’12 crores…; That’s all there is to planting grass, lying on the bank, and shifting the field…’
This dialogue of a politician named Francis Paul penetrated the ears of the audience in ‘Katuva’, which became a box office hit in Malayalam cinema, born from the collaboration of Prithviraj and Shaji Kailas. That is the scene that diverts the plot of the film. This is a strong step into Malayalam cinema for the actor who made his debut with Prithvi and Suresh Krishna.
Name: Chandramohan Pillai. A native of Alappuzha Mannancheri, a Qatari expatriate. Chandramohan Pillai, who was a brilliant officer in the banking sector of Qatar for more than 40 years, is a new face to the viewers but is familiar to the film world. Maintains close personal relationship with leading directors and actors. More than that, he is the producer of Jayaraj’s ‘Veeram’ movie, a big movie born from Malayalam with Hollywood quality. Although he made his presence in the film world in 2016 with his artistic merit, Veeram came in front of the camera as a star through Tiger.
Chandramohan Pillai has already caught the eyes of the film world, even though he appeared in a few scenes in the film Shaji Kailas, which featured prominent stars like Prithviraj and Bollywood star Vivek Oberoi, Janardhanan, Alencier and Innocent.
Although there are many Onams, this Onam is Chandramohan Pillai’s star-studded Onam. People also started recognizing the star who became Francis Paul in Tiger in his own role without make-up or any change in appearance. Although he is familiar with art and cultural activities in the diaspora in Qatar, he is happy that people are starting to recognize him when he arrives at the airport and when he arrives in Kerala.
Exile and art
After completing his schooling from Alappuzha, the artist of Chandramohan entered the arena when he went to Christ College, Bengaluru for graduation. Acting, poetry and writing, which he carried in his mind since his childhood, filled the stages of the Malayali society. After graduation, he came to Qatar in 1977 on a visa given by his elder brother. After reaching Doha, I got busy with work. While working in financial institutions, he was active in Qatar with artistic activities. He dabbled in art while writing poetry and stories, recording his own songs into albums, and working at Dukhan Bank. Released video albums and devotional songs under the banner of Chandrakala Arts. He also became the producer of Hrudaya Raagas, the most popular musical genre among Qatari art lovers. His friendship with music director Rajamani paved the way for the music of Hrudaya Raagaman, which is based on old film songs. After Rajamani’s death, he became the heartthrob of music lovers in Pravasaman by organizing Hridaya Raags along with Madhubalakrishna.
Meanwhile, ‘Veeram’, the fifth film in director Jayaraj’s Navarasa series, was released under the banner of Chandrakala Arts. Although the big budget film was not a financial success, Veeram shined in the world cinemas due to its artistic value and technical execution.
A late entry into cinema
Despite years of experience in the art world, filmmaking and close friendship with actors, Chandramohan came to the role of an actor very late. He did not appear in any role in his own film Veeram. However, Chandramohan says that he made it an opportunity to study all aspects of cinema by joining Jayaraj, the university of cinema. Although friends including Jayaraj and Shaji Kailas had invited him years ago, he kindly declined. Finally, Chandramohan became Francis Paul while Shaji Kailas reserved a role in the discussion of Tiger. Due to her acting experience in albums, Kamaraku was not nervous in front of the camera. He played his roles coolly. As everyone on the set was familiar, the newcomer was not at all worried. As she was already close to Prithviraj’s family, she felt comfortable acting with him. Raju also congratulated him after the first shot.
Now Chandramohan has received calls from many directors. However, there is no plan to continue acting in a hurry. The Qatari expatriate star has decided that he will only look for good roles if they are possible.
Exile after 45
Chandramohanpilla’s exile began in the midst of his youth. He started his professional career as an employee of a prominent bank in Qatar in 1982, and after holding various positions for 40 years, he is stepping down from Dukhan Bank this year. Now, he is busy with business including a facility management company, movies and acting. His wife Sreekala, who was an official in Qatar Uridu, and his daughter, Dr. Dr., who is a dermatologist in Bengaluru. Sunita Mohan is also with the artiste with all support. Indian Cultural Center honored Chandramohan after a long life in exile at a function held earlier this year.