PremiumJai Ganesh star Unni Mukundan – ‘I endorse my films due to their content-wise quality’ | Exclusive
In an interview with OTTplay, Unni Mukundan discusses his preference for high-quality content and upcoming films.
Last Updated: 08.37 AM, Apr 12, 2024
Over the course of more than 13 years, the Malayali audience has consistently enjoyed young star Unni Mukundan's performances and endearing roles in a number of family entertainers. In the meantime, he is regarded as a forthright individual who has never shied away from expressing his opinions in a fearless manner.
In an interview with OTTplay, Unni discusses his preference for high-quality content and upcoming films.
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You were filming Bhaagamathie, a bilingual movie, when we last spoke. From there, how would you characterise your journey?
Life has been sufficiently nice. As far as my career goes, this is the best time in it; Jai Ganesh is my third production. These days, I work in distribution as well. There have been a few ups and downs, but I have managed to work on some good films, such as Malikappuram, which became a big hit and allowed me to reconnect with my fans and family here. I have a few films scheduled for this year, including Marco and Get Set Baby.
You have been the subject of conversation on numerous occasions. Do you view it favourably because it could allow your films to stay in the limelight for a while?
Yes, being in the spotlight all the time does help, especially given the dynamics of the industry I work in. However, I dislike being an opportunist because, in real life, I am a very honest person. I do not endorse my films because of XYZ reasons; rather, I do so because of the calibre of the narrative. I want my films to be discussed, mocked, and judged on their content. I most definitely avoid thinking about speculative ideas, and have always been upfront about it when, after a while, I can no longer stand it.
I am almost okay with most of these rumours now that I know I cannot completely shut them down. However, I have also decided not to alter who I am as a person in order to fit someone else's definition of being pleasant or likeable. I know for a fact that there are people who despise me, who support me without question, and who base their entire existence on unfounded rumours about me. However, the truth is that I did not come up with this; rather, I merely contributed to quality films and pure family entertainment. When people don't understand a person or the subject of a movie, things get ugly.
On social media, people frequently see you expressing your views and stance on various topics. Do you ever get emotionally exhausted from it?
It does wear me out mentally; I am not going to deny that, but I refrain from expressing my opinions on everything that occurs on social media constantly. Things that are related to me, either directly or indirectly, or usually have to do with my films, grab my attention. Things would occasionally get out of hand when I was simply unable to handle how statements were framed.
I have seen the worst. In my personal life, I have experienced difficulties that showed a bad light, but I have always chosen to remain silent in those situations. When these rumours started circulating about my films and something I vehemently disagreed with, I had to set the record straight. I am aware that people in Kerala are not accustomed to being vocal, but that will change in the near future. I am unable to alter the character I developed over the course of 20 to 25 years of life or the lessons I have learned from it. In the end, I do not believe it is worth changing for someone.
Lead actors rarely post as many updates from the sets of their films as you did for yours. Is constantly promoting the films before their release a deliberate choice?
I love movies, and I take great pleasure in it all. I actively promote my films, and Jai Ganesh is one of my favourite projects. Who will talk about it if not me? I have the moral right to discuss it, especially if I am involved. As far as my films are concerned, my words work better than anyone else's.
How confident are you as an actor with all these box office successes in the Malayalam industry this year?
Regarding the opportunities that the industry presents to all of us, I am confident. I tend to be generally optimistic at every point of my life. I am happy that 2024 is treating the industry well. This great time will also help my films that are coming out this year.