In a recent interview, Mohanlal looked back at some of his most memorable screen performances, with Vanaprastham standing out as a defining work in his career. He called it more than just a film—saying it embodied the spirit of Kathakali itself.
While discussing Vanaprastham, he recalled the intense preparation behind certain scenes—especially Poothana Moksham, one of the film’s most unforgettable sequences. He credited a 92-year-old Kathakali master whose guidance helped him channel deep emotion, saying that the support and energy around him made that moment immortal.
Mohanlal remarked that mastering Kathakali typically takes decades of discipline, but admitted that during this film the pieces “fell into place like magic.” He also mentioned the pride of having the movie featured at the Cannes Film Festival and recognized as a work that marries visual poetry with internal turmoil.
Beyond Vanaprastham, he revisited other notable roles, including his performance in the Sanskrit play Karnabharam. He shared that he had only eight days to prepare for it, even though he was not versed in Sanskrit, and yet went on to deliver a two-hour stylized portrayal that earned standing ovations.
Reflecting on his journey, Mohanlal said that while many roles stayed with him, Vanaprastham remains a beacon—because it allowed him to go beyond conventional acting and immerse in a character torn between myth, identity, and existential pain.
