Mammootty gets candid about his struggles with comedy, says 'it’s difficult to make people laugh'

Malayalam cinema legend Mammootty recently spoke candidly about an aspect of acting he finds particularly challenging, comedy. Known for his versatility and commanding screen presence, the actor acknowledged that making audiences laugh does not come as naturally to him as other genres.Explaining his perspective, Mammootty pointed out that certain forms of humour, especially slapstick, demand a style that doesn’t align with his personality. “I don't find any difficulty to do anything, but I find it difficult to make people laugh. I mean, comedy,” he shared with The Hollywood Reporter India. He further added, “Comedy does not suit my face, my gesticulations, sometimes it's very difficult,” highlighting how physical expressions and exaggerated mannerisms required in such roles pose a challenge for him. Despite this, Mammootty revealed that he doesn’t completely shy away from the genre. Instead, he prefers blending humour with depth and seriousness. “People should feel it's a comedy. That's the only way I can do it,” he said, suggesting that his comedic choices are often layered with emotional or dramatic undertones rather than being outright slapstick.Over the years, discussions among fans of Mammootty and Mohanlal have frequently revolved around their perceived strengths and weaknesses. While some believe Mohanlal excels more naturally in comedy, others argue that Mammootty dominates when it comes to intense roles, including negative characters and historical dramas. These long-standing comparisons continue to fuel debates among their loyal fan bases. Interestingly, despite his reservations, Mammootty has delivered several memorable performances in films like ‘Kottayam Kunjachan’, ‘Kalikkalam’, ‘Sangham’, ‘Thuruppugulan’, and ‘Thommanum Makkalum’. Additionally, movies such as ‘Mayavi’, ‘Pokkiri Raja’, ‘Manu Uncle’, ‘Pranchiyettan and the Saint’, and ‘Rajamanikyam’ showcased his ability to handle humour with finesse, often surprising audiences.Looking ahead, the actor is set to appear in ‘Patriot’, directed by Mahesh Narayanan. The film boasts an ensemble cast including Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara, and Revathy. Marking a major on-screen reunion of two of Malayalam cinema’s biggest legends, the film is slated for a theatrical release on May 1.