‘That Is Mammookka’: Kalyani & Basil’s Remarks On Mammootty Leave Bollywood Actors Awestruck

During The Hollywood Reporter India roundtable, moderated by Anupama Chopra, a powerful reflection on cinema and sincerity came from a story about legendary actor Mammootty, a moment that quietly became the highlight of the conversation.

Actor Kalyani Priyadarshan recalled an interview where Mammootty was asked how a young filmmaker should approach him with a script. His answer was simple and firm.

Mammootty said that if a writer creates a script by already imagining him in the role, they should not come to him. The story, he believed, must always come before casting. Kalyani spoke about how this one statement shows Mammootty’s deep honesty towards cinema and explains why his legacy is so enduring.

Also, read| Akshaye Khanna’s Dhurandhar Dance Sparks Nostalgia As Old Vinod Khanna Video Goes Viral

She described Mammootty as an actor who has never chased image or comfort, but only truth in storytelling.

After Kalyani shared the incident, the reaction in the room was one of complete amazement. Actors Kriti Sanon, Vicky Kaushal, and others were visibly awestruck, reacting with a collective “wow.” Dhruv Vikram then added that he had seen the interview

Adding to this, actor-filmmaker Basil Joseph shared another revealing incident. He said that in Kalamkaval, Mammootty originally narrated the script as the hero.

But after hearing the full story, Mammootty chose to play the antagonist, believing that role served the film better. For Basil, this decision showed Mammootty’s fearlessness and respect for cinema.

The roundtable featured Vicky Kaushal, Rukmini Vasanth, Kriti Sanon, Basil Joseph, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Dhruv Vikram, and Ishaan Khatter, who spoke openly about their craft.

Also, read| Kalamkaval Review: A Cold, Creeping Thriller Lifted By Mammootty

Vicky discussed the physically demanding torture sequence in Chhaava, Rukmini opened up about playing a negative role in Kantara, and Kriti shared how she discovered her character while filming.

The conversation also covered injuries, emotional preparation, industry pressures, and the changing meaning of stardom