Kerala superstar Mohanlal on Barroz, handling criticism, and NYE resolution

Dubai: "Criticism is inevitable," declares Mohanlal, Kerala's beloved actor, in a sagacious tone.

He says these words without a hint of arrogance.

"They have every right to criticise, and it doesn’t affect our creativity. Any film that I do is done from my perspective, with my thoughts. If someone doesn’t like it, we can’t do much about it. We feel bad when we do something earnestly and it’s just written off, but remember we live in the times of social media where anyone can comment and criticise,” he added in an exclusive interview with Gulf News in Dubai.

Perhaps, it is this grounded outlook that has kept him relevant and revered in an illustrious career spanning over 40 years and 350 films.

Ironically, before our conversation began, the movie’s publicity team on the ground gently reminded this journalist to focus on his career and films alone. Sticky topics such as the controversial Hema Committee report or if the actor's controversial take on the #MeToo movement where he dismissed it as a fad had altered were completely off the table - a clear indication that today’s discussion was about celebration, not controversy.

To be fair, 64-year-old Mohanal is invincible for most Malayalam movie-mad fans. He’s not just a consummate actor but an institution.

Whether it’s playing the dutiful son in Kireedam or the righteous brother in Bharatham or the cheeky lover in the comedy 'Chitram', Mohanal has always delivered heartbreaking emotional performances throughout his career.

The way he breaks down on the screen in a tragic scene are worth a masterclass in itself. But he doesn’t dwell on his blazing talent nor does he scrutinise it.

“Cinema is like life; you don’t always know where it’s taking you. My first film, Thiranottam (1975), was a black and white film, but it set me on a path that I never imagined. I don’t do post-mortem analyses of my career, but certain objects bring back memories."

He fondly recalls the camera used for his first shot in his acting career. While he doesn’t believe in analysing his career choices, it’s these inanimate objects that trigger tangible emotions in him.

"It’s not about nostalgia; it’s about connection. When I see that camera, I remember my younger self and the dreams we all had back then."

Today on December 25, actor and producer Mohanlal is stepping into a new role: director.

With his debut fantasy adventure film Barroz, out in the UAE cinemas now, he ventures into uncharted territory, embracing the challenges of crafting a 3D spectacle - an ambitious project from a region not typically associated with such grand cinematic experiments.

As many of you all know, Malayalam cinema prides itself in making films on a modest budget. Their focus is always on telling a strong story fueled by realistic performances. So what took him this long in his career to take the directing plunge?

"But there are no norms that an actor should direct a movie … It just happened. This is something new for an actor. A plot like this came our way, and the question arose: who will do it? Finally, I said I could possibly manage because I may not get a second chance to direct such a film. After 40 years, something like this is happening. It was never planned.”

For Mohanlal, it’s clear that Barroz is not just a film but a statement of ambition, a project that combines state-of-the-art technology with universal storytelling.

"We all heard ghost stories as kids, told by our grandparents or aunts," he recalls fondly. "This film has that charm and magic, like India’s answer to Casper."

But bringing this vision to life was no easy feat. He set aside four years of his life for this directorial project that he stars in.

"We brought in talent from Los Angeles, like Mark Lee for the background score, and technicians from Thailand for action sequences. The camera work was also top-notch. From our perspective, we achieved at least 90% of what we aimed for. Now, it’s up to the audience to watch and comment."

Barroz also marks a milestone for Malayalam cinema as it’s set to release in five languages simultaneously: Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada.

"Making a film is a meticulous process ... From songs and dialogues to subtitles, it required immense effort. But our confidence was our strength. We never gave up at any point."

Mohanlal’s ambitions with Barroz extend beyond regional success. He hopes his film will reach global audiences, especially in the age of OTT platforms where language barriers are breaking down.

"This film has that potential. It can easily be dubbed into Arabic, Japanese, or Chinese. It’s not bound by language. When audiences see it, they won’t identify it solely as an Indian film or me as a Malayali actor. It could pass as Portuguese or Spanish film. That’s the beauty of it."

He credits South Indian cinema for leading this shift, with films like Baahubali and RRR setting new standards.

"South India has become a significant hub in the film industry. Most films from the South are doing exceptionally well. But making an entertainer isn’t easy. Every aspect has to be good. Behind every successful movie, there’s magic, hard work and effort. Many may say that the song from RRR being featured on a global stage was luck, but behind that luck there was so much hard work and sweat," he reflects.

And what about criticism? Not surprisingly, Mohanlal embraces it as part of the journey.

"The world has changed. Social media now allows everyone, not just journalists, to comment. I’m not saying that’s bad, but criticism should be informed," he asserts.

"If someone says the 3D effects aren’t good enough, they should be able to explain why. Otherwise, it’s pointless."

He is quick to acknowledge that cinema today faces challenges beyond creative ones. Technology – especially AI for instance, has become both an ally and a disruptor.

"Even medicines have side effects," he says.

"It’s like fire—you can use it for prayers or as a bomb. AI and technology have always been around, even in our epics. How we use it will decide its impact."

Mohanlal’s legacy is deeply intertwined with his ability to stay ahead of the curve, often choosing roles and projects that challenge the status quo. From the groundbreaking Vanaprastham, which required him to immerse himself in the art of Kathakali, to his performance in Drishyam, where he redefined the thriller genre, he has continually evolved with the times.

"Vanaprastham wasn’t just a film for me. It was a spiritual journey. Kathakali is such a complex and demanding art form, and it taught me a great deal about discipline and storytelling."

His passion for storytelling extends to his role as a producer.

"We, people like Antony Perumbavoor and I, have worked tirelessly to bring stories to life. It’s not just about making a film; it’s about creating an experience. For Barroz, we took four years. If it were anyone else, they might have abandoned the project. But we believed in it and stuck to it till we saw this day."

For Mohanlal, Barroz is not just another film. It is a culmination of his four-decade-long journey, a bold experiment, and a testament to his enduring love for storytelling.

"Let’s hope Barroz achieves success. We’ve faced personal and professional challenges, but we’ve created a good film. Watch it," he urges with a warm smile.

And his parting advice and resolution for 2025?

"Life is beautiful. I don’t carry unnecessary sack of emotions and anxiety on my back. Watch Barroz and get rid of all that stress. My resolution for 2025 is that simple. Keep all that stress at bay."

Where can we watch the film in the UAE: 'Barroz' is playing in cinemas starting December 25.