Veteran actor Mammootty may have just hinted at one of the most unexpected roles of his career. During a candid and often playful interaction with The Hollywood Reporter India, the actor casually teased the idea of playing a vampire, leaving fans intrigued. The moment came while he was speaking about his upcoming spy thriller Patriot, written and directed by Mahesh Narayanan. The film is already generating attention as it brings Mammootty together with Mohanlal after a long gap. But it was an unexpected question from Mammootty himself that shifted the tone of the conversation.
“Have you ever thought of me playing a vampire?” he asked with a smile. When the interviewer responded with excitement and asked if he would actually take up such a role, Mammootty simply said, “Suspense!” before laughing and adding, “Insha Allah!” The exchange was brief but revealing. It showed his continued curiosity for roles he has never attempted before. Even now, he seems keen on exploring new territory rather than staying within familiar spaces.
The conversation also touched on his much-talked-about appearance in Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, a film produced by his son Dulquer Salmaan. Dulquer had earlier confirmed that Mammootty played the mysterious Moothon, a character that appears only briefly through a voice and a shot of a hand.
Mammootty, however, narrated the story in his own humorous way. “No, no, they didn't tell me that I'm there. Initially, he did not come. His manager, his friend, asked me to give a voice. ‘Venda’ ‘No’… that is the only thing I did. The hand used in the film is not mine. When the film came only that they said it is you and your hand. Now it has come under the responsibility of me to act.” He then playfully added, “Actually, they cheated me and did it. That's the story behind it.” When told that Dulquer hopes to properly bring him into the role in the future, Mammootty responded with a witty remark. “I told them if at all I’m convinced, I have to convince you about my fees… that they have to get convinced.”
Beyond the anecdotes, the actor also spoke about the growing reach of Malayalam cinema. He said he wants Malayalam cinema to reach even wider audiences across the world. “As a Malayali, I wish Malayalam cinema should become international. Now the barrier of language is gone,” he said, pointing out how viewers who once did not watch Malayalam films are now discovering them.
He added that good films were always being made, but they did not have the same reach earlier. With technology helping films travel further, he believes filmmakers are now more aware of a global audience and will continue to experiment with new ideas.