Mammootty : The impeccable doyen of acting!
Written by : Amal John
Mammootty has been one of the most prominent figures of Indian cinema for over decades. With his nearly six-footer physique, a deep baritone voice, a fairly handsome facial feature and more importantly his strict discipled routine, the actor has enthralled the audience a lot, as a perfect superstar manifestation or the symbol of sheer machoism. Even today at the age 72, our Mammookka remains a revered actor, celebrated superstar and a cultural icon for the masses and critics alike. His dialogues and mannerisms from each film are still paid homages and celebrated on numerous occasions.
With his methodical ability to adapt into the skin of each character, Mammootty has become quite an acting marvel for all the cinema lovers across the nation. Just like in the case of his contemporary, the legendary Mohanlal, the other Big M, Mammootty has managed to keep a balance between his superstardom and his status as a classic actor. He is a master of his own unique style of acting and is one of the actors from our country who can make his characters unique and distinct from each other. Mammootty’s approach to acting has been defined as ‘influencing’ and ‘exemplary’ from his peers and younger generation alike.
Even with a few ups and dives in his career, Mammootty still manages to amaze the audience with unique performances onscreen, proving that he is what he is. Let’s dive into some of the best performances the actor has delivered in the last few years.
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
When the news about Mammootty collaborating with the extraordinaire filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery came out, it became the talk of our town. And the long wait for the film and Mammookka’s latest avatar proved worthy by all means. Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam despite being an underperformance on the commercial side, did manage to engage the audience, through its narrative structure and the stunning performance of the lead. The film was also screened at the International Film Festival of Kerala where it met with standing ovation, prior to its wide theatrical release. With Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Mammootty secured his 6th Best Actor award at the Kerala State Film Awards, which made him the most honored actor in the category, along with Mohanlal.
In a way, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam apart from a film, is also a fest of resonance. There is a mode of connection established through between us and the local natives portrayed in the film. Just like them, we get flabbergasted by each and every move of James/Sundaram. The film is a testament of Mammootty’s shapeshifting ability as the transition from James to Sundaram is surreal in its finest. An ordinary citizen from Muvvattupuzha stunningly became a local Tamilian citizen with strong mannerisms resonating with the locality. We too get stunned and try to see through the subtle expressions Mammookka expressed through the mirror glass in the iconic shot.
Kaathal – The Core
The latest entry from the team of The Great Indian Kitchen is a poignant tale focusing on portraying the theme of closeted sexuality. The LGBTQ centered film became celebrated because of the daring attempt by Jeo Baby, the director, as well as the leading legend himself. Kaathal – The Core was indeed a challenging film for Mammootty which helped his methodical approach to acting put into action once again. Just like in Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Kaathal also has a mirror shot through which Mammootty’s facial expressions subtly communicate and wonder the spectators.
Mammookka’s performance as Mathew Devassy won him critical acclaim for the actor’s daring attempt at the age of 72. The composed demeanor of the character in all sorts of turmoil as well as his inability to showcase a genuine smile was portrayed brilliantly by the actor. There is a scene from were Mathew burst into tears. This scene must be specifically mentioned because he is so loud and expressive in his cries, to the point that it is impossible to not get moved, even if we won’t be focused about the movie till then. Just like the climax suggests, it’s a victory for Mammookka’s relentless journey for seeking worthwhile characters and projects.
Puzhu
Puzhu is a psychological drama directed by debutante Ratheena. It’s the third film of Mammootty in the year 2022 and which was released directly on SonyLIV. Mammootty stars as Kuttan, a former high ranking police officer. Puzhu also features Parvathy Thiruvothu as Bharathi, Kuttan’s sister, with whom he shares a problematic relationship. Apart from being a testament for being Mammootty’s another daring attempt, Puzhu also gives a clear criticism over casteism.
Mammootty’s performance as a widower who struggles to take care of his son won him acclaim from majority side. In fact, we can agree that at some points we audience ourselves felt some sorta loathing towards Kuttan. Not only because he behaves in a creepy and possessive manner in front of his son, but also because of his views about others. Kuttan also has some sort of animosity towards his sister and her husband for the fact that he belongs to a lower caste, as opposed to Kuttan. Kuttan is ramshackled with traits of casteism, paranoia, possessiveness and hate, and that’s where Mammootty has scored well. We will never see any sane traits in Mammookka here. Its all signs of sociopathy wandering around. After all, Mammootty possess vigor in the same amount Kuttan possess all these features and that’s one of the reasons why wonders happened when they coalesced on screen.
Bramayugam
And here comes the latest film from the renowned actor’s filmography. Bramayugam is running successfully on big screen thanks to the combined efforts of filmmaker Rahul Sadasivan,the technical crew and strong performances, especially Mammootty. Based on tales from Kottarathil Sankunny’s Aithihyamala. Bramayugam tells the story of Thevan, who accidentally arrived in the ancient manor of Kodumon Potty and his experience interacting with Potty and his cook. The film is also branded as a masterpiece in horror, a genre which is really underexplored in Malayalam cinema.
Mammootty’s performance as Kodumon Potty is far beyond mere words in this film. Its almost impossible to see him here because the veteran actor chose to shed his own self and become the character instead. Kodumon Potty is one such character for which Mammootty has made use of his entire repertoire of acting tools were linked well. He is both menacing and enigmatic here. Mammookka’s performance rate is too damn strong, to the point that we can sense his presence on screen, even if he won’t be physically present in that shot. It’s a tight slap for those who make fun of his age and a sign of astonishment for his well-wishers. It is sign of his unwillingness to give up to the test of time. As Rocky Balboa once said, ‘It ain’t how hard you hit but how much you can get hit and keep moving forward’. And with Kodumon Potty, Mammootty proved subtly, yet sprightly, that ‘that’s how winning is done!’.