Many believe Mammootty and Mohanlal have become irrelevant in commercial circuit in Kerala and that they need only act in mature roles. But there is another section of people who firmly ridicule this suggestion. Their contention is both theses stars need a new variety of roles that would enable them to entertain the changed tastes of the new generation viewers.

Here we have Mammootty talking to us in this context.

You are very much active in Tamil while your presence here is not felt. Comments?

'KARMEGHAM' was a hit there in Tamil. Tamil films are usually big budget projects. But for 'KARMEGHAM' only one and a half crores rupees was spent. So it was a commercial success. I have just finished acting in 'SATYAMOORTHY'. Amriteswar a new comer has written the script and directed it. I have a couple of films more there in Tamil. One is 'SELVAAKKU' by Bharathy, and the other one is by N Nagarajan.

What do you think about the prospects of 'PATTALAM' to be directed by Lal Jose?

I have full faith in Lal Jose. I have no doubts about the film. It will be a success. ' PATTALAM' is about a rapid action force coming to a village to quell the violence. My role is that of the commanding officer. Lal Jose is a smart director of the new generation.

Which are the other films in Malayalam that you have accepted?

I have the second part of 'KING'. Shaji Kailas and Ranji panikkar are once again coming together in that project. The other film is also a sequel. It is 'CHRONIC BACHELOR' the second part of 'HITLER'. Siddique directs this film. I have another film directed by lensman Pramod in which I have to act as a Goonda. Priyanadanan has invited me to act in 'BALYKALASAKHI' a famous story by Vaikkom Muhammed Bhasheer.

But still you are not active in Malayalam. Are you?

Why should we be that much active? Isn't it enough that we need act in good films? I have no plans to act in a lot of films one after another.

You are involved in the affairs of Kairali Channel. How is it going?

How is Kairali now? (He enquires)

I am spending a considerable time for the channel. Kairali has started work on its new news channel. It will have news and news related programs round the clock. Almost all the state awards for the best Television programmes were bagged by Kairali. Kairali is instrumental in creating a new sensibility in TV programmes.

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