VideosOn the eve of actor Mohanlal receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, The Hindu spoke with acclaimed filmmaker Sibi Malayil, who has directed some of the actor’s most memorable performances. Malayil recalled their decades-long collaboration many of which are now regarded as cult classics of Malayalam cinema.Updated - July 29, 2026 11:45 am IST
From Kireedam to Sadayam: Sibi Malayil on why Mohanlal stands apart
On the eve of actor Mohanlal receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, The Hindu spoke with acclaimed filmmaker Sibi Malayil, who has directed some of the actor’s most memorable performances. Malayil described Mohanlal as “the most deserving person to receive this honour,” adding that the recognition is special because it comes while the actor is still at the peak of his career. Malayil recalled their decades-long collaboration, beginning with Manjil Virinja Pookkal, and highlighted films such as Kireedam, Bharatham, Dasharatham, Sadayam, His Highness Abdullah, and Kamaladalam, many of which are now regarded as cult classics of Malayalam cinema.
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