I always say that you get to see a 'Malayali' only in the Gulf. Even in Kerala, you will only see somebody from Kozhikode, Alappuzha, or Kollam, never a quintessential Malayali!
Joy Mathew
Mammootty came on board unexpectedly. 'Uncle,' which I am co-producing with Sajai Sebastian, was meant to be a low-budget film and we had almost cast another actor in the titular role. But, during the shoot of 'Puthan Panam,' I narrated the film's plot to Mammootty, who liked it and wanted to do the movie.
The film has been titled 'Uncle,' and will revolve around a family, like 'Shutter.' The social and political milieu of Kerala is of much importance in the movie and it's about an unusual situation a family is made to face.
I don't classify film people into old and new gen and so get along with all.
After working on a film with John Abraham, it is very difficult to work with anyone else. It leaves you with very little to learn.
Experience maketh an artist, not books or academics.
If your film is honest, people will accept it.
When it comes to Kerala, reasoning gets the upper hand rather than emotions.Our political outlook is related to the educational standards and political consciousness.
You know, for me, Facebook is now what Manachira ground in Kozhikode used to be. A meeting place of friends. It is where I speak up, listen to, quarrel and make up.
I don't think it is right that a small number of people should decide what is good and what is not good.
In college I received the Best Actor award for four consecutive years under Calicut University.
As an actor, you are used to portraying other characters. You can pick up any mannerism or body language that suits the character. But to be yourself and not look pretentious is a difficult thing to do.
An artist or a writer can boast about working for himself, but it would be highly irresponsible of a director to say such a thing as the sweat of many people is involved in realising his dream and he should respect that.
After 'Amen' people started recognising me. It made me think that acting is better than direction.
I keep getting advice on the social media that I should be selective in accepting roles. But, as an actor, I get attracted to every role I'm offered.
I never thought that 'Shutter' would have as many remakes when I conceived the film all those years ago. It is nice to see a film that I made talking so many different languages.
It is very easy to make an art film. They are an exercise in self-deception.
As an actor I don't have a problem with any kind of films.
Our films appear to have become realistic once again. 'Thondimuthalum Driskakshiyum' is a fine example. I am glad that I could also contribute to this phase of Malayalam cinema with 'Shutter.'
It was during a drive together that I first conceived the story of a teenage girl and a friend of her father's. That was how we decided to make 'Uncle.'
I took to cinema because I found cinema was the medium for what I wanted to say through 'Shutter;' it was something beyond the scope of a play.
Divinity lies in service to the poor.
I was really surprised to see how critical the Malayali audiences are. It is really overwhelming that people genuinely want good scripts and do not miss a chance to applaud good scripts.
Happiness is life.
We received our initial inspiration from our family, as from childhood we exhibited an inclination towards art. While Johns randomly drew pictures, I used to present dramas for my siblings. But when we grew up, we both got addicted to our interests and it was fueled by political activism.
Johns will give me a good critique of my work. Before starting my film 'Shutter' I gave the script to Johns for his opinion.
I did the good priest and the bad and felt that I am getting stereotyped in priest roles. I am not picking them anymore.
I treat everyone equally whether you are an intellectual, a layman or an auto driver.
I do my social networking while I travel.
Let's just say I get along well with the youngsters. Working with them energises me, and I find that I have a lot to learn from them.
I was never after celebrity status.
Cinema is a passion for me, not a profession.
Cinema is ultimately a work of art, it is all about sound and visuals.
There is no such thing as art cinema, there is only cinema.
The public should want to see a movie and it should entertain them. If it fails to do so, it is not good cinema.
Ranjith and I have known each other for long. We're both from Calicut and share similar interests.
It was Ranjith who inspired me to be a film maker. And ever since I began the shoot, he is keeping a track of the progress. In fact, he knows the script of 'Shutter' better than me.
