Malayalam cinema has long seen actors step behind the camera and take direction. This trend is quite effective, as actors who deeply understand their characters often bring that insight to the filmmaking. Here let’s see some Malayalam actors who later turned to filmmakers.
Sreenivasan his legacy as a director
Sreenivasan remains one of the most celebrated actor-directors in Malayalam cinema. Known for his sharp writing and satire, he made his directorial debut with ‘Vadakkunokkiyanthram’.
The film explored themes of male ego and relationships, and became a classic. Sreenivasan’s classic style of humor combined with a tough subject matter was evident in ‘Vadakkunokkiyanthram’. Also, the climax of this comedy-drama film is truly unique and groundbreaking.Sreenivasan later directed the family drama ‘Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala’ which won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Popular Film. There is also an unreleased film titled ‘Kotharan Oru Malayala Cinema’ that the actor was working on.
Veteran filmmakers with social issues
Venu Nagavally is another notable name who made a successful transition. After acting in more than 200 films, he directed 12 films.His works, including Aye Auto, Lal Salam and Sarvakalashala, were known for their strong social themes and compelling narratives. Most of his films had a legendary cast Mohanlal in leadership
New age stars turned filmmakers
Prithviraj Sukumaran represents the modern wave of actor-directors. He made his successful debut with Mohanlal starrer Lucifer. In his second directorial venture, Prithviraj Sukumaran proved his talent for executing comedy with the critically acclaimed ‘Bro Daddy’. Although Prithviraj Sukumaran’s ‘L2: Empuraan’ faced criticism, it showed his versatility in handling films on the big screen.Also, Vineeth Sreenivasan has carved out its own niche. Starting with Malarvadi Arts Club, he gave hits like ‘Thattathin Marayathu’, ‘Thira’, ‘Varshangalkku Shesham’ and many more. While Vineeth was known for his romantic and enjoyable dramas, with his brother Dhyan Sreenivasan in ‘Thira’, he proved that he also knows how to move the audience.
Basilio to Joseph Mohanlal
Several other actors have also successfully explored the direction. Basil Joseph gave superhero hits ‘Minnal Murali’ and ‘Godha’. Soubin Shahir impressed with Dulquer Salmaan starrer ‘Parava’.Mohanlal took the plunge with ‘Barroz: Guardian of D’Gama’s Treasure’, and Joju George will debut with ‘Pani’.Unfortunately Mohanlal’s ‘Barroz’ received mixed reviews from the audience and was a flop. About his entry into the film industry, Mohanlal had earlier mentioned in his blog, “It was not a planned decision but a result of seeking different levels of creative realization.”Earlier in an exclusive conversation with ETimes, director Priyadarshan told us, “Mohanlal said that he wanted to do something different from what he has offered so far. He was suddenly fascinated by the concept of this project (‘Barroz’). He said that when he wants to direct a film, he must be excited about the project and this film is more excited than any other.”Filmmakers like Madhupal and Prathap Pothen have also contributed with films like ‘Thalappavu’ and ‘Megham’.
