“I am satisfied with the film. Along with Bharat and Padmarajan, he played a significant role in modernizing Malayalam cinema in the 80s.
Although he has not been active in cinema for 16 years, Mohan’s position in Malayalam cinema was at the top in the late 70s and 80s. The first movie was Surnaveedu (1978). And then ‘Two Girls’. ‘Shalini My Friend’ has become a milestone in the history of cinema. The film fully utilizes the acting potential of actress Shobha. It was also a great financial success. Later Mohan created a series of good films. Before Farewell starring Nedumudi Venu as the lead, Ilakamans, Interval, Alolam, Rachana, Mangalam Nerunu, Thirtham, Shruthi, Ek Katha Ek Punakatha Isabella, But, Sakshyam, and so on a holiday 23 film. It was the heyday of good films that Mohan created with great screenwriters including John Paul and Padmarajan.
Stayed away from the film industry for 16 years
“It was not deliberate. 23 pictures done. He earned a reputation as an accomplished director. No one has been approached there for the film. In the meantime some discussions took place. My film will be mine only. Not willing to water it down for anyone. Maybe that’s why some of the projects didn’t work out. In any case, I have a good story in mind that is relevant in the new era. A film will be made soon.”
Entered the film industry
He did his undergraduate studies at Iringalakuda Crest College. Decided to do B.Com then at Jain College, Madras. He was interested in photography. Lonappan, a teacher at Crest, was well connected with filmmakers. He called the photographer Krishnankutty (Udaya) and said that one of my students is coming. Must help. He also called P David, a still photographer who was famous at that time. His father’s friend Peethambaran’s younger brother Shekhar was prominent in the Tamil film industry. It was through Shekhar that M Krishnan got to know Nair. Studies and cinema went together. Worked in all areas of cinema. Thikurishsi Sukumaran Nair, AB Raj, Madhu and P Venu were all assistants. When Hariharan directed ‘Rajahamsam’, I became the first assistant.
Made many notable including Innocent
Alas, I have nothing to claim. During the shooting of the movie ‘Nrithashala’, one day at 7 o’clock in the morning, Innocent came to my place carrying a blue tin box. He is my countryman and friend. Without saying anything else, I put Innocent in the car and took him to the location. Latif was the production manager of the dance hall. That day I handed over Innocent to Latif. Hard work is the basis of Innocent’s success. Innocent has faced a lot of humiliation during Chance Cho Dich. Later in my filmmaking history we made some films together. Innocent was made famous by the milkman in the movie ‘Ilakamanal’. I was the one who called Iringalakudakkar Babu ‘Idavela’ Babu.
I left Iringalakuda and went to Kakanat
A friend named Shivan applied for three plots in ‘GCDA’ in the name of me, my mother and my wife when I was active in films. Passed in the name of mother and wife. But the payment defaulted. After many years, he came to Kerala to get the money back. With the help of the then Chief Engineer, I used the payment and bought a small plot in my name. This is how this house came to be. Today Ernakulam is my favorite city. Anupama, the heroine of Mohan’s early film ‘Rundu Nagarikaal’, is Jeevitasakhi. They run a dance school named Satyanjali. Anupama has won many awards including the Guruvayur Temple Art Award. Purandar and Upender are the sons.
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