Veteran actor Mohanlal has shared that director Sibi Malayil gave him the lowest score during his first film audition. He was speaking at the 40th anniversary celebrations of Mutharamkunnu P.O., Sibi Malayil’s debut directorial, released in 1985. The audition in question was for Manjil Virinja Pookkal, released in 1980 as the first film directed by Manichithrathazhu filmmaker Fazil. At the time, Sibi Malayil was working as Fazil’s assistant director. Mohanlal went on to play the antagonist in it, a performance that was widely appreciated alongside the film’s tremendous box office success.
“I have known Sibi Malayil for over 45 years,” Mohanlal said. “During my very first audition, Sibi was part of the panel. Later, I came to know that he was the one who gave me the lowest marks, just two out of a hundred. But that number two later became very significant. I went on to win two National Awards through his films.” Mohanlal added that he had acted in about thirteen films directed by Sibi Malayil, adding that some of the most important characters in his career came from their collaborations.
The Sadayam actor also spoke about working on Kamaladalam, in which he played a dance teacher. He recalled feeling unsure whether he could convincingly portray the role and repeatedly asked Sibi for guidance. “I told him I could only follow instructions,” he said. “Sibi assured me I would be able to do it. When I tried to avoid it again by pointing out that my other character at the time had a long beard, he simply said he was fine with a dance teacher who had a beard.”
Responding to Mohanlal’s comments, Sibi Malayil jokingly said he had originally tried to remove the young actor from the selection process. “I was the one who gave him two marks, thinking he should not stay,” Sibi said. He added that he was proud to have given some of the most memorable roles to an actor who has remained a major presence in Malayalam, Indian and world cinema for 45 years.
