanlal, Shobhana, and Maniyanpilla Raju. But I love that kind of space. When an opportunity like that comes, I always press the button, no matter what.
You’ve directed stars like Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan. How did it feel being directed yourself?
It was quite interesting. Once I committed, I told Tarun, “Now I’m yours—just play with me.” Being a filmmaker for so long, I understand roles and boundaries. I never cross into someone else’s space—be it a costume designer, editor, or music director. I give my team the space to explore. So on set, I was just a tool. I told them, treat me like a prop, move me left or right. And Tarun is brilliant. He’s very content-driven and instinctive. The first night I had a heavy scene and he started changing lines right before the take. I understood quickly that he thrives on improvisation. That’s his process—and I adapted.
And Mohanlal? How was it acting alongside him for nearly 80 days?
He constantly distracted me before takes. Just before a heavy scene, he’d show me videos or talk about something random. At first, I was confused. But later I realised it was brilliant. It kept things organic and unplanned. I’ve never rehearsed too much with my actors either, so I relate. Now, I have a deeper appreciation for what actors go through. I think I’ve become a softer, better person because of this experience.
CI George is unlike the usual ‘loud’ villains. He’s charming, even helpful. Did you enjoy portraying that duality?
Yes, when I heard the narration, I thought, “What an interesting character.” It’s a mass film, but with strong emotional and story elements—very Malayalam in that sense. George is fun, sings, dances, and slowly shifts. That shift is crucial. It’s not in-your-face villainy—it’s subtle. And then he becomes a complete psycho. It gave me so much to do, especially for a debut. I could’ve easily stayed in my comfort zone. I’m glad I didn’t.
Your film has grossed over Rs2billion. Did you expect such massive box office success?
We expected a good film and hoped people would like it. But this is something else. I believe beyond talent and hard work, some divine blessings were at play. Some scenes just happened organically and changed the film. The reactions, the social media buzz—none of us expected it to be this big.
At a time when people are skipping theatres for OTT, do you think Thudarum restored faith in the big-screen experience?
Definitely. Even small-town theatres were full. The celebrations, the first-day madness, the screaming—it’s like the old days. Theatre owners were thrilled. I’ve seen videos of people celebrating in remote corners of Kerala. That’s something else.
With such a blockbuster debut, is there pressure about what comes next?
Thankfully, I’ve been in the industry for 27 years—so I don’t take pressure. I’ve had ups and downs. I only ask: Will I have fun? Will this challenge me? Then I jump in. It’s not about trying to top the last success. That’s for others to decide.
You observed Mohanlal up close for weeks. He’s known to be intuitive and effortless. Did that surprise you?
Absolutely. He doesn’t overthink. There’s no “process” he can explain. He just becomes the character. One moment he’s joking, the next he’s in the zone. It’s effortless. And it’s all inner discipline and years of training. But he never makes it seem like hard work.
After Thudarum released, were you being recognized more? Did life change?
Honestly, I barely stepped out. But one morning in Fort Kochi, I went for breakfast with my wife and son—and it was different. I couldn’t leave my house for two days after. Since then, calls have come in till 3am. I try to answer everyone. It’s overwhelming and beautiful.
Will we see more of you as an actor?
Yes. I came into this industry to tell stories. I’m working on writing a feature film right now. I’ll continue with advertising, which I still love. But this acting experience has changed me. You will see more of me on screen—provided I get the right vibe from the filmmaker.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox