Should not conform to existing formats just for a pan-India release: Director Vishnu Mohan

“Rather than succumbing to the pressure to conform to existing formats, I believe the industry should focus on a balanced approach,” Vishnu Mohan told PTI in an interview.

He added, “Looking back at Meppadiyan, I believe its success can be attributed mostly to the compelling story and well-developed characters that resonated with the audience.”

Related: This is how Malayalam movies fared at 69th National Film Awards

‘No compromise on storytelling’

The director says Malayalam cinema has always found love from across the pan-Indian audience, and with corporate houses venturing into the market, the interest is now translating into bigger budgets.

Director Vishnu Mohan with team ‘Meppadiyan’. (X)

According to Vishnu Mohan, the industry should embrace the opportunities without compromising on the core values of storytelling.

“I would say, we must use the resources to enhance the production quality and elevate the overall cinematic experience,” adds Vishnu Mohan.

He believes better financial backing will also encourage collaborations between talented filmmakers, writers, and actors from across India.

“This can result in fresh perspectives and a fusion of ideas, creating a synergy that respects the traditional strengths of Malayalam cinema while expanding its horizons,” says Vishnu Mohan.

The director ranks “authenticity” as a key ingredient for pan-Indian success. “We must continue to tell stories that are rooted in the rich cultural fabric of Kerala,” he adds.

Meppadiyan

A poster of the film ‘Meppadiyan’. (X)

The idea for Meppadiyan, he says, had been brewing in his mind for quite some time and over the years, the director managed to bring together a talented team.

Convincing an established actor like Unni Mukundan to come on board for his maiden film was the biggest challenge, says Vishnu Mohan. Unni Mukundan was so impressed with the script that he ended up producing the film as well.

“I am grateful that he saw the potential in the project and decided to collaborate, not just as an actor but as a producer too when the initial producer opted out. Incidentally, Meppadiyan is the first production venture of Unni Mukundan Films,” added Vishnu Mohan.

Winning a National Award early in his career brings a certain level of heightened expectations and scrutiny, says Vishnu Mohan.

‘Raises bar for future work’

The director says, “While the recognition is a validation of the hard work and dedication that went into Meppadiyan, it also raises the bar for my future projects.”

“There is a natural pressure to deliver work that maintains or even surpasses the standard set by the award-winning film. However, I see this as a positive challenge, an opportunity to push my creative boundaries,” says Vishnu Mohan.

The filmmaker is currently shooting for his next project, Kadha Innuvare. The film is already making news locally for a casting coup of sorts as Mohan has managed to convince Kerala’s renowned Mohiniyattam dancer, Methil Devika to play the female lead.

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