Mohanlal on Dulquer Salmaan, Pranav comparison: 'One is more open and doing well, while the other is...'

Mohanlal and Mammootty have been ruling Malayalam cinema and the hearts of Malayalis for more than four decades now. The two Big Ms of Mollywood, who both started their careers almost at the same time, has also had similar career trajectories. But are they driven by a desire to get the better of the other. In a recent interview for Galatta Plus Tamil, veteran actress Suhasini Maniratnam poses this question to Mohanlal. The Malayalam superstar also spoke about the comparisons between Pranav Mohanlal and Dulquer Salmaan and their varied perspectives on movies.

Mohanlal about Pranav and Dulquer Salmaan

In a candid chat in Tamil, Suhasini asked Mohanlal about the two star kids - Pranav Mohanlal and Dulquer Salmaan.

“I don’t even know how these two came into the industry. He (DQ) was studying MBA in the US, and my son was studying in Australia. They never intended to come into films,” the Barroz director said. While drawing parallels with his own life, Mohanlal said that even he doesn’t know how he ended up in films. “Pranav was reluctant to do the film. I said ‘you try’ and my wife also said give it a try and if you are comfortable, continue,” the actor recalled.

Pranav then came up with his own set of dos-and-don'ts for foraying into films, including working on only a limited number of films that he feels like committing to and a complete no-no for doing interviews or attending other functions.

Mohanlal said that Dulquer, on the other hand, is more open because he wants to do good films. “And he is doing well. Both of them are like my sons to me. Even for Mammootty, both are like his children."

Mohanlal on competing with Mammootty

During the conversation, Suhasini asked Mohanlal if there ever was a competition between the two big actors in Malayalam. While pointing out that she has acted with both of them, Suhasini urged Mohanlal to give her an honest answer.

Mohanlal replies with 'What kind of Potti (competition)'. Suhasini further asks when both their films release at the same time, and Mohanlal points out that there are several fan clubs back in Kerala. "Even then, it is not potti. It is their reaction. Between us what kind of potti," he remarked.

Mohanlal further says that the kind of roles Mammootty does is different from the ones he does. "But we do films together. However, it is difficult to do films with both of us because it is difficult to get such a subject. Oru potti kum chance illai (There is no chance for a contest)," he said.

Suhasini further prods the Malayalam superstar if both of them were like that or if anyone of them holds a more competitive spirit than the other.

Mohanlal brushes off that question with 'I don't have, neither does he'. And goes on to say that they have known each other for so many years, over 40-45 years.

Also read: Mammootty on Mohanlal’s Barroz: ‘I’m confident the film has benefitted from his experience'

Mohanlal-Mammootty friendship

Suhasini, who has won two Kerala state awards, then asked Mohanlal about his friendship with Mammootty.

Mohanlal replies that if you do like 50 films, then definitely there would be friendship. Not just them, their families have also bonded well. When Mohanlal said that they never got a chance to compete, Suhasini quips that she will take the first ticket and be in the gallery to watch it if such an occasion ever arises.

Meanwhile, Mammootty and Mohanlal will be seen in an upcoming film, directed by Mahesh Narayanan.

Also read: Mammootty-Mohanlal project: Mahesh Narayanan and team to kickstart new schedule at THIS location; Read Details