Veteran Actor Mammootty Boldly Takes on Challenging Roles, Says Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap
Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap heaped praise on veteran Malayalam cinema icon Mammootty for constantly challenging himself with unconventional roles at this stage of his illustrious career. In a recent interview, Kashyap highlighted the key differences between the Hindi and South Indian film industries and how 70-year-old Mammootty stands apart from many Bollywood stars.
Speaking on the Humans of Cinema YouTube channel, Kashyap referred to films like Bramhayugam and Kaathal: The Core where Mammootty played complex characters that pushed his boundaries as an actor. According to the filmmaker, Mammootty puts his faith in talented directors instead of being fixated on box office hits. On the other hand, Bollywood stars primarily focus on projects that guarantee commercial success and have little regard for creative vision, said Kashyap.
He further explained that niche films often fail to get adequate publicity and screen counts in the Hindi belt due to lack of marketing funds compared to big-budget productions. However, the scenario is different in South India where even small films receive equal promotion alongside major star vehicles. Kashyap believes the Southern film cultures value quality storytelling over star power alone.
Kashyap also praised Mammootty for his risk-taking abilities at a stage when most actors play it safe. The National Award winner has starred in both arthouse and mass entertainer films this year, proving his versatility. While superstardom is questionable, Mammootty’s commitment to his craft as a 70-year-old actor is truly remarkable, according to the filmmaker.
With thoughtful films centering on relationships and complex social issues, Kashyap established himself as one of the pioneers of new age Indian cinema. Through insightful observations, the director provides a thought-provoking perspective on the divergence between regional and mainstream film practices.
