Mohanlal: Lesser known facts

The highest paid multi-talented actor of Malayalam film industry, Mohanlal, is listed amongst the greatest actors not just in India, but also the world. His achievements and accolades are incomparable. The beloved Lalettan has the biggest fan following in Kerala. His career span of more than 37 years is worth talking about. Here are some of the lesser known facts of superstar Mohanlal...

His blockbusters remade in other languages

Several of superstar Mohanlal's comedy flicks have been blockbusters, and directors of films from other languages desire to remake these films in their languages. Most of Mohanlal's films are remade in Tamil and Hindi. Director Priyadarshan has a great contribution in doing so. 'Manichitratazhu' (1993), 'Boeing Boeing' (1985), 'Poochakkoru Mookkuthi' (1984), 'Kilukkam' (1991) and 'Thenmavin Kombath' (1994) are some of Mohanlal’s films that have been remade.

Mohanlal started his career in the Malayalam film industry in the ‘80s. Between 1982 and 1988, he had films releasing every 15 days! In the year 1986, he had about 35 releases. In the ‘80s, he had almost 170 releases in 10 years. Some of his iconic films from that period include 'Manjil Virinja Pookkal' (1980), 'Nokketha Doorathu Kannum Nattu' (1985), 'Hello My Dear Wrong Number' (1986), 'TP Balagopalan MA' (1986), 'Gandhinagar Second Street' (1986), 'Thalavattam' (1986) and 'Thoovanathumbikal' (1987).

Mohanlal was declared as the wrestling champion in Kerala in 1977-78. He has won several accolades in the sport. He was also selected for the National championship which was to be held at New Delhi. But he missed it as he was called for an audition for his debut film 'Manjil Virinja Pookkal', which was directed by Fazil. Thus, Mohanlal went on to become one of the best actors of India and did not pursue wrestling as a profession.

In the year 2012, the World Taekwondo Headquarters situated at Seoul, South Korea, conferred Mohanlal with the honourary title of ‘black belt’ in Taekwondo. He is the first South actor to receive this honour and third Indian after Shah Rukh Khan and Mizoram Chief Minister, Lal Thanhawla. The sports enthusiast, Mohanlal, received this honour from the Taekwondo Federation of India after he popularised the art in the state of Kerala. The award was conferred to Mohanlal for his undying spirit towards sports, games and martial arts and even in his performance in films that depicted much of the martial arts.

Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai made her debut in the film industry with Mani Ratnam directed film 'Iruvar' that released in the year 1997. She was paired opposite Mohanlal in this alleged biopic of Tamil superstar MGR played by Mohanlal and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and writer M Karunanidhi portrayed by Prakash Raj. While Aishwarya Rai played dual characters, one of a village belle and other allegedly based on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha. When Aishwarya was asked about Mohanlal, she reportedly said that Mohanlal's acting is a gift from god. The film went on to win two National FIlm Awards - Prakash Raj won the award for Best Supporting Actor and Santhosh Sivan for Best Cinematography.

In the year 2008, Mohanlal underwent a training to become an escape artist, under guidance of famous magician Gopinath Muthukad. He was planning to perform a stunt called Burning Illusion at an event organised by the Kerala Police, State Tourism Department and the Kerala State Youth Welfare Board in Thiruvananthapuram. But due to criticism and allegations from his fans claiming that the act is very dangerous, it was cancelled. Later, the inauguration of the event took place which was done by the Chief Minister Oomen Chandy and other top leaders of Kerala. However, the first magic trick performed by Mohanlal was levitation performed on a girl.

According to a report, Mohanlal made his debut in the year 1978 with 'Thiranottam'. The film was helmed by the actor and his fellow friends and co-stars Maniyan Pilla Raju, Suresh Kumar, Unni, Priyadarshan, Ravi Kumar and others. The report stated that it was just like a film scene when one fine day Mohanlal's friend told him to enact a role for 'Thiranottam'. He happily did it and after that there was no stopping for the actor. Mohanlal faced the camera for the first time, oozing with excitement. He played the role of a mentally disabled servant in the film and the plot revolved around him. The censor board took 25 years to censor and release it. In the year 2013, the film was telecast on a Malayalam channel.

In the year 2014, Mohanlal formed a band named Lalisom - The Lal Effect. This was a joint venture with music director Ratheesh Vegha. The first ever performance of the band was at the 2015 National Games of India. Rumours suggest that the band was criticised on social media for reportedly charging Rs 1.60 crore for their show. Mohanlal announced that he will be returning the amount to Government of Kerala.

The superstars of Malayalam, Mohanlal and Mammootty have acted in 55 films together. The two being cast together has always been a hit at the box office. 'Padayottam', their first film together is the only film wherein Mammootty played the character of Mohanlal's father and even a character with negative shades. While in other earlier films, Mohanlal was the villain. Other films that they did together include 'Paavam Poornima' (1984), 'Enthino Pookunna Pookkal' (1982), 'Angadikkappurathu' (1985), 'Avidathepole Ivideyum' (1985) and 'Vartha' (1986).

Mohanlal is one actor who owned four production companies at one point. Most of the films produced under them have been super hit. Casino films has produced four films under it 'Adiyozhukkukal' (1984), 'Karimpinpoovinakkare' (1985), 'Gandhinagar 2nd Street' (1986) and 'Nadodikkattu' (1987). These films were co-produced by Century Kochumon, IV Sasi, Seema and Mammootty. Under the banner of Cheer Films also four films were produced, viz, 'Adiverukal' (1986), 'Unnikale Oru Kadha Parayam' (1987), 'Orkkapurathu' (1988) and 'Aryan' (1988). The films produced under Pranavam Arts International are 'His Highness Abdullah' (1990), 'Bharatham' (1991), 'Kamaladalam' (1992), 'Mithunam' (1993), 'Pingami' (1994) and many more. And lately under Aashirvad Cinemas, films like 'Narasimham' (2000), 'Ravanaprabhu' (2001), 'Kilichundan Mampazham' (2003), 'Natturajavu' (2004), 'Naran' (2005) and many more have been produced.