Mohanlal had no idea what the storyline or who his character was when he teamed up with director Sathyan Anthikad for Hridayapoorvam, releasing on August 28, 2025. The last film that the two had worked together was Ennum Eppozhum in 2015. Yet, such is the actor’s faith in the director that he agreed to do the movie without a second thought.
Nevertheless, during a private film award show, Mohanlal could not resist requesting the director to give him a glimpse of his character in the film, Sandeep Balakrishnan. Recalls Sathyan, “There was a music and dance show on stage. Although we were sitting next to each other, it was hard to talk. However, Lal was keen to get an idea of the story and so I narrated the gist of the story in his ear. He smiled, it was clear that he liked the story. For a while, he seemed to be watching the show. But, after a while, he whispered, ‘Don’t you think Hridayapoorvam would be a good title for this film?’ I agreed immediately. That is how Mohanlal christened this movie.”
Decades separate Sandeep Balakrishnan and TP Balagopalan, with the latter role fetching him his first Kerala State Film Award for the Best Actor in the film TP Balagopalan M.A. (1986). Yet, Sathyan Anthikad, who has directed both the movies, insists that he is still enamoured of the actor’s ability to effortlessly slip into the skin of his character and his dedication.
Impressed by Mohanlal’s effortless ease
“Lal’s ability to make his acting look so effortless continues to amaze me. If one were to look at him in front of the camera, it is easy to fool oneself into believing that acting is the easiest thing in the world. Moreover, it is his enthusiasm and passion for cinema that define his work,” believes Sathyan. The filmmaker emphasises that Mohanlal approached both Balagopalan and Sandeep with the same sincerity.
Malavika Mohanan in ‘Hridayapoorvam’.
| Photo Credit:
Aashirvad Cinemas/YouTube
Pointing out that Mohanlal has been in filmdom for more than 47 years, Sathyan says that at one point, certain people might feel overwhelmed by the similarity in the work, for “working in cinema is both work and enjoyment. For actors like Mohanlal and Mammootty, fervour for their work and acting have not dimmed one bit.”
“I remember Fazil telling me that during the shooting of Manichitrathazhu, there was one particular scene in which he felt there was a lag in the dialogue delivery and requested Mohanlal for a retake. The actor immediately agreed. When Fazil explained the reason why he wanted a retake, Lal told him that he did not realise there was a lag because he only recalled the director announcing ‘action’ and then ‘cut’. That is the actor Lal is. He might be joking and fooling around, but the minute the director calls ‘action’ he becomes the character. When Fazil took another look at the scene, it was perfectly acted by Lal!” recounts Sathyan.
Sathyan Anthikad with Malavika Mohanam and Sangeeth Prathap on the sets of the film.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
He adds that Hridayapoorvam’s Sandeep is unlike any of the larger-than-life characters that Mohanlal has essayed in several movies in the past. “This is the Mohanlal that family audiences like to watch on screen. This is the kind of character that has endeared the actor to viewers; the common man and his world of small joys and challenges. He acts in such a role after a fairly long break. Moreover, this is the first film of Mohanlal that is being shot in sync sound in the latest technology,” adds the director.
The director avers that family-oriented movies are his strength. “The only thriller I have directed is Pingami. It did not make a splash in cinemas but now it has become a popular watch. I still maintain that family-oriented movies still have an audience.’
Viral trailer of the film
Meanwhile, the teaser of the film with a dialogue about FaFa (Fahadh Faasil) and a light-hearted discussion about who the better actor is has gone viral. “Initially, I though the teaser was a little over the top. But my eldest son, Arun, watched it and said that it was ideal for the film. Lal is not the kind who has a complex about another actor. I knew he would be completely at ease with the short scene,” laughs Sathyan.
Written by Sathyan’s son Akhil Sathyan, the film’s associate director is his twin, Anoop Sathyan. “It’s all in the family,” laughs Sathyan. The dialogues and screenplay are by debutant Sonu TP. The director contacted Sonu after watching a short film of his, Night Call (2022).
Shot in Pune and Kochi, the story is reportedly about a heart transplant recipient and his journey when he meets the donor’s family.
Sangeeth Prathap and Mohanlal in ‘Hridayapoorvam’.
| Photo Credit:
Aashirvad Cinemas/YouTube
The filmmaker feels that the USP of the film is the delightful teamwork of two generations of actors. Sangeeta, Siddique, Lalu Alex, Janardhanan and Baburaj along with Malavika Mohanan, Sangeeth Pratap, Nishan are some of the actors in the movie.
“I feel Sangeeta is an actor who should be seen more in Malayalam movies,” quips the director. Meera Jasmine and Basil Joseph appear in cameos. Justin Prabhakaran is the music director and cinematographer is Anu Moothedath.
In addition to naming the film, the actor’s handwritten title of the film has been used for the film. “Although the artist showed us a few sketches, I was not enthused by any of those. That is when I requested Lal to write Hridayapoorvam in his hand and that is the one we decided to use,” explains the director.
The film director adds that this movie is a feel-good movie to suit the festive season of Onam. “It’s a film I would like to watch with my family during the festival season.”
Hridayapoorvam releases in theatres on August 28
Published – August 26, 2025 06:22 pm IST
